The English Bulldog Puppy Blog

Your English bulldog can develop anxiety due to many complex reasons. Dog owners should avoid yelling at their dogs too much as it can turn a normally timid dog into a nervous one. New changes introduced into your home can also make your dog insecure. There are many cases when a baby welcomed as a new member of the family can dramatically alter your dog’s behavior. You may also notice that when a member of the family is sick or when new faces greet your dog during special occasions like holidays, birthdays, celebration, and home visits, all makes your bulldog oddly. Ensure to help your dog feel secure and calm in all of the situations when your dog meets strangers in your home.

Seriously watch out for signs of anxiety of your English bulldog and never take them for granted. Anxiety can manifest itself in several ways including destroying things with their teeth, excessive barking, growling, grunting, attacking because of fear, or becoming hyperactive. You can offer your loving concern by following these steps on managing canine anxiety:

1. Consult your veterinarian to get a correct diagnosis of separation anxiety. Your veterinarian will offer treatment for your dog or refer you to an animal behaviorist who can prescribe effective drug therapies to alleviate your dog’s anxieties.
2. Practice leaving your dog alone for short periods of time. Pick up your keys and leave for 1 minute.
3. Gradually increase the amount of time you stay away. This will enable your dog to become used of your absence.
4. Avoid overly emotional good-byes or greetings. You can simply pat your dog on the head and offer a quick good-bye or hello.
5. Exercise your dog for an hour each day in other places besides your yard or home. Dogs are territorial so a change of environment can help your dog feel comfortable and let it blow off steam.
6. Keep your dog confined in a safe area while you are away from home. Be sure to leave a bowl of water and plenty of chew toys.
7. Praise your dog often to build self-confidence in times of anxiety rather than punishing her for exhibiting frightened behaviors. Punishment only increases anxiety and makes the situation worse.
8. During family get together or party, ask family members to keep an eye on your pet at all times.
9. You can also exclude your English bulldog when your home holds celebrations. An anxious dog can be a bothersome pet during celebrations.
10. Watch out for bulldogs that are not raised by their mother but raised in pet shops. “Pet shop raised” dogs lived a highly isolated life. They are susceptible to suffer from anxiety problems. This case is the same with dogs living in dog pounds.
11. Aim to keep a regular schedule of activities of your bulldog. You should feed your dog at same times, take him out at same times, and let your pet play at the same time in the afternoon or early evening among other things. This kind of arrangement will especially benefit older bulldogs.

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The act of rewarding of giving your English bulldog a special doggy delicacy as a treat after a hard (playful) training session gives you a feeling of warmness. Anyone who owns or had owned a dog has a fairly good idea what their favorite pet likes to much on. There are boundless choices available in the market as dog treats. They come in assorted flavors, shapes, sizes, colors, and variety. Yet, dog owners should check the ingredients of the dog treat and they’re safe for your beloved pet. For every dog treat currently sold in the market, there are also those that are not so good. If you’re one of those pet owners who keep on feeding your English bulldog those colorful or tasty treats, learn how some treats can be potentially toxic to your dog.

Rawhide Chews
It is true that rawhide chews do a wonderful job on keeping your pet busy and keeping their teeth maintains its sparkling white and tidy appearance. However, rawhide chews can get potentially dangerous treat. Imported rawhides that come from outside America are possibly coated and preserved with arsenic-based chemicals that get ingested by your dog. Exercise caution when purchasing rawhide chews. Always make sure any of these rawhide you bought has been processed in the United States given arsenic are strictly prohibited in USA. When you can’t determine or see any proof that the rawhide was produced in the states then don’t buy it. It’s always the right thing to buy rawhides of the right size. Thus, if your bulldog is still small then it requires a smaller sized treat and if it grows bigger then should start with a chew suitable for its size. Supervise your dog while consuming rawhides to help avoid accidental choking.

