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The 10 best dogs for apartments you will love to own

In this article we will be talking about the 10 best dogs for apartments. This is a really important subject because before you buy a dog you need to know that you're getting a breed that is well suited for your lifestyle as well as your home. One thing to remember is that an apartment dog does not necessarily be a small dog. Large dogs can be incredibly happy in a small space if given proper physical and mental exercise.

So, what is important when it comes to a good apartment breed?

First of all, you will want a dog that is not a barker, so you aren't constantly bothering your neighbors. An apartment dog needs to be sociable with new humans and other dogs and they must be comfortable with loud noises. Before we get into this list, I just want to point out quickly that this list is in no particular order. All of these breeds can make wonderful apartment dogs. So go with whichever breed speaks to you.

The first breed we're going to talk about is the Greyhound. Greyhounds are fairly large dogs, weighing in at between 59 and 70 pounds. They are the fastest canine in the world. But surprisingly make themselves one of the 10 best dogs for apartments because they like to sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day. I mean, who wouldn't? Just make sure they do get regular walks and can sprint 2-3 times per week to get their exercise requirements in.

Next is the Bolonka. You may not have heard of this breed, but they are playful, inquisitive, and trainable. Bolonkas were bred to be the ultimate apartment dog. They do not need daily exercise and will thrive with just a long walk 2 or 3 times per week. The only thing I will warn you about with this breed is that they do like to alert their humans of what is going on around them. So they will need to be taught proper barking manners at a young age.

Our next apartment dog is the French Bulldog. Despite their name, French Bulldogs originated in England. They are incredibly intelligent, friendly, and adaptable to new situations. French bulldogs do not require a lot of exercises and are more than happy with just a short, daily walk. If you do take your Frenchie out to play, make sure they don't overexert themselves in hot weather. Because they are a flat-faced breed they can have difficulty breathing. So you need to be careful when they are running and getting a lot of energy out.

Next is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavaliers are affectionate, gentle, and graceful dogs. They readily adapt to new people and environments. This makes them an ideal candidate for apartment living, since you never know how often you're going to have neighbors coming and going, new people moving into the complex, and new dogs arriving into their lives. These dogs will need a daily walk for exercise. But the rest of the time they are pretty happy just to cuddle up on your lap and watch T.V.

Our next apartment dog is another breed of bulldog. The English bulldog. These dogs are loving and affectionate, but also confident and fairly independent. While they do not bark a lot, they do snort and snore which is something you will need to be prepared for as their owner. English Bulldogs are solid, powerful, and strong. But they're incredibly lazy and enjoy sleeping for the vast majority of their day. So they make wonderful apartment dogs because their exercise requirements are incredibly low and they don't want to do all that much activity.

Pugs are an ancient breed of toy dogs with a fairly unique look, as they share the same coloring and markings as English Mastiffs. They are not an active breed and only require the bare minimum exercise. This is why you often see Pugs in a home with senior citizens or young children, where the owners don't necessarily have the time or energy to work and exercise them. Pugs are friendly, loving, and affectionate. They are great with kids, strangers, and other dogs. So they are the perfect fit in the list of 10 best dogs for apartments.

Next up is the Shih Tzu. These dogs are very sweet-tempered lap dogs who love to spend the majority of their time with their owners. They can be playful, but for the most part, are generally calm and affectionate. They are also great with strangers. Shih Tzu's are the type of dogs who will make friends with everyone living in your apartment building, so they are great for this type of living.

Corgis are playful, smart, and charming. Not to mention super adorable. They love people and are easily trained because they are incredibly obedient. These dogs do well in apartments because they don't have a high exercise requirement and they always want to be right next to their human. It doesn't matter if you live in a small space with a Corgi because they are always going to be right in your space. They don't need all the extra room to run and play.

Another breed you may not have heard of, but makes a good apartment dog is the Japanese Chin. These dogs are intelligent and friendly with their families, and they do not bark excessively. The only thing you may have to worry about with a Japanese Chin is that they can be fairly reserved around strangers. But to avoid this it just means that you have to properly socialize them from a very young age, and then they will be loving and affectionate with pretty much everybody that they meet.

