Havanese Health Problems and Your Veterinarian

You are serious about learning more about how to care for the Havanese puppy you wish to purchase. It may have been many years since a dog has been in your home, or perhaps this will be the first do you have ever owned, or perhaps you have never spent much time with small breeds. What questions will you want to ask your Havanese breeder before you commit to the purchase of a particular animal? What simple, regular routines will you undertake to ensure your Havense's continued good health? What are the signs of health problems in any dog? What are the signs of particular Havanese health problems?

Do you know what you would do if needed to arrange emergency care for your Havanese? What should you do if your Havanese suffers an injury such as a broken bone? Do you know how to talk to your veterinarian about the injury?
Havanese' tend to be long-lived and very healthy. However, you should know about common Havanese health problems that might affect your dog. Since all Havanese in the United States can trace their ancestry to one of eleven animals, genetic Havanese health problems can arise. Havanese' are prone to displacement of leg bones (luxating patellas), genetic deafness, and eye problems. The problems are relatively rare and not fatal. Some of the leg problems with the Havanese can be corrected for surgery, but this will render the dog ineligible to compete in shows.

Luckily, Havanese breeders regularly test their stock of sires, dams and puppies for these disorders. The Havanese Club of America recommends breeders perform annual examinations of eyes, knees and hips, and hearing for their dogs. Eye test results are registered with Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) and knee and hip tests with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). An honest breeder should be able to provide you with the results concerning your Havanese.

Many Havanese health problems are not inevitable. You, your Havanese's best friend and protector, are the first line of defense. Watch for changes in your Havanese's actions or appearance. Is your previously playful Havanese, now just lying around all day? Is your Havanese keeping the same bowel and bladder habits? Is your Havanese eating? A change in any of these may signal illness.

You should arrange for regular veterinary checkups for your Havanese. Have the veterinarian check for parasites such as worms and ear mites and give the animal its vaccinations. Vaccination schedules vary, but nearly all include rabies, distemper, parvo and parainfluenza. Distemper and parvo are contagious and usually fatal infections. Law in all states requires rabies vaccinations. You should seek emergency care for your Havanese if any of the following occur: a suspected broken limb, suspected poisoning, trouble breathing, massive bleeding, poisoning, or seizures. Keep your vetrinarian's phone number on hand for any such emergency.

About The Author:
Fiona Kelly is a lifelong animal lover with a special interest in rare breeds. Promoting the health of your Havanese is a crucial part of Havanese care. Read this article for more information about the general and species specific health problems a Havanese might encounter. You will also get information about obtaining emergency care for your Havanese.

Tags: HAVANESE CARE, HAVANESE HEALTH PROBLEMS, EMERGENCY CARE FOR YOUR HAVANESE

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Title:	Havanese Health Problems and Your Veterinarian
Author:	Fiona Kelly
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Havanese Health Problems and Your Veterinarian