Parasites in Cairn Terriers

Internal parasites (or worms) are common in dogs and include roundworms, hookworms (A. caninum), whipworms (threadworms), heartworm and tapeworms. Animals are also susceptible to coccidia and giardia, protozoa that upset the digestive process. The most common ways of contracting parasites are through contaminated soil, food or water, mosquitoes, licking the ground, transmission from mother to the offspring (before or after birth) and by fleas. Although a breeding bitch may be clear of worms in their digestive tract, the worm larvae are harbored in the muscle and migrate to the fetus inutero. Therefore all puppies are born with intestinal worms and need to be treated starting at 2-3wks of age, every 2 weeks for 3-4 doses. At Crooked Creek Cairn Terriers, we treat our puppies with Nemex 2 at 3 and 5wks, and Panacure at 7wks.

Puppies can be started on monthly heartworm prevention such as Heartguard at 11-12 wks of age, but due to the lifestage of the heartworm, they can't be tested for the presence of heartworms until 7 months of age. So it's important to test your Cairn puppy, even if they've been on monthly preventative. The monthly Heartguard also acts as a dewormer.

Coccidia may be present in adult dogs and only their immune system kills it. But because puppies have an immature immune system, they are not able to fight the coccidia infection and need treated with Albon to inhibit the growth of coccidia, allowing their immune system to overcome it. It's not uncommon for puppies who are stressed when taken from their siblings and going home with their family, to suddenly have bloody diarrhea. They may have gotten the coccidia from their mother, but were able to fight it with their immune system, until the immune system was depressed with the stress of going home. Take them to the vet for diagnosis, and a simple 5-10 day treatment with Albon will clear it up. As a breeder, if I see soft stools, I put the puppies on a 5 day treatment of Albon. It coats the stomach and is safe. Giardia is also found in the environment and puppies can easily be infected. Flagyl will treat a case of giardia.

Parasites can be transmitted to humans from their pets. Humans acquire these parasites through ingestion of the eggs of the parasite which have passed through the pet's feces. Not washing your hands before eating or putting your hands in your mouth after playing with your infected pet are common ways of transmission.

Internal parasites can be seen in the feces, but not always. Some symptoms may be a pot-bellied appearance in puppies, poor growth, decrease in appetite, bloody stools, diarrhea, and/or a decrease in activity level. But because not all infections involve observable symptoms, it's important to visit your veterinarian regularly.

When to Call the Vet

It's important to recognize when your Cairn Terrier is not feeling well, and you should call your veterinarian as quickly as possible if your dog exhibits any unusual behavior, including the following symptoms:
• Vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination for more than 12 hours
• Lethargy or Fainting
• Loss of balance, staggering or falling
• Constipation or straining to urinate
• Runny eyes or nose
• Persistent scratching at eyes or ears
• Thick discharge from eyes, ears, nose or sores
• Coughing or sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Shivering
• Whining for no apparent reason
• Loss of appetite for 24 hours or more
• Weight loss
• Dramatic increase in appetite for 24 hours or more
• Increased restlessness
• Excessive sleeping or unusual lack of activity
• Limping, holding or protecting part of the body
• Excessive thirst

Insect Repellent & Sunscreen

With Spring arriving, we are faced with flea, tick, and misquito season. Not only are fleas, ticks, and misquitos a pest, causing itchy bites and skin irritation, but the misquito can infect your pet with heartworms, ticks carry lime disease, and fleas have been known to carry communicable disease. The product Flea The Scene is an all natural Insect Spray that not only repells fleas, ticks, and misquitos, but treats areas where your pet may have already gotten bitten with it's soothing conditioning ingredients. It is also a sunscreen! We often remember to protect ourselves from the harmful sun rays, but we forget our pets. Use Flea The Scene to protect your dog and it's also safe for cats, and for yourself! It has a fresh clean scent, and is not oily or greasy. It's one of my favorite and most necessary products for Spring & Summer.

