Raising dogs, especially taking care of the japanese terrier, is a specialty of humans. Experts postulate that dogs were domesticated sometime between 12,000 and 25,000 years ago—and that dogs evolved from the wolf. Since then, we have selectively bred more than four hundred breeds, ranging in size from four-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, who have earned the distinction of tallest canine. However, the most preferred canines are non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mutts. The japanese terrier is also a favorite pick among canine owners. Many owners are misinformed, however, of some of the most common japanese terrier care tips.
Typical cost of care for your japanese terrier
The annual cost of caring for your japanese terrier—which includes everything from food and snacks, to veterinary care, toys and license—could range between $420 and $780. This is not even considering capital expenses for sterilization procedures, collar and leash, a dog carrier and a crate. Note: Be sure you have all your supplies before getting your japanese terrier home for the first time.
Typical japanese terrier Care
Feeding the japanese terrier
- japanese terrier pups between eight and twelve weeks old need four meals in a day.
- japanese terrier pups 3 to 6 months old should be fed 3 meals per day.
- Feed pups six months old to one year old 2 times every 24 hours.
- By the time your japanese terrier reaches his 1st birthday, one bowl per day is typically all that’s necessary.
- Some adult japanese terriers, however, prefer 2 smaller bowls. It’s your duty to adapt to your japanese terrier’s eating tendencies.
High-quality dry dog food provides balanced nutrition to full-grown japanese terriers and can mix with water, broth, or canned food. Your japanese terrier may love cooked eggs, fruits and vegetables, and cottage cheese, but these foods shouldn’t be more than 10 pct of her daily allowance. japanese terrier puppies should probably be given high-quality, name brand puppy food. Please try to cut down on “people food”, though, because it can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, tooth and bone concerns, and might lead to extremely finicky food choices and obesity. Give clean, fresh water only, and make sure to clean food and water bowls frequently.
japanese terrier Care Tips: Make sure to get your japanese terrier plenty of daily exercise
japanese terriers must have some physical activity to stay fit, recharge their brains, and keep healthy. Physical activity also seems to help japanese terriers fight boredom, which often leads to difficult behavior. Getting out of the house can satisfy many of your japanese terrier’s instinctual urges to chew, dig, chase, retrieve and herd. Activity needs can depend on your japanese terrier’s age and her level of health—but ten minutes in back of the house and merely a walk around the block every day probably isn’t enough. If your japanese terrier is a 6 to 18 month adolescent, his requirements will probably be much more.
japanese terrier Grooming
Regular brushing will help keep your japanese terrier clean and reduce shedding. Inspect for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most japanese terriers don’t need a bath more than a few times per year. Before giving him a bath, cut out or comb all mats from the japanese terrier’s coat. Carefully rinse all soap from the coat, or the dirt will stick to soap residue.
Handling Your japanese terrier
Pups are clearly the easiest to handle. When carrying your japanese terrier pup, put 1 hand under your dog’s chest, with either your forearm or your other hand supporting her hind legs and rear. Never attempt to grab or lift your pup by his front legs, tail or nape. When you must lift a bigger, full-grown japanese terrier, lift from the underside, bracing his chest with 1 of your arms and rear end with the other arm.
japanese terrier housing
japanese terriers need a comfy peaceful spot in order to rest away from all drafts and off the floor. You might wish to buy a dog bed, or prefer making one from a wood box. Place a clean sheet, comforter, blanket, or pillow inside the bed as cushion. Wash your japanese terrier’s bed covering frequently. If your japanese terrier will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make certain she has access to shade and plenty of cool water in the summer, and a dry, covered, warm shelter during the winter.
japanese terrier Licensing
Your area has licensing rules to heed. Make certain you connect the license to your japanese terrier’s collar. This, together with an ID tattoo or tag, can easily help secure your japanese terrier’s return should he become lost.
japanese terrier Behavior Facts
Thoughts on Training Your japanese terrier
Well-mannered, companion japanese terriers are a pleasure to raise. But when untrained, your dog can possibly be troublesome. Teaching your japanese terrier the basics—”Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, and “Leave it”—bolsters the relationship both with your dog as well as your house guests. If you have a pup, begin teaching him or her the right responses quickly! A treat can be used as incentive and recognition. Pups can join obedience classes when they are adequately vaccinated. Call the community SPCA or humane society for training class recommendations. It is wise to keep your japanese terrier on a leash in public, even as a puppy. Be positive your japanese terrier will come to you if you say the word. A disobedient or aggressive japanese terrier can’t play with people.
Your japanese terrier’s Health
japanese terriers should see the veterinarian for a full screening, shots and heartworm exam every year, and as soon as possible when she is injured or sick.
japanese terrier Dental Health
While many of us might object to our japanese terrier’s bad breath, we should pay attention to what it may mean. Foul-smelling breath usually means that your japanese terrier requires an oral examination. Dental plaque triggered by unhealthy bacteria causes a terrible smell that demands the help of a professional. After you give your japanese terrier a cleaning done by a professional, her teeth and gums can be maintained by feeding a special diet focused on dental health, eliminating table food, and regular brushing. Your veterinarian can provide you with additional guidance on reducing periodontal diseases and halitosis. You should clean the japanese terrier’s teeth with a dog paste or a paste made of baking soda and water twice a week. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger. Periodontal disease,which is an infection between the teeth and gums, sometimes affects japanese terriers. This dreadful condition can possibly initiate your japanese terrier’s loss of teeth as well as spread diseases throughout her body. Your vet usually will clean the japanese terrier’s teeth during his typical health checkup.
