Should you feed your dog bones: precautions and dangers

Give your dog bones: yes, but not just any bones. Some of them can cause serious health problems, especially injuries to the esophagus, stomach and teeth. Precautions must be taken.

Giving bones to your dog, yes...

Gnawing on bones is one of the greatest pleasures of dogs, who consider them real treats. Moreover, several benefits are attributed to this practice. The first is the preservation of the animal's oral health. Thanks to the rubbing of the teeth against the bone, the dental plaques causing the appearance of tartar are gradually eliminated. This method can be used in addition to brushing the teeth. It also cleans the inside of the mouth and ensures a better breath for the animal. And since bones contain minerals such as calcium, all these properties are beneficial for the dog.

...but beware of danger

In view of its many benefits, giving bones to your four-legged friend is therefore highly recommended. However, it is important to choose them carefully because not all of them are suitable. Rabbit and chicken bones as well as fragile, sharp or breakable bones should be avoided. As they break easily, bones become a source of injury: bleeding from the rectum, broken teeth, bleeding from the gums and tongue, bones stuck in the esophagus, digestive problems. A surgical intervention may even be necessary in case of stuck fragments.

Which bones to give him?

The best bone for dogs is the beef marrow bone, preferably from the middle of a femur. This type of bone is hard and will not yield to the pressure of the jaw. Raw bones are preferable because they are less easy to chew. Nevertheless, it is important to pay particular attention to the sanitary quality of the food to avoid food poisoning. The bone must also be large enough so that the animal cannot swallow it whole, thus avoiding intestinal obstruction or choking.

Precautions to take

When eating the bones, it is important to keep a close eye on the dog to make sure it does not swallow the treat all at once. He should be left alone in a quiet corner as he may become aggressive if you get too close. Children should understand that they should never disturb the doggie while it is eating its bone. He could think that they want to take it away from him and, out of a desire to protect his bone, he could bite.

Another important point is to remove the bone before the dog buries it somewhere. Under the ground, the food can rot and become brittle, which can be dangerous for the animal. To avoid being bitten at this time, it is advisable to divert his attention and quickly retrieve the bone.

As for the frequency of consumption, once or twice a month will be more than enough, otherwise risks of food imbalance and digestive disorders may occur.

The Chihuahua, a small dog with a strong character!

You should not judge him by his small size: the Chihuahua has a strong temperament and is very suspicious of strangers who approach him or his owners. A character that shows his loyalty and attachment to his family. Better yet, its small size is not synonymous with poor health since this breed can live up to 20 years.

Characteristics of the Chihuahua

Its small size is the first detail that attracts attention when it comes to the physical characteristics of the Chihuahua. It is between 16 and 20 cm long and weighs between 1 and 3 kg. It has a well-structured and compact body, with a broad chest and a short, firm back. This balanced and harmonious constitution is one of the assets of this breed.

Their coat is short, soft and shiny, although it is not uncommon to see Chihuahuas with long, silky, fine hair. White, tan, cream or black: the coat can also have several colors. The eyes are another particularity of the Chihuahua: they are big and very expressive. The same goes for the ears, which are large, erect and very wide apart.

History of the Chihuahua breed

It is said that the Chihuahua originated in Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua. It would have been very appreciated by the Aztec princesses. Several engraved stones discovered in Mexico have brought to light canines whose resemblance to the Chihuahua is striking.

In spite of these legends, one thing is sure: the origin of this breed remains unclear. It could be much further back, because in a painting by Sandro Botticelli in 1482 called "Scenes from the life of Moses", we can see the image of a dog that looks like the Chihuahua. At that time, Europeans had not yet arrived in America. It is therefore said that this breed originated in China and was brought to America much later.

Living conditions and behavior of the Chihuahua

Playful and dynamic, the Chihuahua is characterized by its strong character. A way perhaps to compensate for its small size. In any case, it is not a dog that lets itself be done and it can emit strong barks in front of strangers in order to frighten them. Because of its size, this breed is an excellent companion dog but can also be used as an alarm dog. As it is a fighter, it is not afraid to take on much larger dogs. To avoid any problems, it is better to educate him from a young age so that he learns to control his fiery temperament.

As far as living conditions are concerned, he will be just as happy in an apartment as in a large house with a garden. But as he is very energetic, he must enjoy regular walks.

Diet and main health problems of the Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is not at all in poor health. On the contrary, it is very robust. Nevertheless, it can in some cases be subject to eye irritations as well as dental problems caused by tartar. Another point: as it is very dynamic, it can be victim of falls which can be fatal.

His diet should be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and lipids which are provided by quality kibbles. Finally, a good hydration is essential.

The Clumber Spaniel, dog of imposing size

A dog of imposing size, the Clumber Spaniel has swapped its role of hunting dog for that of pet. It is a dog pleasant to live with, faithful and affectionate which will get along wonderfully with the children being an inveterate player.

