Boston Terriers

HOW TO KEEP YOUR BOSTON TERRIER HEALTHY

Dogs, like all other animals, are capable of contracting problems and diseases that, if listed, would seem overwhelming. However, in most cases these are easily avoidedmeaning well-bred and well-cared-for animals are less prone to developing diseases and problems than are carelessly bred and neglected animals. Your knowledge of how to avoid problems is far more valuable than all of the tips and advice on how to cure them. Respectively, the only person you should listen to about treatment is your vet. Veterinarians don’t have all the answers, but at least they are trained to analyze and treat illnesses, and are aware of the full implications of treatments, which most others are not. This does not mean a few old remedies aren’t good standbys when all else fails. In most cases, modern science provides the best treatments for disease.

Boston Terrier Puppies should be vaccinated against the major canine diseases. These are distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and canine parvovirus. Your puppy may have received a temporary vaccination against distemper before you purchased him. Ask the breeder to be sure.

The age at which vaccinations are given can vary, but will usually be when the pup is 8 to 12 weeks old. By this time, any protection given to the pup by antibodies received from his mother’s initial milk feeds will be losing its strength.

The puppy’s immune system works on the basis that the white blood cells engulf and render harmless attacking bacteria. However, they must first recognize a potential enemy.

Vaccines are either dead or alive bacteria in very small doses. Either type prompts the pup’s defense system to attack them. When a large attack comes (if it does), the immune system recognizes it and massive numbers of lymphocytes (white blood corpuscles) are mobilized to counter the attack. However, the ability of the cells to recognize these dangerous viruses can diminish over a period of time. It is therefore useful to provide annual reminders about the nature of the enemy. This is done by means of booster injections that keep the immune system on alert. Immunization is not a 100 percent guaranteed success in preventing illness, but it is very close. Certainly it is better than giving the puppy no protection.

Dogs are subject to other viral attacks. If there are high-risk factors in your area, your vet will suggest you have the dog or puppy vaccinated against these as well.

Your Boston Terrier should also be vaccinated against the deadly rabies virus. In fact, in many places it is illegal for your dog not to be vaccinated. This is to protect your dog, your family, and the rest of the animal population from this deadly virus that infects the nervous system and causes dementia and death. tiny boston terrier puppies

READING LABELS, PART 3

NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY STATEMENT

The nutritional adequacy statement is important when looking for a dog food because it states what life stage the product is formulated for, such as growth, reproduction, maintenance, senior, or all life stages. For developing Boston Terrier Puppies, look for the product that is specially formulated for growth. It should also tell you whether the product is “complete and balanced” or “complementary.” Complete and balanced means that it contains all the ingredients your dog will need on a daily basis, and that it can be served by itself. Complementary means that it is not intended to be used alone and must be added to another product to create a complete meal.

NET QUANTITY STATEMENT

The net quality statement shows the weight of the food in the bag or can in pounds and ounces as well as metric weight. Be careful, because some companies use 30-pound bags and then only put 25 pounds of food inside.

FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS

The feeding instructions on the dog food label are only suggestions; some dogs will eat more, some will eat less. Also, they are the amounts needed for the entire day, so you can divide it up the best way for you and your Boston Terrier. If you are not sure how much to feed, start off with the suggested amount and increase or decrease as necessary.

Although dog food labels tell you a lot about a product, there is a lot that they don’t tell you. For example, some wording used on labels can be misleading. Foods that use the words “gourmet” or “premium” are not required to contain any higher quality ingredients than any other product. Products that claim to be “all-natural” are not required to be. Some might think that this means the food is minimally processed or contains no artificial ingredients, but this is not necessarily true. In fact, all dog foods must contain some chemically synthesized ingredients in order to be deemed complete and balanced.

HOMEMADE DIETS

There seems to be a debate about whether a homemade diet is better for your dog than manufactured dog food. The downside to feeding a homemade diet is that you need to be very careful to ensure that you are providing your Boston Terrier with all of the necessary nutrients. It also takes a lot of time, effort, and energy to cook a proper diet for your dog on a daily basis.

Those who are in favor of a homemade diet believe that commercial dog foods contain contaminated and unhealthy ingredients and feel that it is worth the effort to give their dog a home-cooked meal. If you have the time, money, and believe that it is important to feed your dog a homemade diet, consult your veterinarian, who can give you a reputable and nutritionally balanced recipe. Although millions of dogs exist and stay healthy on commercially prepared dog food, the ultimate decision is yours.

Now that you have learned all you can about dog food and feeding options, you can make an informed choice about what to buy for your puppy. boston terrier puppies for sale in texas

DOG FOODS, PART 2

Vitamins

Vitamins are divided into two groupswater soluble and fat soluble. Different vitamins have different functions: vitamin A protects skin and promotes bone growth; vitamin B aids in metabolism; vitamin D aids in bone growth and increases calcium absorption; and vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Good sources of vitamins are fruit, vegetables, cereals, and the liver of most animals.

Minerals

Minerals provide strength to bone and ensure proper bone formation, maintain fluid balance and normal muscle and nerve function, transport oxygen to the blood, and produce hormones. Examples of minerals are calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium, zinc, and sodium.

Water

The most important of all nutrients, water makes up over 60 percent of a dog. Water intake can come directly through drinking or can be released when food is oxidized. If your dog’s diet is lacking in water, dehydration can occur, which can lead to serious breakdown of organs or even death. All dogs must retain a water balance, which means that their total intake of water should be in balance with the total output. Make sure that your dog has access to cool, clean water at all times.boston terrier rescue