Degel Labradors & Golden Retrievers

Puppy Going Home Information

Tex

A GUIDE FOR PUPPY

MORNING

I give puppy Dry food. Approximately 1 cups of Black Hawk Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice.

And 2 Chicken Drumsticks or beef/chicken mince (for Lunch).

(All meat/bones should be Un-cooked, and yes puppies can eat raw bones, just think, puppies don’t have humans saying they can’t eat #### in the wild, People interfere way to much then wonder why their dog chews.)

NIGHT

Puppy gets dry food; I give around 1 cup of Dry Food.

(It is up to you what you feed your puppy. I recommend these because it works out cheaper in the long run and is a good quality dog food.)

WERE FROM,

I get mince from a pet produce, supermarket or butcher, along with most other things I need.

You will pay too much at the vets; it is always cheaper at the pet produce stores for everything even the worm Drontal tablets.

I give fresh bones from the butcher every 2 – 3 days, better to chew a bone than furniture, get the butcher to cut the big bones down the shaft so she can get the marrow out, rib bones are also good they clean the teeth.

I find that if I feed my dog’s a good quality dog food, I don’t need to give as much, and it saves money, Quality dog food has a lot of good things in it that a dog need’s.

IF YOU GET YOUR PUP DESEXED (Recommend after 12 mths.)

After puppy is de-sexed you might have to change the food or decrees the amount you give so she doesn’t get to fat.

(Every Dog is different.)

Labradors are not too fussy with what they eat; you need to take notice of their weight they always think they are hungry.

FLEAS and TICKS

I use frontline (There are other products you can get just talk to your local vet.)

WORMING Your puppy was wormed at 8 weeks and needs to be wormed every 3 months after that, an all-wormer tablet will do the job I prefer Drontal. You should weigh your puppy you can weigh puppy at the vets so you can give the right dose.

VACCINATION (You will get vaccination card with puppy’s paperwork)

Have a look at Google and type in Puppy, there are a lot of things you can find out.

IF YOU NEED HELP WITH ANYTHING YOU CAN CALL ME

MOBILE: Amanda - 0428949110

EMAIL: [email protected]

I would love some photos.

AND IF YOU N1EED SOMEONE TO LOOK AFTER YOUR PUPPY WHEN YOU NEED TO GO AWAY FEEL FREE TO CALL ME, I WOULD BE MORE THEN HAPPY TO BABYSIT.

If ever you need to re-home your puppy/Dog please call me first as I will always take them back, I don’t care how young or old they are, I don’t care where or how far you are from me I will always take my babies back.

I hope you enjoy your new addition. Regards Amanda, Degel Labradors.

Toilet Training

Choosing Food

There’s a bewildering range of diets out there. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best one for your dog.

Where to buy – Specialist pet stores and vets can provide expert, independent advice on feeding based on your dog’s age, breed size and any noticeable sensitivities.

Look for quality Large Breed Puppy Biscuits – Check out the ingredients list to find out what’s really in the food.

Animal protein like chicken or meat as the first ingredient.
Balanced with wholegrain and fibre in the form of beet pulp.
Avoid artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Look for best value – High quality dry foods have detailed feeding instructions based on the size of your dog. From this you can work out number of meals per kilogram and the number of meals in each bag.

Be sure to compare on a cost per meal basis. A 15kg bag of dry food might seem expensive but it may feed your dog for up to 2 months.

Stick with one food – A complete and balanced food is just that, other than water and fresh bones your dog needs nothing else. If your dog gets an upset stomach it is unlikely to be the food, more likely something he/she has picked up on a walk, so don’t be tempted to switch foods or supplement unless on the advice of your vet. For rewards or play buy some special treats from your pet store.

Tinned food can contain up to 80% water and has to be used quickly once opened. High quality dry kibble contains less than 10% water, are highly digestible, convenient and stay fresh for weeks after opening.

(DOGS NEED PLENTY OF WATER WITH DRY FOOD.)

A dog that is getting the right nutrition, will have a –
Shiny Coat
Clean Teeth
Firm Stools
Lean Muscles
Active & Energetic
And a happy dog.

Look for signs of health and happiness in your puppy.

Your Puppy needs a special diet

Puppies, like babies, have different nutrition needs from adults. It’s important that you choose a high-quality puppy diet, taking the same care and consideration you would for a baby.