Characteristics of the Clumber Spaniel

Belonging to the large family of Spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel stands out because of its somewhat atypical physique. It is relatively heavy, low on legs and especially corpulent. It is a large dog that measures between 43 and 51 cm and weighs between 25 and 35 kg. It is said that it has a physiognomy resembling that of the Sussex spaniel. Apart from its massive bone structure, this dog is distinguished by its bulky head which is medium long and square in shape. It has a strong muzzle with a few freckles as well as front legs. It has clear eyes a little sunken which display a dark amber color. The ears remind of a vine leaf. They are large and go forward. The Clumber Spaniel has a long and abundant coat that has a soft texture and a straight shape. The chest and limbs are trimmed with thick bangs. The dog should have a white coat dotted with orange and lemon colors.

History of the Clumber Spaniel breed

The true origins of the Clumber Spaniel are relatively unclear. Some say that its origins would be French where it would have appeared for the first time. Others say that it would rather come from England and would be the result of a cross between Spaniels, Saint Bernards and Bassets. The breed was very appreciated by the nobility. Prince Albert and his son Edward VII of the United Kingdom contributed greatly to the success of the Clumber Spaniel. Like many dogs, it almost disappeared during the 20th century before regaining its letters of nobility from 1925 thanks to George V. Today, the breed is extremely rare.

Living conditions and behavior of the Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is nicknamed the aristocrat of the Spaniels certainly because of the natural elegance that it gives off despite its massiveness. It is a dog which cumulates many qualities. It is calm, stable, kind and easy to live with. He tends to bond with one member of the family in particular. But this does not prevent him from being fond of other humans. He gets along very well with children and can play for many hours with them. The Clumber Spaniel can not be used for guarding, because it barks very little. This dog is not very active either, although it needs at least one hour of daily walk.

Feeding and main health problems of the Clumber Spaniel

Because of its strong corpulence, the Clumber Spaniel is fragile at the level of its articulations and its skeleton. He can be affected by elbow pain, hip dysplasia or complete ossification of the humeral condyle. It is also advisable to watch out for hereditary eye disorders that can be detected through tests.

The Manchester Terrier, a graceful and elegant dog

A model of grace and elegance, the Manchester Terrier was originally specialized in hunting vermin before becoming a very good pet. It is a good guardian and a joyful laugh that brings joy to families.

Characteristics of the Manchester Terrier

Revealing a body with substance, the Manchester Terrier stands out for its robustness and elegance. It does not go unnoticed with its muscular and powerful hind legs and straight forelegs well positioned on the body. The average height of the dog is 38 cm for a female and 41 cm for a male. The weight is around 8 kg. The Manchester Terrier has a narrow, flat and wedge-shaped skull, but it is long. The lips are tight, the jaws are of equal length and the nose is black. The Manchester Terrier is recognized by its bright, dark, almond-shaped eyes. The V-shaped ears are small. The dog has a short, smooth, close coat that should be jet black and tan.

History of the Manchester Terrier breed

As the title suggests, the Manchester Terrier is an English breed. It is said to be a cross between the Whippet and the Old Black and Tan Terrier, a pest hunter that had its heyday in the North of England. During the 19th century, dog shows were very successful. It is because of this phenomenon that the Manchester Terrier was created. It did not take long for it to win the hearts of the British people, even if it meant stealing the show from the little dogs that accompanied the ladies. It was even nicknamed the Gentlemen's dog because of its elegant appearance. Although the breed was very popular at one time, today it is little known outside of the English borders. In fact, due to the gradual reduction of the Manchester Terrier population, they are classified as a "vulnerable native breed".

Living requirements and behavior of the Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier has many qualities. They are affectionate, loyal, gentle yet cheerful, quick and lively. It is a perfect pet for families with children, as it gets along very well with little ones as long as they learn to respect it. Untiring, he will never refuse a game of play to please his human companions. If properly trained, the Manchester Terrier can get along with other animals. However, because of its ratter origins, it may start chasing birds, rodents or small animals. As for his lifestyle, he loves the comfort and warmth of an apartment. But it must be able to do regular physical exercises and walks.

Nutrition and major health problems of the Manchester Terrier

Before adopting a Manchester Terrier, it is strongly recommended to check that it is not predisposed to certain hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, patella luxation and Willebrand disease type I.

Function and role of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Created in 1911, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is a worldwide canine organization aiming to promote cynology - the study and knowledge of dogs - and to encourage the breeding of pure breeds based on strict rules.

Definition of breed standards

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes a total of 352 breeds of dogs whose health, character and morphological appearance meet the requirements of the standards established by its 99 member and partner countries. Each member issues its own pedigrees and trains judges for dog shows. These criteria and requirements are the only reference on which the jury (during the shows and competitions held in the FCI member countries) and the breeders are based in their desire to produce dogs of excellent lineage. The world organization delegates to its members the maintenance of their own stud book (LOF in France).

