1. How many teeth does a dog have?

Dogs have 28 deciduous (baby teeth), and 42 permanent teeth. They lose needle-sharp baby teeth at 4 months, replaced by permanent chompers.

2. What is a dog’s average temperature?

100°-102° Fahrenheit, much higher than humans’ 98.6°.

3. Does a hot, dry nose indicate illness?

No. This is a myth. Many normal dogs have dry noses. Although a dehydrated dog will often have a dry nose as well as a dry mouth, sunken eyes and look “sick”. If your dog’s nose is dry, but he is eating and behaving normally, don’t be alarmed. If your dog has a wet nose but loses his appetite, appears listless or shows other signs of illness, bring him in to the clinic to see the vet.

4. How often do dogs go into heat?

Most females go into heat twice yearly. Some dogs cycle only annually.5. Should you allow your dog to have a litter of puppies to satisfy her maternal instinct before spaying her? No. It serves no purpose to allow a dog to have a litter of pups before spaying. In fact, failing to spay or neuter contributes to pet overpopulation and the resulting euthanasia of millions of dogs annually.

6. How many puppies will a medium-size dog deliver?

Average number is about 4 to 8 pups. Miniature breeds may have only one puppy while giant breeds can have 15 or more.

7. What’s the optimum age for spaying or neutering?

Between 4 and 6 months of age. Spaying females before their first heat cycle, at 6 to 9 months of age, is optimum. The best age for neutering males is unknown. Although, some vets advise to neuter before they develop characteristic behaviors, such as marking territory with urine.

8. Is eating grass normal or a sign of illness?

Dogs commonly eat grass, but it’s not known whether they do so to make themselves vomit or whether the grass makes them vomit.

9. Is a dog’s licking or chewing of houseplants harmful?

Yes. Many common houseplants are poisonous to dogs, including holly, English Ivy, hydrangea, Christmas rose, poinsettia and rhododendron. If your dog eats a plant and you’re unsure if it’s poisonous, check with a poison control center. Treat all poisonings as emergencies and get prompt veterinary attention. Animal Poison Control Center emergency hotline: (888) 426-4435.

10. How many times a day should you feed your dog?

This varies with dogs and their breed. After approximately 1 year of age, feeding once daily is adequate for most dogs. Some, especially large breeds and the smaller breeds should have their daily rations split into two feedings.

11. What are the most common dietary problems in dogs?

Obesity.

12. What information should you look for on a dog food label to ensure the best nutrition?

Certification that it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements for feeding trials. Pet food companies concerned about their product will have their food tested and prominently display this acceptance on their packaging. AAFCO, at www.aafco.org, is a national organization that regulates the manufacture, distribution and sale of animal feeds. Is also licenses food that meets AAFCO nutrient analysis, but this isn’t as desirable as feeding trials.

13. Are dogs colorblind?

No, contrary to popular belief. Dogs can see color but not in as vivid a color scheme as we do. Their vision compares to ours at twilight.

14. What is the No. 1 cause of dog abandonment?

The most common reasons given are that the dog is too active, barks too much or is destructive. In many cases, owners may consider normal behavior a problem. Research the breed before you bring them home.

15. Should you punish you puppy if you come home to find an expensive pair of shoes or one of your child's toys chewed up?

NO. Your puppy - or and adult dog for that matter - won’t understand the connection between punishment and the shoe he chewed hours before. In fact, responsible trainers today don’t use punishment. Instead, they reinforce positive behavior. The only time you should correct your dog for inappropriate chewing is when you catch him in the act. Even then, only say “No! Leave it!”, take the item away and give the puppy an appropriate chew toy, praising him when you do. Remember that puppies’ use early chewing to begin shedding baby teeth. Provide a variety of appropriate chew toys.

16. Based on an 11-year life span, what is the average cost of owning a dog?

The estimated cost, including food, veterinary preventive care, training, spaying or neutering, licensing fees and miscellaneous expenses are more than $13,350.

17. What is the most popular dog breed in the United States?

Labrador Retriever. The gentle, easygoing, but active breed tops the list of America Kennel Club registrations, followed by Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dachshunds and Beagles.

18. What is the smallest breed?

The Chihuahua. Full-grown, this lively and intelligent breed weighs 6 pounds or less.

 

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