Just like baby formulas, quality puppy diets provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals your puppy needs.

Unlike babies, puppies come in many breeds sizes that grow at very different rates. This is a critical factor in selecting the right diet. While very small breed puppies become adult in as little as 9 months, giant breeds, although growing as much as 2kg per week in early months, may continue to grow up to 2 years.

How many meals?

Depending on breed size, you should feed your puppy 3 meals per day up until the age of 6 months. After 6 months, reduce to 2 meals per day. Always follow feeding instructions and always ensure a plentiful supply of fresh water is available. When your puppy becomes an adult will depend on the breed size. At this time you will need to switch to an adult formula of the same brand.

An overweight puppy will likely become an overweight adult dog. Always follow feeding instructions to maintain his/her optimal weight.

What to look for in a puppy diet

Mother’s milk is the golden nutritional standard

Your puppy has been fed his on his/her mother for the first 4 weeks of his/her life and it has provided all the nutrients and support he/she needs to build a strong healthy immune system. However, after this point mothers are typically unable to sustain this feeding with large litters. To help maintain his/her health development, your breeder has provided a complete and balanced diet.

Puppy food is full of the same nutrients as mother’s milk, like proteins, essential amino acids, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. To make an ideal meal, soften the kibble by adding water.

After 6 weeks your puppy has developed just over 70% of his/her adult brain and still has a lot to learn. This presents a challenge for you as well as your puppy! Over the coming weeks his/her brain will develop further and will acquire many new skills such as where and when to go to the toilet, how to walk on a lead and communicate with other people and animals.

Antioxidants to support a healthy immune system

Your puppy’s immune system is vitally important to his/her wellbeing but takes time to fully develop. Initially, in the first 24 hours after birth, protective antibodies will have come from his/her mother’s milk. This special milk, known as the colostrum, provided protection for the first 4 to 8 weeks of your puppy’s life. However, after this period, your puppy’s immune system is still relatively undeveloped and may not be able to protect him/her well.

Feeding high-quality puppy nutrition, containing additional antioxidants, can help support the immune response of young puppies during this period of vulnerability.

Highly digestible ingredients

As he/she grows, your puppy will have a higher requirement for energy and essential nutrients (per kg of body weight) than an adult dog, However, he/she has less digestive capacity, a smaller mouth and fewer and smaller teeth – all of which limit consumption and digestion. A high digestible diet will help your puppy adapt more quickly as possible.

Digestive upsets may occur occasionally if, for instance, feed intake is too high. If your puppy should have severe diarrhoea or vomiting through, consult your vet as quickly as possible.

Do not change your puppy’s food in the first few days in his new home as this will only add stress.
After this, if you are changing his diet, introduce new food gradually over a 4-day period.
Do not supplement a balanced diet formulated for growth as over-nutrition may be detrimental.

Your puppy will benefit from a balanced and complete diet that is energy-rich and nutrient-dense and therefore lower in volume to suit his/her stomach size and digestive capability.

(Resting after a good meal.)
Give your puppy things to chew. eg.

Coke bottles, Dog chew toys & Raw hide chews, don’t give your dog old shoes he/she doesn’t know the difference between good and old ones.

Weight control

If your puppy is overfed, he/she can grow too quickly causing problems with skeletal development, excess weight and excess fat cells – all increasing the potential for health issues and reduced longevity. It is therefore very important that your puppy grows at an optimal rate.

By feeding your puppy-controlled amounts of a balanced food you can achieve a regulated growth rate leading to an adult dog of the appropriate breed size, with a lean body condition. This will reduce stress on the skeleton and positively support long-term health prospects.

Skin & coat essentials

If your puppy’s intake of protein and energy is of insufficient quantity or quality, his hair coat will be dull and dry. High quality protein, essential fatty acids and certain minerals and vitamins found in a complete and balanced diet.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and represents 24% of a newborn puppy’s body weight versus 12% when he/she matures.

Put your hand on the ground to chech if it is to hot if you cant keep on the ground more than 3 seconds it is to hot.

Dogs- health advice and tips (TOXIC FOODS)

Toxic human food for dogs. It's best not to share!

There are those foods when just one piece is not enough! Chocolate, grapes, raisins, sultanas and macadamia nuts are among them

If you share your home with a dog it can be hard not to share your snacks, and it may seem a kindness to give your dog a share of your tasty meal.