Bones
When bones are chewed, they become fragments and fragile. They splinter easily and do not disintegrate well in a dog’s digestive track. Bones are hard to digest so your pet may have to pass them through his stool. Undigested bones can lead to a serious impaction and/or constipation necessitating a drastic trip to the veterinarian. Other than that, bones can serve as a choking hazard and causes likely intestinal bleeding. Shard bone can pierce the intestinal wall and pass through the abdominal cavity causing hemorrhaging of the intestinal wall and peritonitis (an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity). Watch out for major symptoms of possible damage to the intestinal tract include vomiting, rectal bleeding, discharge from the rectum, diarrhea, straining to defecate, and extreme sensitivity to palpation of the abdomen. If your dog has ingested bones recently and shows any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Xylitol sweetened treats
Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum and mints, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, oral-care products, and baked goods. It is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products. It can be purchased in a granulated form for baking or as a sweetener for cereals and beverages. The ASPCA APCC has had reports that some dogs developed elevated liver enzyme activity within 12 to 24 hours after ingestion of Xylitol. Several of these dogs developed acute liver failure following to Xylitol ingestion. A couple breath mints containing Xylitol is enough to cause the death of a small dog. You may want to keep your breath mints in a safe container far from your dog’s sniffing prowess. Your pet could end up struggling for dear life out of acute liver distress from Xylitol. Be very cautious about keeping any products that may can this sweetener out of the range of your curious pet.

Greenies
Greenies are advertised as a tasty treat to support the cleanliness of your dog’s teeth. Consumers, however, should be aware that “greenies” can induce serious health issues in your pet. At the 2005 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACIVM) meeting, there was discussion among internal medicine specialists about Greenies causing esophageal obstructions that were difficult to relieve. Among the health complications reported are small intestinal obstructions; stricture, ulceration and perforation. Greenies are also linked with tooth fractures in dogs. Young puppies or dogs who “scarf” their food should not be given this treat since consuming the item quickly may cause large chunks to lodge in the throat. Potential vomiting can be a consequence once your dog eats these treats, along with lethargy, trouble swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention right away at any signs and symptoms shown by your dog.

Chocolate
It is a known fact that most people love to succumb to the sweet temptation of chocolates. It is an entirely different case for dogs. It is not a good idea to let your bulldog have its share of this dark chocolaty goodness. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine. This substance is toxic to dogs. Theobrimine is part of the xanthnine compound, basically the same family that contains caffeine. The actual toxic dose varies from a dog to another, depending on a number of factors such as the weight of the dog and his or her metabolism level. The good news is that it generally takes quite a large amount of chocolate to harm a dog. In general, the toxic level of theobromine is between 100 and 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is important, of course, to keep in mind that dogs will vary in their sensitivity to the compound, so it is still important to keep any and all chocolate in the house out of Fido’s reach. The symptoms that pet owners should watch out include excitability, irritability, increased heart rate, diarrhea, increased urination, muscle tremors and vomiting. These symptoms clearly indicate that your bulldog ingested a toxic amount of chocolates.

Pet owners need not to be worried of all treats in the market are harmful for their dogs. In fact, healthier alternatives can be tapped to continue rewarding your English bulldog pets. Some safe and handy alternatives to pet store treats include fresh carrots, apples, canned pumpkin or plain popcorn.

These items can be conveniently picked up on your next trip to the market. Your puppy can be given a synthetic bone like Nylabone to satisfy its need to chew. Nylabones are a good option compared to meat bones or rawhides since they are easily digestible and are available in many fantastic flavors. As a precaution, remember to read the ingredient and warning labels on any treat you feed your dog. You should also watch them closely while they are eating. These tips on maintaining your English bulldog free form toxic treats will, lead to a life made exciting with tasty yet safe treats.

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As costs of veterinary care for sick and injured pet rise, a financial help is certainly welcome. If you are in debt or just need a little back up to nurse your English bulldog or dog back to health, here is a list of organization that provide financial assistance for pet owners. Be reminded that some groups only offer assistance to sick or injured pets in need of emergency veterinary care. These organizations have strict requirements for approval.

AAHA Helping Pets Fund

This is the benevolent arm of the American Animal Hospital Association, an association of veterinary care providers. Only AAHA accredited veterinary practices can apply for a grant on behalf of a pet in need. To be eligible, the pet owners must be low-income individuals who receive certain forms of government assistance or pet owners experiencing temporary financial hardship.

Angels4Animals

When a pet faces being euthanized or surrendered because of financial limitations, Program Guardian Angel verifies that the pet’s owner is unable to provide the funds needed to save their sick or injured animal, then works out the financial arrangements with the veterinary clinic and authorizes the treatment needed to save the pet.

Brown Dog Foundation

Their mission is to offer pet owners in a temporary financial crisis an alternative to euthanasia when their pet faces a treatable, life-threatening condition.

Cody’s Club

This group provides financial support for those who face radiation treatments for their pet on a limited income. They also offer emotional support services in the form of a hotline and in-person group that meets monthly.

