So, you're thinking about buying a Havanese puppy. You will be brining one of the most rare purebred dogs in the world into your home. There are only approximately 4,000 Havanese dogs in the United States! They have been specially bred for their short stature, sturdiness, and long soft hair. However, common Havanese health problems have come from centuries of breeding in a very small gene pool. You will want to monitor your puppy for these Havanese health problems so that you will enjoy your Havanese's show-dog looks and socialable nature for many, many years to come.
No one likes to think about it, but sometimes our beloved pets are injured—hit by a car or bicycle. Many dog owners are unprepared for emergencies, don't know how to find emergency care for their pet, and may not even have a regular veterinarian. Arranging emergency care for your Havanese, should it ever be needed, need not take you by surprise.
The Havanese is a longhaired breed, so you should brush and comb their fur twice a week. This will prevent matting and tangles. Most Havanese owners have their dogs professionally groomed several times a year. Be sure to keep your Havanese's eyes and ears clean. This will help prevent infections. Common Havanese health problems include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dislocated kneecaps (luxating patellas), ear infections, poodle-eye, and dry skin. None of these problems is life threatening. Knee problems in the Havanese lead to bow-leggedness. Cataracts and retinal atrophy can lead to early blindness. Poodle-eye is a harmless brown staining in the corners of the eyes. Havanese breeders are making the effort to maintain databases on the health defects of their dogs and to remove dogs with eye and knee problems from their breeding lines.
Be sure that you have a regular veterinarian for your Havanese's health care. As part of regular veterinary care, your Havanese puppy should receive vaccinations against common animal diseases and examinations for parasites such as worms and ear mites.
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. This article presents a discussion of Havanese health problems, both general and Havanese-specific. This article also includes information about obtaining emergency care for your Havanese.