However, just because it is good for you does not mean it is good for your pet and in fact you may kill your pet with kindness.

Chocolate is very palatable to dogs, they often like it almost as much as we do but while it just stacks the kilos on owners, it can be fatal to dogs.
Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromide, a chemical that adversely affects the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system and urgent veterinary attention is required if your dog eats chocolate. As little as 50 grams can poison a small dog.
There are chocolate flavoured dog treats and ‘dog chocs’ available but these do not contain theobromide and are quite safe. Best to buy these for your pet and keep all the ‘human’ chocolates for yourself.
Caffeine can also damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and central nervous system of dogs and restlessness, hyperactivity and vomiting are the first signs of toxicity, followed by panting, weakness, staggering gait, increased heart rate, muscle tremors and convulsions.
Common sources of caffeine include soft drinks, coffee beans, coffee grounds and coffee drinks as well as large amounts of tea. Sharing your cappuccino or ‘cuppa’ with your dog is not advisable.
Onions and garlic are also very poisonous to dogs although it is not known what quantity needs to be eaten. Onions, in all their forms of raw, cooked, dry and powdered are toxic even when they are simply an ingredient combined with other foods, such as in soups and casseroles. While some people use garlic as a ‘natural’ wormer it can have a cumulative affect. Onions and garlic cause hemolytic anemia which is a destruction of the red blood cells. Pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, rapid heartbeat, weakness and lethargy are signs that urgent veterinary treatment is required.
Most dogs love grapes and owners are often tempted to share on a ‘one for you, one for me’ basis but just a few grapes can be toxic to small dogs. Dried grapes (raisins and sultanas) are also poisonous and symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, , loss of appetite, decreased urine production, weakness and a staggering gait usually appear about 24 hours after consumption.
Although not usually fatal, Macadamia nuts may cause vomiting, weakness, depression, drunken gait, joint or muscle pain and joint swelling within 6 to 24 hours of consumption.
Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener made from fruit and vegetable products and is promoted as a natural sweetener having 40% less calories than sugar and being without side-effects. It is commonly found in confectionary and ‘sugar-free’ foods but also available as a sugar replacement for domestic use. Although safe and approved for human consumption it can cause serious side effects in dogs. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and can also cause severe liver damage. Weakness, a staggering gait, collapse and seizures can occur within 30 minutes of consumption, Urgent veterinary treatment is imperative
Apple seeds, cherry pips, peach, apricot and plum stones contain the toxin cyanide. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include vomiting, heavy breathing, fast heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias and coma.
Potato peelings, green potatoes and rhubarb leaves contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Tobacco contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms include a rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death. Keep your dog away from ashtrays and cigarette butts.
Alcohol, in all its forms, is toxic to dogs. Drunkenness with symptoms of staggering, excitement, or decreased reflexes, depression, and a slow respiratory rate occur, and the dog may go into cardiac arrest. If your pet imbibes seek veterinary advice.
Avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs although it is not usually fatal.
Giving dogs human vitamins can cause health problems, especially with iron supplements. Dogs have different vitamin requirements to humans and supplements should only be given with advice from a veterinarian.
Spoiled or moldy food should not be fed to dogs as it can cause digestive problems, or in the worse cases botulism or salmonella with fatal results. If it is not good enough for you to eat, throw it out.

While you may be aware of the danger of feeding the above foods to your dog, it is often children who feed the dog chocolate or grapes, and guests who share a beer with it at the family barbeque and it is hard to persuade children and some friends that a few grapes or chocolates may cause you to lose your pet. Better by far, to lock your dog away with a dog biscuit during parties or barbeques.

Regular visits to a veterinarian save lives!

“A 13-year old beagle, PJ, went to the vet for her annual heartworm injection. While having her routine exam, the vet discovered PJ had an enlarged liver. An ultrasound and blood test revealed that PJ had Cushing’s disease, a potentially fatal illness that causes high blood pressure, weakening of the heart & kidneys, & hair loss. Fortunately, she was able to be treated in time, & she’s now a happy healthy dog.

I encourage you to at least have a once-a-year health check.

They’re also a great opportunity to ask your vet about nutrition, behaviour, and other issues. Give your best friend every opportunity to live a long, healthy and happy life.

I love fresh bones they help my new teeth come through. And work well as a toothbrush.