Help-A-Pet

This organization provides financial assistance to pet owners who are unable to afford the cost of veterinary services, medicine, or medical supplies for a sick or injured pet. To qualify, your annual income must be below $20,000 for an individual household or $40,000 for a family household (amount varies upon the number of dependents). Due to limited funding, financial assistance can only be provided once per pet.

IMOM.org

IMOM (in Memory of Magic) presently accepts applications for help with treating life threatening emergencies. It must be confirmed in writing by a veterinarian that your pet will die or have to be humanely euthanized if care is not provided within five days from the date of diagnosis.

Magic Bullet Fund

The MBF provides financial assistance for canine cancer treatment for families who are financially unable to provide treatment.

Mosby Foundation

When a rescue group, foster person, shelter or vet has a dog that requires medical care and there aren’t sufficient funds for that treatment, the Mosby Foundation is contacted by a licensed veterinarian with case details.

Tails of Hope Sponsor-A-Pet Program

Under the Sponsor-A-Pet Program, Tails of Hope underwrites the cost of veterinary care for companion animals suffering from cancer or other life-threatening diseases, when the owners cannot afford to pay for such care.

The Pet Fund

The goal of the Pet Fund is to provide financial assistance for those who have pets who need critical veterinary care but can’t afford it. Although this organization is not able to fund emergencies, it provides financial help where serious veterinary treatment is needed beyond routine care.

United Animal Nations LifeLine Grant Program

The LifeLine Grant Program provides funding to good samaritans, animal rescuers, non-profit organizations and pet owners to help them care for animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. The animal must have a favorable prognosis + there are a number of other very specific requirements.

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Pet owners have become increasingly worried of the health risks linked with repeatedly vaccinating dogs following the initial “puppy shots”. Is there a solution to determine if your English bulldog is over-vaccinated? Fortunately there is a way to determine any solid evidence that your pet has been over vaccinated through titer test. Know the basic information of this simple blood test to help you decide whether or not to have your dog’s antibody checked.

Titer Testing

Titer, pronounced as “tight-er”, test is a laboratory test necessary to measure the presence and level of antibodies in blood. The time when antibodies are produced is when a foreign substance such as bacteria and virus provokes an immune response. The responses can be result from natural exposure or vaccination.

Should you test your dog for all diseases?

The most recommended test should be for antibodies for parvovirus and distemper. These two most important viruses can offer the dog owner a very reliable result of the dog’s immunological status. Both of these tests indicate proper markers for the competence of the dog’s immune system. IF you think your dog needs to be tested other than parvovirus an distemper, chances are you’re wasting your money. Coronavirus is another test but depends on the current state of health of the dog’s gastrointestinal tract and not based on the dog’s blood. Lyme test is regionally based and not a significant threat to the general dog population. Not unless your dog lives in a high risk environment, there is no need to have your dog tested for Lyme.

Importance of Titer testing

Titer testing is not a simple guess test at the immunological response in a dog. There is a great correlation between certain high titer values which is referred to as “protection” from the diseases involved. When the tests show that your dog has a borderline or low titer values, the owner and veterinarian should consider revaccinating and then testing the antibody levels again. It could mean the dog only needs a booster to stimulate a stronger immune response. It is also possible that the animal is incapable of responding normally to vaccines. Vaccination is not a mere case of guessing if your dog developed antibodies against a certain type of disease, rather the use of titer tests is to know about the competence and status of the dog’s immune system.

Nowadays, the benefits of titer testing is widely recognized which caused an increase in the number of titer tests performed at veterinary laboratories and lower costs for such tests available from a wide range of providers.

There are two ways in conducting vaccine titer testing namely traditional testing and traditional testing coupled with accepted immunological techniques. Veterinary laboratories offer traditional vaccine titer testing by inspecting a blood sample from a dog to identify a specific level of actual immunity in the dog. Reputable laboratories use commonly accepted immunological techniques validated against original test techniques which are proven to be more accurate. You should make sure that your veterinarian sends blood samples to a major professional veterinary laboratory such as Antech Diagnostics (www.antechdiagnostics.com), Idexx Laboratories (www.idexx.com), Vita-Tech Laboratories (www.vita-tech.com). The blood specimen can also be checked by one of the major university veterinary laboratories, including Cornell, Colorado State, Michigan State, Tufts, and Texas A&M.

An innovative titer testing is more readily available and affordable produced by Synbiotics Corporation, a San Diego-based manufacturer of diagnostic materials and instrumentation for the veterinary market.