More than a century of existence for the FCI

Based in the Belgian town of Thuin, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale was founded on May 22, 1911 by Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The First World War interrupted the project and it was not until 1921 that the Société Centrale Canine de France and the Société Royale Saint-Hubert in Belgium took the initiative to recreate the FCI. The two countries were soon joined by the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

The CFI is represented around the world

The 99 member and partner countries of the FCI represent the five continents and are divided into three geographical sections: Europe; the Americas and the Caribbean; Asia, Africa and Oceania. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale communicates with its members in its four official languages: French, English, German and Spanish. It also translates the rules and breed standards proposed by its partners.

FCI: the role of the commissions

Three mandatory commissions deal with specific issues: the standards commission, the disciplinary and arbitration commission and the scientific commission. The scientific commission deals with issues related to the health of the dog, such as hip dysplasia and other diseases affecting certain breeds, or the practice of inbreeding. At the same time, 24 optional commissions are in charge of various subjects such as exhibitions, hounds, utility dogs, rescue dogs, herding dogs, pointing dogs, retrievers and bushwhackers, greyhound racing, canicross, etc. ....

Activities of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale

The FCI oversees the international exhibitions and competitions organized by its members, in which the dogs must be judged according to the standards of the country of origin. Following these events, the federation verifies and certifies the titles of international champion in the various categories: beauty, working, obedience, agility, racing, performance, herding... Another activity of the FCI consists in managing the breeders' catteries. The cattery is the name of the kennel that allows to know the origins of the dog. Its registration in the French Book of Origins (LOF) represents a guarantee of traceability and security.

Framing of the breeding

The FCI has established international breeding regulations in order to legalize this activity within its member countries. The provisions concern in particular the conditions of the mating, the transfer of the breeding right and the registration of the puppies in the book of origins. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale advocates breeding to preserve and preferably extend the genetic diversity (polygenicity) of a breed. According to the FCI, "it is the responsibility of any breeder selecting a dog for breeding to ensure that the dog's character and physical condition are stable. As long as a breeder maintains the care of a puppy, he or she must allow the puppy to develop in a healthy - mentally and physically - and beneficial environment to ensure proper socialization."

Youth FCI, the next generation

The world canine organization recently created the FCI Youth group to oversee the actions of young dog lovers around the world. This initiative aims to cultivate and celebrate all activities carried out by teens, young adults and young professionals within the Fédération Cynologique Internationale's national organizations. FCI Youth is mobilizing social media to share its values and ideas to build the FCI of tomorrow, "for the benefit of dogs everywhere.

The Norfolk Terrier, dog with a mini format

The Norfolk Terrier, not to be confused with its cousin the Norwich Terrier, is a small-sized dog originally used as a hunting dog. Today, it has succeeded in a brilliant reconversion as a pet very appreciated by families because of its mini-format and its friendly nature.

Characteristics of the Norfolk Terrier

A small, hardy dog, the Norfolk Terrier is recognizable by its compact, low-slung physique. To be accepted by the standard, it must not be excessively heavy, go towards the "toy" format nor be too graceful. The dog must measure on average between 25 and 26 cm and weigh an average of 5 kg depending on sex and age. Apart from its small size, the Norfolk Terrier is appreciated for its irresistible face. It has a hairy head with a more or less rounded and wide skull. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, the stop is accentuated, the jaws are strong and the lips are tight. The eyes express dynamism. They are oval and have a dark brown or black color. The ears for their part have slightly rounded tips, are V-shaped and of medium size. The flat and straight coat is rather rough to the touch. It is relatively dense on the neck and shoulders. The whiskers and eyebrows are also abundant. The coat is gray, black and tan, red or in wheaten tones.

History of the Norfolk Terrier breed

Coming from Great Britain, the Norfolk Terrier shares common origins with the Norwich Terrier, which is distinguished by its folded ears. This English breed was born from a cross between several British terriers and would have appeared in the eponymous city. It was mainly used as a ratter. This dynamic dog was known to catch vermin very easily in stables and farms as well as among the gypsies living in Norfolk. This breed, which is still rare today, received official recognition in 1964.

Living conditions and behavior of the Norfolk Terrier

Its small size does not prevent it from being a valiant warrior. The Norfolk Terrier is a fearless, lively, active and very energetic animal. It develops a strong hunting instinct as it was specialized in tracking pests. This sometimes leads him to want to chase smaller than him. On the other hand, he remains sociable towards other dogs if his socialization is done early. At home, the Norfolk-Terrier is gentle, affectionate and pleasant to live with. He likes the constant presence of his owners at his side. Because of his hunting background, he needs a lot of physical exercise to be happy and healthy.

Diet and main health problems of the Norfolk Terrier

The life expectancy of the Norfolk Terrier ranges from 12 to 15 years. Some can live up to 19 years. Diseases that can affect the breed include hip dysplasia, patella luxation or congenital heart disease such as mitral valve disease. Dogs can also become brachygnathic and prognathic.