< My name is Polly, I am 2.5 years (But really I am 15 years)

Early detection is the key.

Because pets age so rapidly, major health changes can occur in a short amount of time.

The risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease and other serious conditions all increase with age.

And because today’s pets are living longer than ever, Chances are many can experience a potentially serious illness during their lifetime.

At least once-a-year health check can help your veterinarian diagnose, treat or even prevent problems before they become life-threatening.

. I have been eating bones since I was 8 weeks of age, because it is natural for me, It has to be rawe bcause I cant digest cooked bone.

This is why you shouldn't x-ray your pups before they are over 12 mths. (Let them have time to grow) Look at how far the bones have to grow before they become a proper bony joint! This is why you should never let puppies jump, walk up/down stairs, over exercise or over train. Doing too much impact activity at a young age will cause serious issues later in life, or even at a young age as hip dysplasia and other orthopaedic conditions are rising in puppies! Remember the puppy rule for every month increase activity by 5 minuets! For example an 8 week old puppy only needs 10 minutes physical activity a day - a 6 month old only needs 30 minutes a day of physical activity!! *physical activity includes - going for a walk, training, playing fetch, running, playing with other dogs etc. I recommend plenty of swimming there is no impact on Joints.

Some vets try to X-Ray to early then they try to say your dog has chronic HIP & ELBOW DYSPLASIA and they will need to give needles and later have an operation. (Puppies are much the same as children they get sore joints and get growing pains when growing) Please have a good read of the info I have provided and call me before you make any decisions. If you x-ray before 12 moths Degel Labradors will not compensate.

Enjoy your new puppy but remember you wouldn't make a 6-month old baby run a mile a day so don't make your puppy either!

New Study Finds Early Neuter Doubles the Risk Of Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

By Dogs Naturally Magaz

Recent studies have shown that neutering can have an adverse effect on the health of a dog. To further delve into this new information, a team of researchers at UC Davis recently examined the veterinary records of 759 Golden Retrievers for hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumor. The dogs were grouped as intact, neutered before 12 months of age or neutered after 12 months of age.

The study, which is to be published today, revealed that the disease rates were significantly higher in both males and females that were neutered both before and after 12 months of age. Early neutering was associated with an increased incidence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and lymphosarcoma in males and of cranial cruciate ligament tear in females. Neutering after 12 months of age was associated with an increased risk of mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma in females.

The most notable results from this study include a doubled risk of hip dysplasia among males neutered before 12 months of age and the increased risk of mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma in dogs neutered after 12 months. Previous studies reported only a 17% increase in risk of hip dysplasia in neutered dogs and this is the first study to report an increased risk of cancer in dogs neutered late.

Of the five diseases measured, the study reported that:

There were no cases of cranial cruciate ligament rupture diagnosed in intact males or females, but in early-neutered males and females the occurrences were 5% and 8%, respectively
Almost 10% of early-neutered males were diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, 3 times more than intact males
The percentage of hemangiosarcoma cases in late-neutered females (about 8%) was 4 times more than intact and early-neutered females
There were no cases of mast cell timor in intact females, but the occurrence was nearly 6% in late-neutered females
Of early-neutered males, 10% were diagnosed with hip dysplasia, double the occurrence in intact males.

The study was released today in PLOS ONE

This is something you should Read

When you get your 8/10-week-old puppies, please keep this image in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.

When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited, bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.

But when you're letting puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on tile wit no traction you are damaging the joint.

You only get the change to grow them once. A well-built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.

Once grown you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies and give the gift that can only be given once.

This is a baby puppy who had a knock to his elbow and wasn't using it properly. There is nothing wrong in these x-rays, thankfully it is a soft tissue injury and he is expected to be fine.

YOU WANT TO NEUTER AT WHICH AGE?
Testosterone and estrogen, produced by the sex organs (testes in males and ovaries in females), are absolutely central to the closure of the growth plates in you and your dog. Now if good joints were what you were after, what age would seem appropriate to safely stop sex hormone production in the dog?

Please don’t De-sex your dog to early, they need the hormones to grow good joints.

I recommend de-sexing after 12 months.

Enjoy your new puppy but remember, you wouldn't make a 6-month old baby run a mile a day so don't make your puppy either!

