Post by muskyhusky on Oct 19, 2008 21:12:31 GMT -6
Health Issues. Huskies are relatively free from the normal health problems experienced by other dogs. The few problems that must be watched for are Hip Dysplasia, and occasional eye problems. These are both genetic disorders, but are treatable.
Hip Dysplasia seems to be thwarted by taking your dog off of puppy food as soon as possible.
You should make sure that you keep your veterinarian checkups and shots routine and up-to-date. Never be afraid to speak with your vet about your pets health and to ask questions, it is better for you in the long run to do this than to have to pay the bills that will come along because you chose not to.
Coprophageous. Eating feces seems to be a big thing for dogs, but why? Because, due to their body chemistry, dogs do not have the high concentration of nutrients as other animals, such as cats and deer. The sloughed off nutrients left in the fecal tissue is still a higher concentrate of nutrients that the dogs crave. Thus, they do enjoy eating feces. Some people claim this action gives the dogs a high likened to that of a human smoking pot or taking ecstasy, but more likely it can be thought of in terms of a human taking an energy vitamin. Either way, dogs should not be allowed to get a hold of the excrement, even if only to keep them from contracting ringworm.
Hip Dysplasia. This is a deformity of the hip joint that happens during growth of a puppy. It can develop arthritis and pain which will eventually result in lameness. Signs of Dysplasia are rear leg pain, incoordination, and a reluctance to rise. Most dogs will show signs of the disease around one or two years of age. Hip Dysplasia is caused both by genetics and a dog's environment. Overfeeding a young dog as well as over-exercising the dog can cause this disease. Using an adult type dog food, or a large breed puppy formula can help prevent your dog from contracting it. Also, taking exercise at a slow pace with your puppy will help decrease the risks for this disease.
Hyperkeratosis. According to vets, this is a Zinc deficiency that is rather common among Huskies. Please seek the advice of a physician rather than trying to diagnose this problem yourself. Zinc deficiency can lead to skin problems, specifically hair loss, scaliness and flakiness which is often oriented around the face and eyes, and external body openings. Siberians are one breed where this problem is prevalent. The disease seems to respond well to supplements. Pure Zinc supplements are not necessary, especially since they cause vomiting. Multivitamins that contain Zinc can be used. Treatment should continue for a few months until hair re-growth and until the skin returns to normal, then a maintenance dose is likely to be needed.
Hip Dysplasia seems to be thwarted by taking your dog off of puppy food as soon as possible.
You should make sure that you keep your veterinarian checkups and shots routine and up-to-date. Never be afraid to speak with your vet about your pets health and to ask questions, it is better for you in the long run to do this than to have to pay the bills that will come along because you chose not to.
Coprophageous. Eating feces seems to be a big thing for dogs, but why? Because, due to their body chemistry, dogs do not have the high concentration of nutrients as other animals, such as cats and deer. The sloughed off nutrients left in the fecal tissue is still a higher concentrate of nutrients that the dogs crave. Thus, they do enjoy eating feces. Some people claim this action gives the dogs a high likened to that of a human smoking pot or taking ecstasy, but more likely it can be thought of in terms of a human taking an energy vitamin. Either way, dogs should not be allowed to get a hold of the excrement, even if only to keep them from contracting ringworm.
Hip Dysplasia. This is a deformity of the hip joint that happens during growth of a puppy. It can develop arthritis and pain which will eventually result in lameness. Signs of Dysplasia are rear leg pain, incoordination, and a reluctance to rise. Most dogs will show signs of the disease around one or two years of age. Hip Dysplasia is caused both by genetics and a dog's environment. Overfeeding a young dog as well as over-exercising the dog can cause this disease. Using an adult type dog food, or a large breed puppy formula can help prevent your dog from contracting it. Also, taking exercise at a slow pace with your puppy will help decrease the risks for this disease.
Hyperkeratosis. According to vets, this is a Zinc deficiency that is rather common among Huskies. Please seek the advice of a physician rather than trying to diagnose this problem yourself. Zinc deficiency can lead to skin problems, specifically hair loss, scaliness and flakiness which is often oriented around the face and eyes, and external body openings. Siberians are one breed where this problem is prevalent. The disease seems to respond well to supplements. Pure Zinc supplements are not necessary, especially since they cause vomiting. Multivitamins that contain Zinc can be used. Treatment should continue for a few months until hair re-growth and until the skin returns to normal, then a maintenance dose is likely to be needed.
