LoveToKnow Dogs:Ask the Dogs Expert

A female can have a litter if she is bred on her very first heat cycle, and most females come into heat for the first time around six months old. This can put a lot of stress on the animal because she is still trying to complete her own growth and development while her nutrients are being drained to support the developing litter. So, your plan to have your female spayed is definitely a wise one.

Most vets recommend spaying around six months old, while some are willing to spay as early as four months old. In the past, many vets recommended spaying after the first heat cycle had been completed, but there is a growing trend away from this recommendation.

I think it would be good to discuss the issue with your own vet and find out what his/her philosophy is on the topic. That way you can make an informed decision about what's best for your pet.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a long and happy life with your new pup. :) - posted by:Kelly

Yes, bitches can be infertile just like people. Some reasons for infertility include:

• Hypothyroidism - This can interfere with normal heat cycles.
• Fibrosis of the uterine horns or ovaries - this interferes with embryo implantation.
• Brucellosis infection - This can cause spontaneous abortion of the litter or resorption.
• Endocrine disorders
• Chromosomal defects
• Ovarian cysts

These are just a few possibilities from a longer list. If you have a female that you suspect is infertile and you had previously planned to breed her, you should consult your vet to see if it's time to test her to find out what's going on.

Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Yes, this is a bit of separation anxiety, but it's fairly normal for such a young puppy. What you need to do is gradually teach your puppy to have some healthy independence. You can begin by having her spend short periods of time on her own in the room with you where you don't give her any attention at all. You can then begin having her spends ten minutes or so on her own while you're in another room. You can make this time easier on her by giving her an appropriate chew toy or interactive dog toy to help occupy her in your absence. Do not give her any attention if she barks and cries. When you do re-enter the room, be non chalant, and do not give her a big greeting. Simply maintain a calm presence and go about your normal routine. Offering excess comfort will only instill the notion that your absence was a bad thing, and it could encourage exactly the behavior you don't want.

Eventually you can increase the amount of time your dog spends confined to one room while you're in another. The idea is that you're teaching her it's okay to spend some time on her own, but that you'll always return. In time, she will come to understand this, and she'll no longer panic whenever she's separated from you.

Thanks for your question. :) - posted by:Kelly

Yes, you can give your dog a children's cough suppressant, but you should ask your vet for a recommendation about which brand to use and what would be the correct dosage for your dog.

That said, it would actually be better to let your dog try to cough up the phlegm and expel it. Kennel cough can sound terrible, but it actually sounds worse than it is. Most dogs come through it just fine without any medication. What I suggest is that you run a cool mist vaporizor near the area where your dog sleeps. This will help keep his bronchial passages moist and make him more comfortable. The good news is that this will all be over in about two weeks. Just keep an eye out for increased symptoms that might indicate a secondary respiratory infection is setting in. We have a couple of good articles on this topic that I think you'll find helpful. Check out Home Treatment for Kennel Cough and How Do I Cure Kennel Cough

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog recovers quickly. - posted by:Kelly