Study gauges best canine sterilization ages by breed and gender

September 14, 2020

Joan Capuzzi, VMD

Relevant Topics

A new study connects disease risk for joint disorders, cancers, urinary incontinence, and pyometra with reproductive status and sterilization timing in different canine breeds and both sexes.
Angela Schmidt / stock.adobe.com

Recent research links sterilization in some dog breeds with various maladies. One study of over 40,000 dogs found that neutered males and females were more likely to die of cancer than those left intact.¹ Another highlighted the absence of estrogen in spayed females as an accelerant for brain aging.² In dachshunds, neutering was reported to be a risk factor for intervertebral disk disease (IVDD).³ All-breed data revealed higher rates of hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears in neutered than intact males and females.⁴

Focusing specifically on golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds, studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of 1 or more joint disorders in dogs neutered before 1 year of age, which is two- to fourfold that for intact dogs.^5-7 In female golden retrievers, spaying appeared to increase cancer risk significantly.

Probing perils The aim of the present study⁸ was to expand this database by an additional 32 canine breeds (including 3 varieties of poodle). Using retrospective data from medical records at the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, investigators tracked 3 joint disorders (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament rupture) and several cancers (lymphoma, mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma). They also looked at mammary cancer, pyometra, and urinary incontinence in female dogs, as well as IVDD in Welsh corgis (Pembroke and Cardigan) and dachshunds.

Disease rates were recorded for intact subjects and for those neutered within each of the following age periods: less than 6 months of age, 6 to 11 months, 12 to 24 months, and 2 to 8 years. Diseases were traced until dogs were 12 years of age or were last seen at the hospital, whichever came later.

The researchers then incorporated these data into guidelines for neutering decisions that minimize disease risk. For almost 40% of the breeds studied, sterilization did not appear to increase the risk for cancer or joint disease; the study authors concluded that those wishing to neuter individuals of the following breeds should decide for themselves on the appropriate age to do so:

Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Chihuahua
Dachshund
English bulldog
Great Dane
Jack Russell terrier
Maltese
Miniature schnauzer
Pomeranian
Toy poodle
Pug
West Highland white terrier
Yorkshire terrier

All in the breeding For a number of breeds, and particularly for small breeds, neuter age did not appear to impact the risk for joint disorders or cancers. But for 3 of the largest breeds—German shepherds, Rottweilers, and Labrador retrievers—the investigators extrapolated their findings into a concise admonition: Sterilize males and females late. Waiting beyond 6 to 12 months of age in Rottweilers and Labrador retrievers, and at least 2 years in German shepherds, cut the risk for the joint disorders studied.

In male beagles, golden retrievers, and miniature poodles, the risk for joint disorders was reduced by delaying neutering until at least 1 year of age, and 2 years in Bernese mountain dogs. For female cohorts, sterilization age did not impact the risk for joint disease. However, for female Australian cattle dogs and Saint Bernards, the chance of joint problems was significantly lowered by waiting until at least 6 months of age to spay.

When it comes to cancer, the results were similarly breed-centric. The 2 breeds for which both males and females demonstrated vulnerability were the border collie and the boxer. In boxers, spaying before age 2 increased cancer risk from 11% (intact females) to 20%; for males, the corresponding risk increased from 17% (intact males) to 32%. Both sexes carry the recommendation to delay sterilization until after age 2. For border collies, cancer prevalence dropped in both genders when sterilization was delayed past 1 year of age.

For males alone, delaying neutering apparently cut cancer risk in Boston terriers, golden retrievers, Irish wolfhounds, and standard poodles. For females, collies and shih tzus seemed to benefit similarly from deferred spaying. Surprisingly, female golden retrievers experienced significantly lower cancer rates when left intact.

Looking specifically at mammary cancer, however, Welsh corgis and Rottweilers left intact were at particularly high risk (> 8%). But in other breeds, spaying during certain age intervals—6 to 11 months, for example—wrought a greater likelihood of mammary cancer than not spaying at all.

In several breeds, the reproductive tract was shown to be something of a menace. Left intact, female Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, and Shetland sheepdogs were heavily (> 12%) plagued by pyometra.
Perhaps nowhere is the horsepower of hormones more evident than for urinary incontinence, which is often associated with estrogen loss from spaying. The investigators found that, for certain breeds, spay timing can impact this risk. In the Shetland sheepdog, for example, one-third of dogs spayed at age 1 year experienced urinary incontinence (hence the directive to delay spaying these individuals past 2 years of age). Similarly, the authors advocate postponing spay surgery until age 2 in German shepherds and until after 1 year in collies, English springer spaniels, and West Highland white terriers.

