First this week, let’s catch up on a few questions.
Q: How often should I bathe my dog. He has a shiny coat and he
seems clean, so I’m not sure if I should do anything at all. Is
this all right?
First this week, let’s catch up on a few questions.
Q: How often should I bathe my dog. He has a shiny coat and he seems clean, so I’m not sure if I should do anything at all. Is this all right?
A: As the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” No one has to bathe their dog, unless there is some obvious need for cleaning him. If your pooch has a shiny coat and doesn’t have an unhealthy skin condition, I’d recommend bathing only as often as you want to make him really clean and sweet-smelling. Don’t overdo it! Bathing more often that once every week may deplete the natural oils from his skin. Most dogs do well with a bath every 2 to 4 weeks. Some never need to be bathed.
On the other hand, if he’s like our dog, Holly (who likes to roll in the horse pasture and get real smelly), you may have to bathe a little more often. Always use a shampoo made specifically for dogs, unless your veterinarian suggests otherwise. For dogs with sensitive skin, I recommend hypoallergenic baby shampoo.
Q: I have a 9-month-old Golden Retriever male. I would like to know what is the appropriate age for breeding him. I would like to use him as a stud dog.
A: Before you breed him, it is very important to have him evaluated by a veterinarian to be sure he is a healthy, sound dog. A thorough physical exam is a must. One important part of this exam will be an evaluation for hip dysplasia. Dysplasia, abnormal hip formation, is all too common in Goldens as well as other breeds. It can lead to serious osteoarthritis. It’s very important that breeding dogs be free of this condition. Your dog’s hips will be evaluated with a radiographic (X-ray) exam and this test can only be done after a dog is 2 years old. Dysplasia cannot be accurately detected without X-rays, so you’ll have to wait until your prospective papa is at least 2 years of age. Ask you veterinarian for details.
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE: You may have heard the news, but it’s well worth repeating. The West Nile Virus is in California. As many as 40 infected birds have already been found throughout the state. And while the infection appears to be limited to birds up to now, there is no question that there will human infection in California sometime soon. As of last week, three California residents had already contracted the disease, but presumably while traveling to other states.
Nationwide, there have been more than 4,500 human infections. Of those, 87 people have died.
Protect yourself using good mosquito protection. Wear long sleeve shirts outside when mosquitoes are present. Consider using insect repellent. And horse owners should remember that there is a vaccine available to protect horses against West Nile. If you have horses, get them vaccinated immediately.
The good news is that dogs and cats don’t seem to be at risk for this infection. They have an innate resistance protecting them. Still, we advise all pet owners to be careful. Avoid mosquitoes as much as possible.
And about those pet names I received quite a few suggestions from readers about their most clever pet name. Some of these are really inventive. Some require some imagination to understand. See what you think.
Gilroy is evidently the home to the most famous pets, including the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Dog Hamerskjold. In San Martin, we have the notorious Dog Holliday (I wonder if Sheriff Laurie Smith wants to question him?)
Morgan Hill is called home by Cat Arena Witt (I’d like to see this one try a triple loop on ice skates). And apparently, that loud music heard occasionally around Lake Anderson is the group Muttley Crew rehearsing for their next gig.
But best name of all goes to Gilroy’s Jose CanSnakeO. I wonder if this guy is like his namesake. You know. Good on the playing field, but can’t stay out of jail.
Let me know if you have see any other celebrities around town. I’ll call the Puppy-razzi to get some pictures.
Pete Keesling is a veterinarian at San Martin Veterinary Hospital and co-hosts Petpourri, a weekly show about pet health on KTEH in San Jose and a bi-weekly column for The Times. If you have any questions about pet care, please mail them to The Times, Attn: Vets, 30 E. Third St., Morgan Hill, CA 95037.
