Kennel Cough - Is it serious?

KENNEL COUGH

Q : Kennel cough? What is that? Any symptoms or signs?
A: So, what is kennel cough? Well... Kennel cough is an extremely contagious upper respiratory disease in dogs, but seldom affect the lungs. Your dog if infected, will show signs of dry cough followed by gagging and coughing out mucus, sometimes even making a very loud 'honking' sound. You can spot nasal discharge coming out of their nose as well. Also, dog may seem tired all the time, might have loss in appetite and have very low energy. All this depending on severity.

Q: How to know if it is mild or severe case?
A : As I said previously, it depends on severity. If your dog have a mild case, nothing much will change from his usual self, only thing is he might gag a bit.

LATEST UPDATE OF OUR POODLE PUPS!

First in the litter and it's a boy! This boy is the smallest in the litter compared to his siblings. Pup will be selling at SGD$2900.
Second in the litter is this female. Her colour is the richest compared to her siblings. I might keep her for myself though. Selling her at SGD$3000.
Third in the litter is this suave looking boy. Always ready to take his handsomest photos! Selling him at SGD$2800.

The last in the litter. This little girl is the most gentle of all and loves to be cuddled. Selling her at SGD$2800.

Note: Please take note that prices are SLIGHTLY negotiable. I am confident my pups are of good quality, and will NOT entertain any unreasonable offers! If you are looking for a cheap deal, please exit this blog now.

Stud Service AVAILABLE!

STUD SERVICE AVAILABLE!!

WHITE Toy Poodle!!

We currently have a nice white Toy Poodle for stud service. He has a line of champions in his family tree.

STUD FEE: $800

Update of our Fabulous Four

Here'a an update of our 4 little princes and princesses. They are drinking well, and are growing fast. Only 2 males and 1 female are for sale. I will be keeping one of the females for myself.

What is Parvovirus and how can i treat it?

I have come across Parvo in my dogs before and have lost puppies from this deadly virus. After experiencing this, I researched online and books, to find ways to treat Parvo and wanted to share with you guys.

Parvovirus is a viral infection that affects the dogs' digestive system, and to severe cases, it attacks the heart as well. Parvo is a very serious condition, especially to puppies, if left untreated. Parvo has no cure, however, there are treatments to support the dog's body systems and to keep the dog hydrated. Puppies aged 2-6 months are more prone to Parvo. Reason being their natural immunity which they get from ntheir mother's milk begins to diminish at around 2 months of age. Symptoms of Parvo include bloody mucus like diarrhea, vomitting, and thus rapid dehydration if left untreated. Dogs can be rehydrated using IV drips. If the dog is well enough to drink on it's own, it can be given water, electrolytes or salt.

Medications are given to dogs contracted with Parvo. These medications do NOT kill the virus, but it can help treat the symptoms it causes. Medications are given to stop diarrhea and vomitting, the 2 symptoms that cause the dog to be dehydrated. Antibiotics are also given to the dog to kill any bacteria that may arise due to the dog's weakened immune system.

If a Parvo case becomes too severe, a blood transfusion is needed. This is to bring up the protein levels and treat anemia as the dogs' protein level will have a drastic drop in these cases.

A dog that has had Parvo once, does not mean it will be immune from it and can get the virus again.

Points to note:

• An infected dog should be isolated from other dogs as the virus is HIGHLY contagiou
  


• Any items that has come into contact with the infected dog, or it's faeces, should be disinfected IMMEDIATELY. Usually I will use Chlorine.
  


• Disinfect yourself if you handle an infected dog, before handling another uninfected dog

Difference between Puppy Mills and Good breeders

Puppy mills care nothing about the dogs they raise. The produce puppies in a mass scale only for the profit aspects of these dogs. There is little to no socialization done with these puppies, and are often shy, frightened, neglected, abused or in poor health. Puppy mills are filthy set ups, with a huge number of dogs of all different kinds of breeds all crammed up together in small crates and runs. There is no care given to the individual dogs or even whom breeds to whom. Puppy mills often sell their puppies to pet shops or unknowing pet owners for big bucks, and most they do not care where their puppies are going. I am sure most of you out there has read about news about these sort of puppy mills.

A reputable breeder has vast knowledge on their chosen breed, and will go out of their way to learn everything they can on the breed. They dedicate most of their time to care, play, train and teach their dogs. They will thoroughly screen their new puppy owners, just to make sure that their puppies are going to the right homes. A breeder works very hard in raising the best puppies they can and care deeply about each and every individual puppy. They will teach EVERY new puppy owner everything about the breed that they can. A good breeder is always there to help out the owners whenever they need him.Good breeders back up their puppies with at least a 1 year health guarantee against genetic defects. These are the people who really care about the breed and will sacrifice almost anything to improve it.