The investigators also looked at IVDD in the chondrodystrophic breeds. For dachshunds, altering did not increase IVDD occurrence in males or females. In corgis, there was also no increase with spaying females. But for males neutered before 6 months of age, the rate skyrocketed from 3% to 18%.

Understanding hormone play This study illustrates the breed differences and gender impact with regard to cancer and joint disorders, pyometra, and urinary incontinence associated with altering at various ages. This information can be used by dog owners and their veterinarians to earmark ideal sterilization ages for their companion dogs.

The mechanism by which early sterilizing may precipitate joint problems likely is disruption of long bone growth plate closure by gonadal hormone secretion in maturing juveniles.^9,10The authors conclude that this continued growth enables the bones to reach greater length, which may disturb joint alignment.

For joint maladies, body size appears to impact vulnerability. Small-breed dogs, such as Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and toy poodles, rarely experience joint problems, nor do they manifest neutering-related increases in joint disorders compared with larger breeds. Small breeds are also somewhat spared of cancer, whether intact or sterilized.

When looking at cancers, the results of this study may not reflect actual neutering-related risk. Cancers generally occur in later life stages, but the number of dogs included in this study over age 8 was small; in fact, the mean age of last hospital record entry was 4.5 to 5.5 years. For mammary cancer, in particular, the mean age at last hospital visit fell short of the late-onset mean age for mammary cancer in intact females. Hence, the low occurrence of mammary cancer in intact females studied herein may not reflect actual lifetime incidence.

Another limitation of the study is that it incorporates relatively few of the recognized registered breeds. Those included were chosen either because they were the most popular—providing a data set of 200 to 500 cases, sufficient for statistical analysis—or because they enabled sampling of the largest range of breed sizes.

While the study substantiates the variable impact of hormones on several disease processes in different breeds of dogs, it concludes that for many of the breeds studied, sterilization can be done at any age without affecting risk for joint diseases and cancer.

Dr. Capuzzi is a small animal veterinarian and journalist based in the Philadelphia area.

References

1. Hoffman JM, Creevy KE, Promislow DE. Reproductive capability is associated with lifespan and cause of death in companion dogs. PLoS One. 2013;8(4):e61082. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0061082

2. Rzechorzek NM, Saunders OM, Hiscox LV, et al. Network analysis of canine brain morphometry links tumour risk to oestrogen deficiency and accelerated brain ageing. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):12506. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-48446-0

3. Dorn M, Seath IJ. Neuter status as a risk factor for canine intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) in dachshunds: a retrospective cohort study. Canine Genet Epidemiol. 2018;5:11.. doi:10.1186/s40575-018-0067-7

4. Witsberger TH, Villamil JA, Schultz LG, Hahn AW, Cook JL. Prevalence of and risk factors for hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008;232(12):1818-1824. doi:10.2460/javma.232.12.1818

5. Torres de la Riva G, Hart BL, Farver TB, et al. Neutering dogs: effects on joint disorders and cancers in golden retrievers. PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e55937. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0055937

6. Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH. Long-term health effects of neutering dogs: comparison of Labrador retrievers with golden retrievers. PLoS One. 2014;9(7):e102241. Published 2014 Jul 14. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0102241

7. Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH. Neutering of German shepherd dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence. Vet Med Sci. 2016;2(3):191-199. doi:10.1002/vms3.34

8. Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH. Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for 35 breeds of dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence. Front Vet Sci. 2020;7:388. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00388

9. Perry RJ, Farquharson C, Ahmed SF. The role of sex steroids in controlling pubertal growth. Clin Endocrinol. 2008;68(1):4-15. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2265.2007.02960.x

10. Salmeri KR, Bloomberg MS, Scruggs SL, Shille V. Gonadectomy in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical, and behavioral development. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1991;198(7):1193-1203.

I would like to bring to our members' attention some of the facts surrounding registrations on the NSW data base. The two defining characteristics of any animal are the date of birth and the microchip number. The next important consideration is that by 4 months in cats and 6 months in dogs, all animals are required to be desexed, unless they are owned by a member of an approved organisation, of which DOGS NSW is a member.

