labradoodle puppies for sale Archives

The 8 vitality signs of a healthy, happy dog

Some of you may have read this article recently published in USATODAY and written by Country Living. I felt it was good enough to re-publish.

A new survey conducted by Iams has found that two thirds of Brits believe their pets are living longer, healthier and happier lives because of the love they show them.

The findings confirm that we are indeed a nation of animal lovers, with 69% of pet owners claiming the most important thing to do for our pets is shower them with love — including cuddles and tummy tickles.Some even believe that it could help their pets live up to three years longer.

Meanwhile, the research also found that over half of owners believe the most important contribution to their pet’s happiness and wellbeing is a fit heart, while one in five also think a strong immune system helps, in addition to shiny fur.

To accompany this study, the team at Iams also uncovered eight vitality signs for your pet’s health. These include…

Healthy heart
Healthy skin and shiny coat
Strong immune system
Healthy digestion
Strong muscles
Strong, healthy teeth
Strong bones (for dogs)
Healthy urinary tract (for cats)

“Most of us are familiar with vital signs: temperature, pulse and respiration, but it would help our pets if we were also familiar with the ‘vitality signs.’ Keeping a close eye on these will help us keep our pets in tip top condition, healthy and happy,” Kellie Ceccarelli, IAMS Veterinary Manager and Pet Nutrition Expert says.

“Pet owners have a unique bond with their pets, understanding their moods and funny little ways. But even though the bonds are very close, even the most caring owner can miss important ‘clues’ about the health and happiness of their pet if they don’t keep a watchful eye on their vitality signs.”

Elsewhere in the study, research uncovered that some owners do struggle to identify signs that their pets are sad. A quarter of respondents admitted they struggle to tell why their pet is unhappy, while 47% of those polled admitted that if their pet is unhappy, they are unhappy too.

Question to ask a dog breeder before you buy

bernedoodle breeder, labradoodle breeder, goldendoodle breeder

Purchasing a puppy can be scary. After all you are bringing someone home to join your family. They could be part of your household for many years. It would be helpful to know some secrets dog breeders keep from you and questions you can ask to reveal the truth.

What do you clean with?

This is an important question. Many cleaning supplies can be harmful to dogs let alone puppies. Especially a new puppy just developing. Some chemicals can burn lungs or noses of animals. Also take a look around and see what you see. The breeder may know how to give you the answer you want. For example, Sandpoint Doodles uses essential oils to clean that are safe to new puppies. We have seen breeders who use bleach to clean which can be very harmful.

Do you allow visiting dogs?

Socialization is important. However, remember these puppies have not completed there immunization shots just yet. They won’t complete them until they are about 14-16 weeks. We recommend avoiding contact with dogs until then. Avoid walking on the floor at pet stores, rest stops, or anywhere else that other dogs frequent. A good breeder would not let people bring their dogs to meet the puppies for fear that they could infect the puppies.

Can I visit?

This is huge. If they say no or you have to purchase a puppy to visit, this is a red flag and you should avoid them at all cost. Obviously they are trying to hide something. Sometimes they give the reason that they don’t want you to visit is so the puppies don’t catch a human sickness. That can’t happen. Most likely they have a bad facility they don’t want you to see. Perhaps they have many dogs in kennels that they would prefer you not to see. Remember all puppies are cute, but there is a difference in how they get their start in life and this will determine how healthy your dog will be later on.

Do you fix the puppies and at what age?

Talk to your vet. What do they recommend. Why do they recommend this? Many breeders will fix puppies before 8 weeks old simply to prevent competition of breeding dogs. This is not a good practice. It’s not healthy for a puppy so young to undergo such a surgery. They may give you all kinds of reasons why this is a good idea. Talk to your vet.

Is this your full time job?

If it is, great. That means the puppies are hopefully getting the attention they need. If not, wow. That brings up many more questions.

How often are they fed or watered?
How often are they cleaned up after?
How young are they when they are left alone?

The puppies don’t open their eyes until they are two weeks old. So there are many dangers until then. They can wander off and get too cold. Mom can accidentally sit on them. It’s a scary time. Dogs and puppies knock over there water all the time. If no one is home then what? Are they fed once or twice a day. These are new borns just developing.

Do your research. Ask questions. If they don’t answer the phone now when you have questions, they certainly won’t answer the phone after you buy a puppy and you have questions.

Should I buy a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle?

The similarities in these dogs are the poodle. The differences are Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Goldens and Labs are very popular dogs. Often they go 1 and 2 in the countries most popular dogs. The reason is because they are very loving and loyal companions.

Are they good with children?

Either dog are great with children. These dogs were born to be part of a family. You don’t have to worry about an aggressive dog here, as long as its not abused. Also they are good protectors for young children. When strangers come they often let out a ferocious bark. Just there presence can promote security. You wouldn’t have to worry about visiting children. They are naturally warm towards all kids.

Is one better for service dog?

Both dogs are the most popular for service dogs. That is because of the poodle they are easy to train and can learn many tasks. Because of the golden and lab they are super loving and loyal to their master. Sandpoint Doodles has trained many dogs as prep service dogs, therapy dogs, and PTSD dogs. For more info see Prep service dogs.

Which one should I choose?

Honestly you probably can’t make a bad choice here. They are very similar. Labradoodles are a little more popular as pets and service dogs. They are going to look very similar as well. Do your research. But know their personalities are almost identical.