A good breeder has nothing to hide. They will show you where their puppies are kept and the adults are proud to show them off. A good breeder will be upfront with you when asking about the size of the parents and the puppies not just trying to shove a puppy on you to make the money. A good breeder should know their dogs and what they will produce.

A good breeder is not just in it for the money. It is for the passion and love of the breed. Good breeders do not make a whole lot of money on their puppies. Most of the money made is put back into their dogs. There are vet bills, grooming costs, feeding costs, upkeep, advertising and purchasing of new breeding stock to take into consideration. It is NOT a cheap venture or a quick money making scheme.

So next time, if you decide to buy a puppy, make sure you get one from a reputable breeder.

What dog best suits you?

I have personally come across people who buy dogs, and then later regret about it. Either they put it up for adoption, or they just abandon them. Most people i realise, based on local context, buy dogs out of impulse. Most people do not know what kind of breed they want, and even if they knew what breed they want to get, they do not make effort to read up more on the breed to see if that certain breed suits his/her lifestyle.

I can confidently say, out of 10, at least 7 people when they enter pet farms/shops, they will buy those cute puppies behind the glass display out of impulse. Reason being, because the pup is cute. I mean, ALL pups look cute when they are young don't they? In short, people here buy dogs because they are cute.

I would like to highlight that owning a dog is a lifelong commitment, and it is not a toy you are getting where you can keep and throw them away as and when you want to. Before purchasing or adopting a dog, make sure that the decision to get one is a green light from everyone in the family. Also, take into consideration your lifestyle. Would you like a dog that is laid back? Or would you want a dog that can join you in your afternoon fun by the beach? When you have decided what type of dog you are looking for, you can start to do your research on the different types of breeds. Pick one that interest you, and suit your needs. But then again, another point to note is that some dogs do shed alot. Are you OK with all the shedding? Grooming is also a very important key point to note when you want to own a dog. There is minimal grooming in short coated dogs, but long coated dogs tend to be a hassle when it comes to grooming.

As for myself, I love active working breeds. I love the outdoors, and i want a dog that can join me in my outdoor activities. I have a Jack Russell named Skipper, he's 10yrs now, and he's still going strong. He joins me in swimming by the beach, continues his bite work(although not as strong as before), and is still as alert as ever. I have this thing for dogs being able to guard and bite. I personally also own Rotties. They are curious dogs and also loves to be involved in everything you do. These are the kind of dogs I personally go for.

So, after reading this article, what breed of dog do you think best suits you?

COOKIE! This darling mongrel came to us due to another complain issue from the owner's neighbours. He is a newcomer to The Paw Pals. I still quite fear him as he tried snapping at me a few times. But soon enough I know i can handle him like he's my own dog.

Cookie is very protective of his owner. When he was home, he would not let anyone touch anything in the owner's room. He also makes an excellent watchdog.

Baybe, a handsome mongrel boarding with us

This is Baybe. His owners put him with us due to another complain issue from the owner's neighbours. Baybe is very "manja", and loves belly rubs.

Baybe makes an excellent guard dog at our kennel. He's protective, loyal, and a good playmate.

Susu, the senior citizen boarding with us

Susu. One of the old tenants here. She was boarded with us because her owner is getting old and just finished an operation. Therefore her son decided to board her with us for the rest of her life.

Susu is partially blind and has a hearing impairment. She is calm, and loves showers and suntanning. When she's out, you will see her lying under the sun and near palm trees. She also enjoys nature to a certain extent.

Cleo, one of the 5 Rotties boarding with us

Meet Cleo. She has been boarding with us for about half a year now. Her other siblings boarding with us are Popeye, Romeo, Juliet, and their mum Rexy.

These dogs have a rather bad history which i would not name it on my blog. Many people fear them, but in my opinion, they are my darlings!

The sisters do not really get along, and so do the brothers. Cleo is the most doscile among the females. And she never fails to entertain you with her butt shaking!

Yoda, one of our boarding dogs, and abandoned by irresponsible owner!

Yoda is a wire coated Jack Russell Terrier that has been boarding with us since 2010. He is basic obedience trained, and a very good boy. His owner put him with us as Yoda is not good with his kids. Yoda is also not very good with dogs, and he is SUPER territorial.

During his stay with us, his owner disappeared on us and abandoned him at our kennel. Yoda is suffering from a genetic skin problem, and require lots of care and attention as his skin is very reactive. He is currently on hormone pills, and Vita Oil to maintain his skin condition and ear problem. This is the first time we encountered such a situation due to irresponsible ownership.

We are currently looking for adopters to take Yoda in and give him a loving home. For those who are looking for a pet, please drop us a mail at thepawpals@yahoo.com.sg.