Lacey whelped

Lacey went into labor last night and had a difficult time delivering the first puppy. With feet out, I was unable to get the puppy out and we rushed in for Dr Gails assistance. She was born in my hands as I rushed her into the vet office! It was no wonder with the 6oz puppy that was delivered, why Lacey was so huge pregnant and having a hard time. We assisted her for a couple hours trying to help labor along with Pitocin and get the next puppy delivered. His heart rate showed that he was stressed and after sedating her for her c-section the 2nd puppy delivered. Another huge puppy! She was tired and the puppies were stressed, so we took the remaining 4 by c-section. One puppy did not survive but she has 5 healthy puppies, 3 boys and 2 girls. It made a late night, getting home at 2am and Lacey was still not wanting to wake up. But she rested quietly while the puppies actively nursed. By this morning early, she was sitting up and happily nursing her babies. Lacey was spayed and will be ready for her retirement home upon weaning this litter of puppies. She is very loving and sweet, more of a laid back personality, great with kids and other dogs. She has had a career of breeding so she will need obedience and potty training, but should train easily with crate training. She's used to lots of handling, going in the car, grooming, etc just no formal training yet other than walking on a lead. If you believe you could offer her a great forever home, contact us at crookedcreekcairns@verizon.net with information about yourself and family. We will interview prospective homes and find her a good match.

Bodie Available

Bodie is coming back home to no fault of his own. He apparently barked at squirrels, ran back and forth trying to get to them, and she was unable to redirect him. However, I believe it is not an inability to redirect as much as it was that she didn't know how to respond to him, or wasn't prepared and committed to having a Cairn Terrier. I've redirected him from barking before, and was working on the command "in your bed" for the purpose of redirection. Cairn Terriers were bred to hunt vermin, and I don't own a Cairn Terrier that won't go nuts over a squirrel sitting across a glass door a few feet from them. I have squirrels that sit above the kennel and drop nuts on my Cairns, or sit just outside the kennel asking for trouble! "No bark" is a rule that should be taught to any dog. It's ok to alert to something new and different, but after that, excessive barking is not ok. A way to redirect a dog, is to place a lead on them and scold them with a simple "No Bark" with a firm but non-aggressive yank on the lead. They should show submission and respond appropriately (stop barking). Going in their bed and staying there is a basic obedience command that is very useful when dogs get overly excited about visitors, squirrels, or whatever the distraction may be. If they are too excited to respond to "in your bed", take control by placing a lead on them. Cairn Terriers cannot resist the urge to chase and squirrels are their prime target. Obedience training is not an option, it's a necessity. Practice commands in your daily life. Then when they get too excited, you have tools to use to redirect them. If all esle fails, place a lead on them and take control of the situation. I haven't had a Cairn Terrier that I couldn't take control of physically if not mentally!

Carrier with Auto Carseat Base!

The newest innovative product for convenience and safety at Designer Dog Avenue, is our new carrier that clicks into a carseat base, just like infant seat technology! The base is secured with a shoulder or lap belt, and the carrier snaps in and out in 3 seconds. It keeps your Cairn Terrier safe during travel either for short trips to the vet, or vacation. It also includes a water/food dish, and a padded waterproof mat. The top door of the carrier is convenient for comforting your Cairn Terrier during travel, or attaching a leash before opening the door. Many booster seats that are sold by other companies are not safety devices and do not protect your pet in a collision. This product is both safe & convenient for dogs up to 15lbs.

Heartworms in Cairn Terriers

Heartworms are spread by misquitos. We can prevent heartworms with a monthly preventative such as Heartguard. Cairn Terrier puppies are started on heartworm prevention at 11-12 wks old, but testing for the presence of heartworms can't be done until a dog is 7 months old due to the lifestage of the worm. Therefore it's important to test your dog at about 1yr - 1 1/2yrs, even if they've had regular Heartworm prevention. It is possible to get heartworms before starting the preventative but rarely while on monthly prevention. If your Cairn Terrier is not on heartworm prevention, see your vet right away. Particularly during "misquito weather" the risk is great, and once infected heartworms is expensive to treat and is otherwise fatal. Monthly prevention also treats them for intestinal parasites.

