DIY Network

Dr. Karen's Tips From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-101

As Copper heads home, Dr. Karen has some advice to offer the Crillys.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Advice

• Golden retrievers have a thick undercoat that requires a lot of brushing, especially if they spend time playing or living outside. The purchase of a good brush is highly recommended.

• When feeding your dog, make sure to consult your food packaging guidelines as to how much to feed him. Copper is going to need about 16 to 18 ounces of food per day. And as with any dog, be careful not to supplement their food intake with too many treats.

• Chew toys should be appropriate to the dog that you are choosing them for. Copper needs a size appropriate chew toy. Toys that are too small or thin can cause choking or other intestinal problems when ingested. Choose a toy that will hold up to your dog’s chewing. Nylon bones are very good for removing tartar from teeth (figure A). Small pieces that come off and get swallowed will pass through your dog without harming him. Cone shaped rubber toys can give your dog hours of enjoyment because you can stuff them with treats (figure B). Again, if pieces are chewed off of a rubber toy they too shall pass.

Figure C

Microchip Pet Identification

With thousands of lost or stolen pets every year, it is very important to have an identification system for your dog. Some of your options include collars and tattoos. The tattoos can be applied while the animal is under anesthesia. Collars can be bought and a tag made that has your address and telephone number. Of course, if those change, then you are going to need new information, and so a new tag.

There is another system and it’s called micro-chipping. This little chip is about the size of a grain of rice (figure C). It is covered with a biocompatible glass. Your veterinarian will place it at the base of the dog’s neck, right by the shoulder blades. It doesn’t cause any inflammation or irritation to your dog. He won’t even know it’s there. If your dog gets lost or stolen, the rescue agency can use a universal scanner over the top of the microchip and a computerized number will come up on the screen. The rescue agency can then call the company and find out the information about you and your pet so that the two of you can be reunited.

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com