Raising dogs, in particular taking care of the old english terrier, is a specialty of humans. Some historians say dogs were first domesticated between twelve thousand and 25,000 years ago—and that all canines evolved from wolves. Since those days, people have selectively bred more than 400 different breeds, which range in size from four-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, whose 3-foot stature earns them the title of the tallest dog. However, the most preferred canines are non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mutts. The old english terrier is also a favorite choice among dog owners. Some owners are misinformed, however, of some of the most critical old english terrier care tips.
Cost of care for your old english terrier
The yearly budget for raising the old english terrier—to include meals and treats, veterinary care, toys and license—can range between four hundred twenty and seven hundred eighty dollars. This is not even accounting for capital expenses for spay/neuter procedures, collar and leash, dog carrier and a dog crate. Tip: Be sure you have obtained all the necessary supplies before you get your old english terrier home.
General old english terrier Care
old english terrier Feeding Outline
- old english terrier puppies between eight and twelve weeks old need four meals every twenty-four hours.
- Feed old english terrier puppies three to 6 months old 3 meals every day.
- Feed pups six months to 1 year 2 times every 24 hours.
- By the time the old english terrier hits her first birthday, 1 meal in a 24 hour period is usually adequate.
- Sometimes old english terriers, however, prefer 2 smaller meals. It is your responsibility to adapt to your old english terrier’s eating tendencies.
Premium-quality dry food ensures balanced nutrition to full-grown old english terriers and may be mixed with broth, canned food, or water. Your old english terrier may also like cooked eggs, fruits and vegetables, and cottage cheese, but these should not be more than 10 pct of his or her daily nutrition. old english terrier puppies should probably be fed excellent-quality, name brand puppy food. Please cut down on “table food”, however, because it can cause vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems, and might result in some extremely picky food choices and obesity. Give fresh, clean water only, and be certain to wash water and food bowls very frequently.
old english terrier Care Tips: Make sure your old english terrier gets some daily physical activity
old english terriers need exercise in order to stay fit, recharge their minds, and maintain their health. Daily activity also really helps old english terriers avoid boredom, which can often lead to destructive behavior. Exercise would satisfy most of your old english terrier’s desires to dig, retrieve, chase, chew and herd. Activity needs will depend on your old english terrier’s level of health and his or her age—but 10 minutes in back of the house and just a couple of walks around the block every day probably won’t suffice. If your old english terrier is a 6 to 18 month adolescent, his requirements will be a little more.
old english terrier Grooming
Regular brushing will help keep your old english terrier clean and reduce shedding. Inspect for fleas and ticks daily during the summer or other warm weather. Many old english terriers don’t need a bath more than a few times per year. Prior to giving her a bath, comb or cut out any mats from the old english terrier’s coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or dirt will stick to the soap residue.
How to Handle Your old english terrier
Pups are obviously easier to manage. When carrying the old english terrier pup, place one of your hands under the dog’s chest, either with the forearm or other hand supporting her hind legs and rear. Never attempt to lift or grab your pup by the forelegs, back of the neck or tail. If you must pick up a bigger, adult old english terrier, pick it up from underneath, supporting her chest with 1 arm and rear end with your other arm.
Housing your old english terrier
old english terriers need a cozy quiet location to be able to sleep away from all the breezes and away from the ground. You may wish to think about buying a dog bed, or make one from a wood box. Put a clean comforter, sheet, blanket, or pillow inside the bed. Wash your old english terrier’s bed covering often. If your old english terrier will be outdoors frequently, be certain he has access to plenty of cool water and covering in the summer, and a warm, covered, dry shelter when it’s cold.
old english terrier Licensing
There are licensing rules to follow in your city. Make sure you affix the license to your old english terrier’s collar. The license, together with an identification tag or tattoo, can help secure your old english terrier’s return should she get lost.
old english terrier Temperament Info
old english terrier Training
A well-mannered, companion old english terrier can truly be a blessing. However, when untrained, your old english terrier will most likely be a headache. Training your old english terrier on the minimums—”Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Leave it”—will bolster the relationship both with your pooch as well as your house guests. If you’re the owner of a pup, start teaching her the right responses asap! Use little bits of food as a lure and reward. Puppies can begin obedience courses when they are adequately vaccinated. Contact your local SPCA or humane society for details about obedience school recommendations. You should always walk your old english terrier on a leash when, even as a pup. Just be certain your dog will come back to you every time you say so. An aggressive or disobedient old english terrier can’t play with kids.
The Health of Your old english terrier
old english terriers should visit the vet for a thorough screening, innoculations and heartworm test annualy, and promptly if she is injured or sick.
Your old english terrier’s Dental Health
Although we may simply dislike our old english terrier’s foul breath, it’s important to be aware of what it may be a sign of. Foul-smelling breath is a symptom that your old english terrier should get an oral screening. Dental plaque , which is brought on by bacteria brings a terrible stench that necessitates treatment by a professional. After a professional oral cleaning, her mouth may be kept healthy by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your veterinarian can provide you more info for eradicating dental problems and halitosis. You should clean the old english terrier’s teeth using a doggie paste or a paste made of baking soda and water twice weekly. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon stocking stretched over your finger. Periodontal disease,which is an infection between the gum and tooth, often affects old english terriers. Sometimes, loss of teeth takes place due to periodontal disease. Infections can also spread to the rest of your old english terrier’s body. The veterinarian will sometimes brush the old english terrier’s teeth during his routine health checkup.