Note: Yoda is not good with other dogs and can only be in a household with no other pets.

Splif, one of our boarding dogs

This is Splif. He is also one of the pioneer boarding dogs at our kennel. His owner has to put him with us as one of their neighbours complained about Splif's excessive barking. As the owner could not bare to part with Splif, they decided to board his dogs with us.

Splif is a wonderful, old English Cocker Spaniel. He is not really good with dogs, but fantastic with humans once he gets to know you. He loves going out for walks and he would hold his own leash!

Mary, one of our boarding dogs

Meet Mary. She has been boarding with us for almost a year. Her fosterer found her abandoned and tied up along Marymount Road, and thus her name Mary. Not knowing who her owner was, the kind lady who found her sent her to SPCA. Upon knowing that she would be put down, she immediately called us up, and wanted to remove her from SPCA to board with us.

Her first few days, or even weeks were quite stressful. She would throw up anything she ate, and would only hide in the corner of the kennel. I spent at least 45mins a day, sitting inside with her to calm her down and to let her get to know me better. Soon after, she got used to me, and we have become great pals. From a conservative little girl, she is now friendly, at least to me, and very protective over me. She is so much happier now. She loves her fosterers too! She would play with them whenever they are at our kennel, and let all of us carry her like a baby!

Troy, Our Ferocious Guard at The Paw Pals

Troy, our Rottweiler puppy at The Paw Pals. He's such a darling boy and he never fails to greet us with a great big hug. Do not be fooled by his cute looks though. Troy does not like any stranger messing around on our turf, and he will not hold back his bite if he wants you. He's our protector for us and all the dogs at the kennel. Love him so much!!!

Human food that are poisonous for dogs

I thought it would be helpful to list down a list of human food that are poisonous, or would cause harm to dogs. For those that give home cooked food to your canine pals, you might want to take a look at the list.

1. Alcoholic drinks - can cause intoxication and death. Not only dogs, humans can be intoxicated as well.


2. Apple cores - choking hazard


3. Avocado leaves, fruit, bark and seed - toxic. It's good for our complexion, but not for dogs.


4. Baby food that contains onion powder - onion powder is toxic


5. Bone of fish and poultry - can cause choking or laccerations due to the bones splintering. As for poultry, letting your dog eat it raw might be safer. My Rotts eat one raw chicken everyday.


6. Brocolli - toxic


7. Citrus oil extracts - causes vomitting


8. Coffee - toxic. Dogs don't need it even if they feel lethargic.


9. Garlic - toxic. There's a saying that if you feed dogs garlic, it will repel ticks. But hey, it is still toxic to the dogs.


10. Grapes - toxic


11. Human vitamins that contain iron - toxic


12. Macadamia nuts - toxic


13. Mouldy or spoiled food - toxic


14. Mushrooms - toxic


15. Onions - toxic


16. Persimmons - choking hazard and intestinal blockage


17. Pork chop bones - they will splinter and cause choking


18. Potato peelings - toxic


19. Raisins - toxic


20. Raw eggs - causes salmonella


21. Raw fish - causes vitamin B deficiency


22. Salmon - toxic


23. Salt - can lead to electrolyte imbalance if given in huge amounts


24. Sugar - can cause obesity

Dog Breeds for Allergy sufferers

I have heard this several times from parents when it comes to buying a dog. "My children has asthma" or another one would be "my nose is sensitive and the dog fur will cause sinus." After hearing this, I have decided to list down a few common breeds in Singapore, that are also recommended for people that are suffering from allergies. However, please take note that because a breed is on this list which I am going to list out, does NOT mean that it may not still bother your allergies or asthma.

1. Bichon Frise - they are a no shed dog


2. Chinese Crested - this dog also does not shed


3. Maltese - this is a non shedding breed but it does require frequent grooming


4. Poodle - this is a non shedding breed but it does require ALOT of grooming


5. Schnauzer - this is a low shedding dog and but also requires frequent grooming

There are a few more other breeds but are not common in Singapore

Note: It is the dogs' undercoat that produces the shedding hair and dander Please remember that non shedding breeds require grooming as it is the brushing out and clipping of the coat that removes or effectively sheds the undercoat and rids the dog of dander. It is usually the dander the dog produces and not the hair that causes allergic reactions to dogs.

Hope this information is clear enough about people havig allergic reactions or asthma to dogs! Cheers!

New RED TOY POODLE Puppies borned on 17th April 2011

Dear all,

Our latest batch of Toy Poodle pups are finally here! Coming from Taiwanese parentage, these pups carry a very rich red colour. We have 2 boys and 2 girls in this litter. For any booking or enquiries, kindly send us a mail at thepawpals@yahoo.com.sg.