Libby whelped 3-9-07

Libby whelped on Friday the 9th. She had a total of 6 puppies but unfortunately 2 were stillborn. (6 puppies by the way is a miracle for a petite Libby and a 1st litter! Whelping went exceptionally well and she was a real trooper!) She had 4 live males but we lost one last night. He was very small and on my scale was only 2 oz. while the others were 4 oz. He appeared premie when I compare to human newborns, with a bigger head and underdeveloped body, smooth shiny face, and tiny. He was eager and strong when I latched him on, but was not thriving after 2 days and I found him dead this morning. It's dissappointing, but I'm thankful Libby is doing well and if something was wrong, that he didn't suffer. The other 3 male puppies are thriving. They are filling out and have milk filled tummies. She has plenty of milk and is a nurturing mother, unconcerned about the commotions in the house, and is not stressed. They're all doing well.

Emergencies

It's always good to have reviewed a list of possible emergencies before they happen, so you know what to do. For a list of emergencies, treatment, and when to call your vet....click here.

Household Poisons

When exploring their environment, puppies can find things to get into, eat, and swallow. Adult dogs have even been known to eat something they shouldn't have. Symptoms may range from vomiting, skin irritation, to sudden death. It's important to be aware of what household products can be dangerous to your pet and keep them out of reach. Always seek medical attention immediately if you suspect poisoning. Here's a list of dangerous household items for your dog. To read about symptoms and emergency treatment click here.

• Acetone
• Antifreeze
• Bleach
• Charcoal Lighter
• Chocolate (all varieties) Lethal dose 1/3 oz per pound for dark chocolate, and 1 oz per pound for milk chocolate
• Deodorants
• Detergents/Soap
• Furniture Polish
• Gasoline
• Ibuprofen
• Kerosene/Fuel Oil
• Lead
• Lime
• Lye
• Organophosphate Insecticides
• Paint
• Phenol Cleaners
• Rat Poison
• Strychnine
• Turpentine
• Tylenol

Purchasing a Puppy

Bringing a pet into your home is a lifetime commitment to the pet. For Cairn Terriers, you should consider it a commitment of 12-15yrs but up to 18yrs in some cases. You should consider your lifestyle over the time period, and consider all characteristics of a breed. Different breeds were brought about for different reasons and therefore have vastly different characteristics, from energy level, intelligence, disposition, instincts, health, grooming needs, etc. Take all characteristics into account before choosing a breed. For example if you want a lap dog that will snuggle and sleep most of the time, a Cairn Terrier or similar breed is NOT what you are looking for! If you are looking for an energetic companion that may be independent at times, but highly intelligent, loving, and a big dog in a little body, a Cairn Terrier may fit your needs precisely.

When you think you know what breed you would like, contact reputable ethical breeders and let them know who you are, about your family, and what you are looking for in a companion. They can offer advice and expertise about the breed, and help you ensure that it is in fact, a good choice.

For more information about what an ethical reputable breeder is, refer to my web page. A reputable breeder is concerned about the placement of their puppy because they are responsible to that life for it's entirety. They want it to be a forever home and if circumstances in your life change where you can't keep it for it's lifetime, they will assist you in placing it in a new home. If you ever have questions, concerns, or difficulties with your puppy they will be available to help you manage it. Many behavior issues that may eventually cause a family to give up a dog, can be corrected if managed appropriately early.

This is why it's inappropriate for backyard breeders to breed. A backyard breeder is not an expert in the breed, they can't track health disorders beyond random occurance, and they don't have the goal of improving the breed. I've talked to numerous backyard breeders who not only didn't know the health disorders within the breed, they have an overall lack of knowledge. This lack of knowledge continues through the puppies they produce when buyers have a pet and no one to turn to for good information. The continuance of ignorance results in families having no where to turn when they need a new home for their dog and the animals end up in shelters or being abused.

Large unethical breeders and puppy mills are also a cause of pet overpopulation due to selling large numbers of puppies with no attention to appropriate homes. If a breeder pushes a sale instead of placing the puppy in a forever home, they're the wrong breeder for you. If they aren't in touch with the puppies over a period of time, they probably aren't tracking health disorders and therefore aren't improving the breed. Only through staying in touch with my buyers and having an open line of communication, am I notified if a dog develops a hereditary health disorder. By selling mass numbers of dogs and not being in touch with them, when buyers have issues with the animal, what do they do? They surrender them to shelters and rescues, furthering our issues of pet overpopulation.