TiterCHEKTM is the first in-office titer test licensed by the USDA for use in veterinary clinics. TiterCHEKTM tests titers for canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus. It registers the degree of strength of the immune response in varying color shades. When the test results denote a weak immune response level, blood samples can be sent to a veterinary laboratory for more comprehensive testing. Dr. Dodds estimates that more than 95 percent of in-office tests will indicate a satisfactory immune response present in a dog that has received its puppy vaccinations and one-year boosters thereby follow-up is rarely required. This service and titer tests costs from $40 to $100 for CDV and CPV titer testing from a laboratory, and slightly less for an in-office test, for which your veterinarian must purchase the TiterCHEKTM test kit.

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Dogs are considered to be man’s best friend. Most dog owners love their pets same as members of the family that they can’t help to spoil them rotten with numerous privileges such as play pen, grooming salons, and dog health insurance. More and more dog owners are now buying health insurance plans for their beloved pet dogs. There is an estimate of 3 % of dogs in America are insured and is growing annually. In fact, several major employers included health insurance policies in the employee benefit package.

Ask yourself the following questions to decide if you should secure a health insurance for your English bulldog:

• What would I do in case of a severe accident or illness that could cost thousands of dollars to treat?
• Would I do everything in my power to save my pet’s life or would I put my dog to sleep?
• Can I afford to pay for expensive diagnostics and treatments?

If you answer no to most of the three questions, it is high time to do some research (this article counts) to determine the pros and cons of having a pet health insurance.

Pet health insurance and what they offer

A dog health insurance pays for the dog’s necessary treatments like surgeries, x-rays, laboratories, and a whole lot of others. Most dog owners count on paying out of their pockets for routine medical care. But you maybe unaware that the older the dog, the greater the chance of a serious and expensive illness. You may want to ensure that your dogs are strong and well at all times, find an insurance policy just right for them.

There are a lot of insurance companies that offer different plans with premiums and deductibles. Other plans are comprehensive that includes vaccinations, preventives, and routine exams. The average dog’s policy could cost within the range of $20 to $30 a month. It is based on the age, species, and breed of pet, lifestyle and where you live, any pre-existing conditions, and the coverage chosen. Some companies will insure dogs 10 years of age or more.

Different Types of Dogs Health Insurance

The types of dog health insurance depend on the coverage of the insurance policy. Weigh your options and balance it out on your monthly or annual income so you have the option to think on which type of health insurance you can afford.

Dog Life Insurance

A dog life insurance normally covers all the veterinary bills incurred at the very moment that your dog fall sick and may eventually die. This type of insurance may also covers the death of the dog due to accidents as well as illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive ailments. Some insurers may even include coverage for euthanasia.

Dog Health Insurance

Dog health care insurance provides health maintenance needed by the dog for a lifetime. This includes vaccination, hospitalization, prescription, medication, treatments, and laboratory tests. Some insurers cover the dog’s annual examination and even flea control prescription.

Dog Bite Insurance

The law requires dog owners to use an insurance that provides coverage for all the injuries that can be imposed by their pets. It will protect both the dog owner and the injured party against possible dog attacks.

Dog Accident Insurance

The dog accident insurance is the simplest dog insurance created. Under this policy, dogs are covered against accidents like ingestion of foreign bodies, accidents caused by motor vehicles, bone fractures caused by other things aside from a moving vehicle, ingestion of poison, lacerations, burns allergic reactions, insect bites, and stings.

Comprehensive Dog Insurance

By the word comprehensive alone, the comprehensive dog insurance is the ultimate type of all dog insurances. It covers everything that a dog may need, from health maintenance to accidents, animal bites to life coverage. The recovery cost spent to locate a lost dog is also covered. This type of dog insurance may cost comparatively higher than the others. It is a price to pay due to its extensive coverage of your dog’s health needs. It gets comprehensive enough to afford its owner a complete peace of mid when it is about the welfare of your pet.

Ask your insurance company the following consideration before deciding which company to secure a policy with:

• if the company allows a choice of veterinarians
• the length of the waiting period
• cost of premium including deductibles, co-pays, and caps for your particular pet
• policy conditions and exclusions
• the claim time turn around
• if the company is licensed in their state

The advancements in veterinary medicine offer longer lifespan and better medicine for canines. Gone are the days when diagnosis of a serious illness no longer has to mean euthanasia when procedures such as radiation, open heart surgery, pacemaker implants, dialysis, and kidney transplants are available to animals. All of these procedures are usually out of reach for a majority of pet owners. The sustaining option is to get a pet health insurance. It is most likely that pet insurance premiums will increase more than the claims however insurance is not about economics, it is mainly the peace of mind any pet owners would want.