Further, puppies do not have to be desexed by 6 months, if the owners get a letter from their veterinarian stating that it is in the dog’s best long term health interests to be desexed at a later date than 6 months for such and such reason. It has been well proven, in the larger to giant breeds, that desexing well before sexual maturity has a detrimental effect on ligaments, in particular the knee ligaments and hips to a certain degree. These early desexed dogs have an astonishingly high incidence of ACL injuries. Other issues, such a urinary incontinence and cancer in older age, are also on the list.

Determining a good age to get your breed desexed can be to look at when they reach sexual maturity, which is around 3/4 adult weight. Smaller breeds can be desexed close to 6 months, average to large breeds by 8-12 months, (Labradors & Golden Retrievers are classed as a Large Breed) but giant breeds may need to be delayed until 12-15 months of age. There are several good scientific papers out on this subject. (Assisting decision making on age of neutering - by B Hart 2020) - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388/full

For the average new owner, desexing bitches just prior to having their first season is a good idea, as they mostly do not cope well with managing a bitch in season. Males can generally be desexed several months later than when one would do the bitch, however, if there are socially unacceptable habits in the dog (aggressive or inappropriate behaviour) then certainly desexing the dog sooner is more than appropriate.

Dr Karen Hedberg, President DOGS NSW

Degel Labradors & Golden Retrievers Guarantee

Our Guarantee – Pet Puppies at Degel Labrador & Golden Retrievers we want all our dogs to receive the loving and responsible care they truly deserve. We feel the best way to ensure our puppy's happiness is with your complete satisfaction. Everything we do is designed to breed the healthiest happiest puppies possible, but we are not able to guarantee against things which can happen to living animals which are beyond our control. Your puppy will have his/her vaccinations to date and have been de-wormed. All our breeding dogs have been DNA tested for recessive disorders which are known to be in the breed, and we guarantee that your puppy will never have these diseases. Your puppy will be micro-chipped for proper identification and will be in good health at the time of sale. Please have your veterinarian verify this within 72 hours of arriving home. As the puppy's new owner, you must make every effort to provide proper socialization, discipline through professional training and keeping vaccinations and health records to date. Should any problem or concern arise then please contact us immediately.

A. The puppy is being sold in an “as is” condition and the breeder expressly disclaims all warranties, other than that the puppy is fit and healthy at the time of sale whether expressed or implied. The buyer understands and agrees that delivery is being made of a living being and as such the breeder has no control over longer term health or temperament conditions and that the breeder can accept no liability for the condition or health of the animal.

B. In the event that the puppy develops any illness which is traceable to point of sale within 10 days of delivery the breeder agrees to take back possession of the puppy if this is the preferred option for the buyer and refund in full the purchase price including delivery costs paid by the buyer Or In the event that the puppy becomes ill within 10 days of delivery and the buyer notifies the breeder and the buyer prefers to retain ownership of the animal and the condition is traceable to point of sale the owner agrees that maximum compensation paid to the buyer will not exceed the purchase price of the puppy.

C. In the event that the breeder takes back possession of the puppy under clause B and refunds the purchase price to the buyer, the breeder shall resume ownership of the puppy and shall arrange for any necessary treatment and all right title and interest in the puppy reverts to the breeder, 2 including but not limited to, the right to make decisions in relation to the care and welfare of the animal.

D. In the event that within 10 days from delivery the breeder is not notified of any illness, by email, or if the condition is not traceable to point of sale the breeder will not assume any liability for any costs incurred by the buyer in relation to the illness of the puppy including but not limited to, veterinarian costs, and the buyer agrees to make no claim on the breeder for payment of or recovery of any such costs.

Some Helpful Links

Toilet Training - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1UqsXQBH1A

Another way for toilet training - https://youtu.be/Bu7bjVWQ16A

Crate Training - https://youtu.be/_0kj3HX_13I

Coming when called - https://youtu.be/VuyjjkSPRfU

Fix Leash pulling - https://youtu.be/lJ3fBp453iI

Socializing Your Dog - https://youtu.be/YVvd8RrRjRA

7 Common mistakes - https://youtu.be/Qj-SW9r3zAw

Sit & Stay - https://youtu.be/r2wwUm5TlgE

Lay down - https://youtu.be/KI10cPj7kYA

Leave it - https://youtu.be/umt0jF9MHeI

How to teach a calm greet - https://youtu.be/JmNyyomF8D0