Reputable ethical breeders never sell puppies at auction. They don't donate puppies to auction, they don't sell them online in auctions. They may advertise puppies that are available, but then one should expect an interview process to be able to purchase the available puppy. Expect to provide references or photos of your home if asked. Breeders want the best home for their puppies and want to know that it's a forever placement in quality care. Be forthcoming and give good communication, and expect good communication in return. If you can't talk with your breeder, they don't answer emails or phone calls, you know they aren't going to be available when you have a 1 yr old dog with health or behavior problems.

We want to ensure all dogs have forever homes. Spay and neuter at 5-6 months of age. Only purchase a puppy from a reputable ethical breeder. Stay in contact with your breeder with behavior problems, questions, concerns, and most importantly cute pictures and updates! If you need to find a new home for your dog, NEVER surrender to a shelter or rescue. Notify your breeder first and they will assist you in placing the animal, or take them for foster care if the situation is urgent. As the buyer you are just as responsible to that animal for the rest of it's life, as the breeder is.

Spoiling Your Dog and Behavioral Issues

Have you ever thought that by letting your dog sleep with you, eat with you, and sleep on the couch that you were just loving them and they appreciated it? Do you think they love you more by giving them special privileges? Spoiling your dog without rules and setting limits can be the start of behavioral problems that could lead to dangerous issues. There is a difference between loving them and spoiling them. A dog lives in a world of hierarchy and for many dogs, the goal is to raise their ranking or be the top ranking within the "pack". Particularly in the Cairn Terrier breed, they have characteristics of indpendence and dominance. This is why obedience training and maintaining your domiance is so important. Dogs rank lower than all family members, including the children. You eat before they do, you decide where they sleep (in a crate), and if you allow pets on your furniture, you decide when they can be on the furniture by inviting them there. This all establishes your dominance in the relationship. Practice obedience in your daily life. Tell them to sit before eating, going outside, before a treat, etc. Teach them to quietly stay in their bed when company comes, while you're watching TV, etc. I'm currently working with a rescue dog that thinks he ranks under me but above my kids. His ranking has created the issue of nipping children, and I'm trying to do all that I can to reduce his ranking in the family to below our kids. I have rolled him to his back and allowed my kids to hold him there in the submissive position. They show their dominance by feeding him, taking toys away from him, asking him to sit, and reward him with a treat. Here's an article that I found helpful about alpha personalities. Regardless of whether your dog has an alpha personality, all dogs should be given structure and rules. You can pamper and love your dog without spoiling it.

Socializing Your Cairn Terrier

Many realize the importance of socialization and seek a breeder that appropriately socializes their puppies. What they may not realize is that socialization only begins with the breeder, and the most important socialization period is at 8-16wks of age (after the puppy usually goes home). Puppies have a very high learning curve, just like human toddlers. The period from 8-16wks of age is when puppies learn things quickly and easily, and it's important to expose them to situations that they may encounter the rest of their lives. Introduce scary objects, clip their nails, visit the vet, blow dry them after a bath, visit other dogs (after their 3rd vaccination) and most importantly START PUPPY OBEDIENCE CLASSES. Training starts the minute you bring them home with learning their name, walking on a lead, potty training, and even 8wk old puppies can participate in short obedience excerises learning to sit, stay, drop (lay down), in their bed, in their crate, etc. Start a puppy obedience class after 11wks of age or their 3rd puppy vaccine and practice the skills in your daily life. Take them to visit other dogs, socialize them with strangers on walks, in the park, and especially when visitors come to your home. Greet them politely with a "Sit" while the visitors are welcomed in. If overly eager greeting is an issue, make them stay in their bed until the visitors have come in and sat down. No one wants to enter a home where the dog is jumping on them and being inappropriate. Set limits for your dog and enforce household rules. A disciplined but loved dog is a well behaved dog.