Halitosis (bad breath) in japanese terriers
While oral disease in and of itself is not a serious issue if it is caught early enough, bad breath may also be indicative of fairly serious, long-term problems. Diseases of the liver or intestines also cause smelly breath, and a sweet, fruity smell may usually be a sign of diabetes. Kidney disease might be the reason when your japanese terrier’s breath smells of urine or ammonia. When you notice your japanese terrier has bad breath in conjunction with other signs of disease, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, loss of weight, bad mood, increasing urination and drinking, set a visit to his or her doctor.
Fleas and Ticks in japanese terriers
Regular, daily checks of your japanese terrier for fleas and ticks in the warm seasons are of utmost importance. Use a flea comb to remove fleas. There are numerous new technologies of flea and tick control. Ask your veterinarian about these and other recommendations.
japanese terriers With Heartworm Issues
Your japanese terrier is at risk of contracting heartworms if she is exposed to lots of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transport the worm from dog to dog. Heartworm infestations are potentially fatal. Your japanese terrier should have a blood test for heartworms every single spring—this is vital to catch infections from the previous year. It’s also wise to give your japanese terrier a once-a-month tablet during the warm, wet time of the year to protect her from heartworms. Your japanese terrier should be on heartworm medication throughout a winter trip to a warmer climate. There are some regions, usually the places with milder climates, where the doctors recommend parasite tablets be used throughout the year.
Toxins and Medications
Never, ever give your japanese terrier medication that hasn’t been prescribed by a vet. For example, are you aware that 1 regular-strength ibuprofen caplet will cause ulcers in japanese terriers? Make sure your japanese terrier is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. Be sure to immediately call your dog’s vet when you have cause to suspect your japanese terrier has consumed a toxin. You should also contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for twenty-four hour help.
Spaying and Neutering japanese terriers
Male japanese terriers should be neutered – the removal of the testicles – and females spayed – the extraction of the uterus and ovaries – by 6 months of age. Spaying before maturity greatly diminishes the risk of breast cancer, which is a common and usually deadly disorder for older female japanese terriers. The risk of a sick uterus, which is also a serious disease that affects more mature females, can be removed by spaying prior to 6 months. Testicular cancer, prostate diseases, certain aggressive behavior and some hernias are all preventable by neutering males.
japanese terrier Innoculating
- japanese terrier pups should be vaccinated with a combination innoculation (called a “5-in-one”) at two, 3 and 4 months of age, and again once annually. This shot protects your japanese terrier puppy from parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and distemper. The japanese terrier must be immunized for at least the first four months of his life.
- If you have an unvaccinated japanese terrier older than four or 5 months, he must have a set of two innoculations given two to 3 weeks apart, followed by a yearly innoculation.
- Your japanese terrier pup’s socialization should coincide with the vaccination program. You may bring your japanese terrier puppy to socialization courses by 8 or 9 weeks of age, according to many doctors. At this point, they should have already received their first vaccinations.
Rules are so varied around the country, that it’s best to contact your local veterinarian to get rabies vaccination information. In NYC, for instance, the law requires any pets older than three months must be vaccinated for rabies. The initial rabies vaccine must be followed up by another innoculation the next year, and then every 3 years after that. There are several innoculations that are right for your japanese terrier. Your veterinarian can tell youmore about them. Please note, if your japanese terrier gets sick because she is not immunized, the shot ought to be given once your companion animal is better.
Roundworms in japanese terriers
japanese terriers are commonly exposed to worms—especially in rural areas. Eggs that carry intestinal worms are transmitted through a dog’s feces. Even the healthiest of japanese terrier puppies carry hookworms or roundworms. The secret to effective treatment is early detection. Early, accurate diagnosis maximizes the possibility that prescribed treatment will be successful against your japanese terrier’s worms. A dewormer that eliminates hookworms, for example, cannot kill tapeworms. Your japanese terrier’s doctor can best identify the culprit—and decide the best medicine.
Additional japanese terrier Care Tips
japanese terrier Supply Checklist
- Premium-quality dog food and treats specifically designed for japanese terriers and similarly-sized dogs
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
- Brush & comb for grooming, including flea comb
- Collar with license and ID tag
- Leash
- Dog carrier (for puppies)
- Crate for training
- Dog bed or box with blanket or towel
- Child’s toothbrush
The no-no list
The following items should never be fed to japanese terriers:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coffee, tea, or chocolate
- Raisins & grapes
- Spoiled or moldy food of any kind
- Onions, chives or garlic
- Bones of chicken, turkey, or any other animal (choking hazard)
- Salt & salty foods
- Tomato leaves, unripe fruit and stems
- Yeast dough
The scoop on poop
Retain your japanese terrier on a leash when you are outdoors, unless you are in a secured, fenced-in space. And please, when your japanese terrier defecates on your neighbor’s grass, remove and dispose of it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about japanese terriers
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