How to Care for Your Havanese
Are you thinking about adding a Havanese puppy to your family? These cute little creatures can make wonderful family pets, whether your clan consists of adults only, a brood of kids or even other animals in the house. But any new pet will come with its own unique set of concerns and care issues, and Havanese are certainly no exception to this rule. If you are seriously considering a Havanese, the first thing you will want to do is research the various aspects of Havanese care to ensure that you will be able to offer your new puppy the best home possible for him to grow and thrive.
Part of Havanese care is to concern yourself with specific aspects of Havanese health, so that you know what types of problems to need to be aware of with your dog. It is also important to know what the requirements of your dog will be in terms of grooming, and diet and exercise. By preparing for your Havanese care in these three aspects, you will be ready to bring that adorable puppy home and make it a part of your family.
The first step in assuring good Havanese health is to educate yourself about some of the genetic medical issues that are typical for this breed. While the Havanese is a relatively healthy breed with a long life expectancy, all breeds have a few problems that you will need to watch out for.
By having a knowledge of these Havanese health problems before you select your puppy, you can screen breeders to find out if they have had experienced any of these health problems in their lines of dogs. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with documentation to show whether these health concerns might be a problem with your puppy.
Another important component to Havanese health is keeping your puppy clean and well groomed. The coats of these beautiful dogs need to be brushed regularly to keep them shiny and free of tangles. Some owners prefer to clip the coats of their Havanese to make them easier to care for, especially in the warmer summer months. A monthly bath should be sufficient to keep your pet clean and healthy.
The Havanese diet is another important component in Havanese health, and most breeders will recommend feeding your pet either a high quality manufactured dog and in most cases, a dry food is preferable over a canned one. If you are concerned about some of the ingredients that are found in your commercial dog food, you can also opt to feed your dog a raw food diet. It is best to talk to your veterinarian about the best way to approach this method of feeding.
It is best to find a brand that both you and your dog like and stick with it. If you must switch food, transition your pet slowly and gently, to avoid giving your dog stomach trouble. Most breeders and veterinarians will provide a dry food over a canned product, especially for young dogs.
Along with the nutritious diet, your pup will need regular exercise, and he will enjoy it more if he gets to do it with you! Take him for a walk every day, or play a few rounds of fetch in the backyard. With daily exercise, regular grooming sessions and a healthy diet, your pet will be the healthiest and happiest that he can be.