Halitosis in old english terriers
Even though the foul odors due to dental disease may not be very serious if detected early enough, sometimes bad breath may indicate serious, persistent problems. Diseases of the intestines or liver also cause halitosis, whereas a pleasant, even fruity smell may be indicative of diabetes. When your old english terrier’s breath smells of ammonia or urine, kidney disease may be the reason. Set an appointment with a veterinarian whenever your old english terrier has halitosis along with other signs of disease like excessive urinating or drinking, depression or lethargy, weight loss, nausea, or decreased appetite.
Tick and Fleas in old english terriers
Daily, regular checks of your old english terrier for fleas and ticks during the summer are critical. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are numerous new technologies of flea management. Get advice from your vet about her options.
Heartworms in old english terriers
This parasite lives in the heart and is passed from an infested dog to your old english terrier by way of mosquitoes. Many old english terriers die yearly due to heartworm infections. It is very critical that you ensure your old english terrier has a blood test for heartworms annually in the spring. It’s also wise to give your old english terrier a once-a-month pill in the warm, wet time of the year to help protect him from heartworms. Should you ever travel south with your old english terrier in winter, your dog should be on the preventive medicine during the trip. In some more moderate areas, vets recommend preventative heartworm medication be taken all year.
Medications and Poisons
Remember to never give your old english terrier medication that has not been prescribed by a vet. One little ibuprofen tablet is known to cause stomach ulcers in old english terriers. Make sure your old english terrier is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. If you believe that your dog has consumed a poisonous substance, immediately call your veterinarian or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 24 hours per day for help.
old english terrier Reproductive Surgery
Female old english terriers should be spayed—the extraction of the uterus and ovaries—and males neutered—removal of the testes—by six months of age. You will usually greatly reduce your female’s risk of breast cancer by spaying prior to adulthood. The possibility of an infected uterus, which is another serious affliction that affects more mature females, will be removed by spaying before six months. Testicular cancer, prostate diseases, some hernias and certain types of aggressions are all preventable by neutering male old english terriers.
old english terrier Vaccinations
- The combination vaccine (also known as the “five-in-one shot”) needs to be given to your old english terrier at 2, three, and 4 months old and again once annually. This innoculation protects your pup from hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and distemper. The old english terrier puppy’s innoculation regimen cannot be completed before four months old.
- If your old english terrier has not been immunized and is older than four months, he will need 2 innoculations as soon as possible, 2 or 3 weeks apart. Then you must vaccinate yearly.
- old english terrier pup innoculation and socialization should coincide. Many doctors advise that new owners bring their old english terrier pups to socialization courses, as early as eight to nine weeks old. At this point, they should have already received at least their first series of vaccines.
Since rules vary around the country, call a neighborhood veterinarian for info on rabies shots. For instance, in NYC, the law states that all pets older than 3 months of age to be vaccinated for rabies. After the initial innoculation, she must have a second innoculation the following year, and then every three years after that. There are a variety of innoculations, many of which are right for your old english terrier. There are others that are not, however. Your veterinarian can give you her opinion. Please note, if your old english terrier gets ill because she is not properly vaccinated, the shot should be administered once your companion animal fully recovers.
Intestinal Parasites in old english terriers
old english terriers are commonly exposed to worms—in all areas, both rural and urban. Tiny eggs created by hookworms are transmitted through an infested old english terrier’s feces. Most puppies, even from healthy mothers in good homes, carry intestinal worms. The secret to effective treatment is correct diagnosis. This will ensure that the medicine is successful against the worms your old english terrier has. A dewormer that eradicates roundworms, for example, cannot kill tapeworms. Your veterinarian can best define the culprit—and decide the most effective treatment.
Miscellaneous old english terrier Care Tips
Checklist of old english terrier Supplies
- High-quality dog food and snacks designed for old english terriers and similarly-sized dogs
- Food dish
- Water bowl
- As many safe toys as you can provide, especially chewable
- Brush and comb for grooming, including flea comb
- Collar with license and identification tag
- Quality leash
- Dog carrier (for puppies)
- Crate for training
- Dog bed or box with warm sheet or towel
- Doggie or child’s toothbrush
The no-no list
Do not feed your old english terrier the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate, coffee, or tea
- Grapes and raisins
- Spoiled or moldy food of any kind
- Onions, chives & garlic
- Chicken, turkey, or any other poultry bones
- Salt or salty foods
- Tomato leaves, unripe fruit or stems
- Yeast dough
The “Bottom” Line
Unless you are at home, or in a secured, fenced-in spot, always keep your old english terrier on a leash. When your old english terrier goes number 2 on a neighbor’s yard, the sidewalk or any other public place, please remove and dispose of it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about old english terriers
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