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photo credits to Jon Bradley

The need to lower the cost of vet care is impeccable following the global recession. The cost of vet care for last year (2008) is estimated at $10.9 billion, increased to almost a billion from last year. With thousands of job disappearing, low stock market and depressed economy, most of us are postponing dog care because we can’t afford trips to the vet and dog treatment. It’s high time to cut those unnecessary services and products which many pet owners think are absolutely necessary.

1. FEED QUALITY FOOD. It may sound strange to spend more on high quality dog food but it is your best shot at long term dog health and lower vet bills. Once you start feeding your bulldog wisely, you will notice allergies; intestinal problems, joint pains and other ailments disappear. You may want to switch feeding your dog from grocery store brands to kibble to canned foods. Gradually shift feeding your pet frozen raw or fresh cooked or raw food.

2. STOP THE UNNECESSARY VACCINATION. There is no point of vaccinating your dog against diseases your dog is unlikely to catch and against sickness to which your dog already has developed immunity. Apart from wasting huge waste of time and money, excessive vaccination will result to adverse health consequences that will wreck your dog’s health and cost you a fortune on vet bills.

3. KEEP TRASH, RECYCLING BINS AND TOXIC CHEMICALS AWAY FROM PETS. Dogs love taking a peek in garbage cans in search of food. Bad thing about it is dogs tend to stay this way a lot longer. This habit can lead to food poisoning. Rancid food found in garbage is rich in bacteria that will make your dog sick with diarrhea and vomiting. Better to keep an eye on your dog or place it in a leash when no one is around. By keeping your dog away from garbage cans, you will save any vet trips for cases of food poisoning.

4.  STOP GIVING UNNECESSARY OR DANGEROUS DRUGS TO YOUR DOG . Double check the medicines you give your dogs especially steroids and arthritis medication. Typically allergic reactions from medications will develop after multiple doses of the medication. Signs of allergies include scratching or itching, facial swelling or hives as shown by your pet. When your dog had overdose then it is necessary to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, which is another medical bill for you.

5. FEED YOUR DOG LESS. In a study conducted by Purina which made use of 48 Labrador Retrievers in a 14-year study, “lean-fed” dogs (receiving 25% less food compared to their mates) eventually developed the same health problems as their group mates as they aged, but required treatments for sickness developed 2.1 years later. As a result, treatment began at a mean age of 12 versus age 9.9. A secret to longevity is to feed your bulldog healthy, lean (not too skinny) food eliminating fattening, corn-laden foods. Thus, it is not about feeding a particular brand or letting your dog overeat to keep it healthy. Remember, fat dogs poses health risks needing expensive treatments.

6. WASH YOUR DOG’S FEET (OR PAWS). Ensure the cleanliness of your dog’s feet after a walk on chemically-packed pavements such as city streets and salted roads. Be extra careful of park areas which may have been recently treated with herbicides or other potentially dangerous chemicals. Refrain using toxic chemicals in your home or yard. Once these chemicals stick on your dog’s feet, it won’t be long until it reaches to your dog’s mouth. You may be risking your English bulldog to developing cancer later on.

7. REGULAR BRUSHING OF YOUR DOG’S TEETH. Dental problems often equates to expensive vet bills. One way to avoid dental caries on your dog’s teeth is by feeding them low-carb foods and by brushing its teeth at least three times a week. Use good toothpaste intended for dogs and not humans. You can apply and brush your dogs’ teeth with a super-soft toothbrush or gauze wrapped around your finger as a substitute of a toothbrush.

8. STOP REWARDING YOUR DOG WITH DANGEROUS TREAT. You may not be aware of the risks involved when your dog is given treats of hard to chew food. Treats such as cooked bones, rawhide chews, pig’s feet among other can lodge in tracheas and intestines. Surgery for obstructions and perforations doesn’t come cheap. Surgery can remove these obstructions but may be too late to save your dog’s life.

9. GET YOUR DOG A BLOOD TEST. Dogs age faster than human which makes them more susceptible to diseases. Senior dogs should have a blood test every six months. A thorough blood test is the easiest and only way to detect a disease while it’s still curable and cheaper to treat. Have your dog check for heartworms regardless if taking drugs or not.

10. SEARCH ONLINE. You can save money on flea and tick control, ear care products, vitamins, joint care supplements, and other non-prescription maintenance items sold on online pet supply stores and pharmacies. Check the specials offered and compare prices for low prices with free shipping included on most orders.

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The role of being a dog owner is not just a privilege but a responsibility as well. These pets are dependent on us for their basic needs of food and shelter just to name a few. If you are considering adopting a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership requires. In the event that you already own a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling your obligations as its owner.

From the moment you purchase your new English bulldog puppy, you are aware of the costs of keeping a dog. Dogs can make wonderful pets that offer unconditional love, level of security plus health benefits. It’s hard to put a price tag on that kind of pet-owner relationship. You may not be aware about the long term costs involved when buying or adopting a dog. Let’s face it that in reality, the initial price or adoption fee is only the beginning. It’s common sense to know that getting a dog doesn’t only require time as a commitment but financial commitment as well.

Average Cost of Keeping a Dog

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) National Pet Owners conducted a survey in 2005-2006 and was able to conclude that the average yearly cost of owning a dog is $1571. Let’s say if your English bulldog lives for 9 years, although most dogs live longer, that arrives to a figure of $ 14139, excluding the inflation rate. That’s only an average so costs can run lower or higher depending on your dog and your financial management skills.
The cost of raising your English bulldog entails maintenance such as nutrition, healthcare, grooming, training and necessary documents. Let’s study the real expenses, more or less the initial price or fee, in keeping a dog.

Newman’s Own®Organics Adult Dog Food Chicken & Rice Formula, 12.5 Pound Bag

Dog Food
There are different kinds of dog food. Start by purchasing puppy food and gradually changing it with adult food. You can buy dry, canned or packaged. The monthly cost ranges from $10 to $40 depending on the size of your dog. The cost of dog treats at an average is $7.00. You ma also want to give vitamins or supplements for your dog which costs $10-20 for one month.

Prevent Disease

Your dog needs a check up from a veterinarian. Basic appointments may run from $30 to $40. The cost of vaccinations can be expensive at an initial look but will save you money by rendering illness prevention. When your dog gets sick, you end up paying more than the cost of vaccinations for veterinary fee, treatment, medicines among other expenses when your English bulldog gets sick. Young puppies and adult dogs need shots to protection from illness which could run from $15 or higher.

The American Kennel Club Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare throughout your dog’s life. You can do some research on pet insurances available that commonly include regular check ups for your pet.

The price of ignorance

An effective way to avoid paying more than what you expected in raising your English bulldog is to be smart when you choose a puppy. Remember that mixed breeds often have fewer health problems than purebreds. Have your veterinarian check your dog. You can also do research on the English bulldog breeds before you start looking. You have to adopt your own English bulldog for all the right reasons not jus because you feel sorry for it especially when you take a puppy from a shelter.

There is no such thing as a “free puppy”. Americans love dogs and don’t have nay second thought to spend money on them. Consider it as an investment so it only makes sense to be extra careful about choosing your own puppy. It is much better to pick a dog that matches your lifestyle. It may come as a shock when you spend $1000 on a puppy however it is worth every penny when your puppy is healthy and guaranteed defect-free. Be wary of puppies bred for appearance and not structural soundness, intelligence, health, and disposition which will often cost you much more than the price of a good puppy in health problems. Ask your breeder to show any medical proof that the parents and grandparents of your puppy are free of health problems. Both parents should have the disposition and intelligence as well as being well-trained. This guarantee may also cost you more time and money but it can be very worth it.

There are baskets full of purebred puppies for $75 to $300 each as shown on Sunday papers. Chances are they are unlikely to have parents bearing certified hips, eyes, elbows, or free of allergies. The parents of these dogs are often poorly trained and owners have never seen the grandparents. The stamp of dogs as “registered” doesn’t guarantee they are free from defects such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, bone problems, behavior problems and eye problems. Don’t compromise the quality of the dog breed you choose. You get what you pay and ignorance can be a dear price to pay.

Dogs remain unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to mankind. It is a good idea to reconsider once you have your other expenses sorted. As your dog gets older, the costs of keeping it will mount up depending on the breed. There is no value on keeping a dog but it repays you in unconditional love deemed priceless. You can couldn’t ask for the huge difference of the presence of your English bulldog at your home.  It gets excited when you come home, the wagging tail at the sound of the leash being taken from its hook, the delight in the tossing of a ball, and the head nestled in your lap-those are only some of the rewards of being a dog owner.

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