The last breed I am going to talk about may surprise you, as it is the French Mastiff. French Mastiffs may be extremely large, weighing between 120 and 140 pounds. But they make a great pet for small spaces. These dogs are incredibly easy-going and gentle, they are not active at all, and will spend the vast majority of their day napping. They do not bark unless they feel that they have to, and the only exercise they require is a leisurely daily walk. So if you're looking for a lazy dog that will work in an apartment but you want a large breed dog, the French Mastiff is the perfect fit for you.

So, that was my list for the top 10 best dogs for apartments. Remember, this list was not in any particular order as I feel all of these breeds can truly thrive in an apartment setting.

If you liked this article please be sure to follow this blog, and let me know in the comments below what type of informational articles you would like to read on different dog breeds.

Vaginal Discharge in Dogs: Pyometra

Vaginal Discharge in Dogs or Pyometra is a uterine disease. Pyometra occurs most commonly in virgin female dogs that have not been pregnant. It is also seen in un-spayed cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and, rabbits. The problem can occur at any age but is usually seen in dogs who are 6 years of age or older.

It was once thought that the Pyometra was just a uterine infection.However the condition is now recognized as a hormonal abnormality with or without the presence of a secondary bacterial infection. It can be life-threatening if its treatment is not commenced in time.

What causes Vaginal discharge in dogs:

Pyometra commonly referred to as vaginal discharge in dogs is triggered by the heat cycle that doesn't end in egg fertilization. Dogs typically start showing signs of the disease within 2 to 4 months after the heat cycle. Either an excessive amount of progesterone or the uterus is hypersensitive to progesterone, is what causes Pyometra. Cysts develop in the lining of the uterus and release large amounts of fluid into the uterus. The accumulated fluid can certainly spark a secondary bacterial infection. The vaginal discharge in dogs can be a white or off white color with typical pungent smell.

The weight of a normal uterus in an average-sized dog is just a few ounces. However in the case of Pyometra, the organ can weigh up to four pounds due to the accumulation of fluid and diseased tissue. The fluid accumulation in the uterus starts leaking out through the vagina. The dog's natural response is to lick the area to clean it up. Excessive licking can also introduce bacteria through the cervix and into the uterus.

Open and Closed Pyometra:

The body's response to his secondary infection is to increase more fluid production and more white blood cells in the uterus. These continue to flow to the vagina. This is called an open Pyometra. This is because the cervix is still open. It allows all of this fluid and accumulated debris to be flushed out through the vagina. At some point, the cervix closes and the fluid can no longer flow out of the uterus. In the meantime, the body continues to produce more and more fluid and white blood cells. Consequently, continued enlargement of the uterus occurs, which is called a closed Pyometra.

In this condition the cervix does not allow the accumulated material to exit the vagina. In the worst-case scenario of vaginal discharge in dogs the uterus can rupture which empties all of this contents into the abdominal cavity. When this happens the animal usually dies of septic peritonitis and/or acute renal (kidney) failure from uremic poisoning within about 48 hours even with aggressive medical intervention.

The goal is to catch this condition long before the animal dies. So identifying symptoms early on is a really important facet of treating this condition successfully.

Symptoms of Pyometra:

Symptoms of Pyometra may include lethargy, depression, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and a bloated abdomen. Certainly, because the uterus is enlarged, a lot of vaginal discharge and excessive licking happens in the area. Also, weakness in the rear limbs is noticed due to the enlarged uterus.

These symptoms of Pyometra will be noticed after a heat cycle. So if your female dog has recently concluded a heat cycle and you notice some of these symptoms you should seek care immediately. Pyometra is diagnosed with an examination of the cervix and vaginal discharge plus x-rays. Ultrasound is sometimes done to evaluate the size of the uterus and to rule out pregnancy. Toxicity can develop rapidly in a dog with Pyometra. So prompt treatment is really in a very important part of successful treatment especially if the cervix has closed.

Treatment of Pyometra:

The preferred traditional treatment for Pyometra is spaying. If the owner wants to breed the animal, other options are available but they present a higher risk to the dog. Intravenous (IV) fluids are usually administered for several days along with antibiotics to treat the potentially life-threatening infection. The uterus and the surrounding areas will be irrigated to flush away pus and fluids and speed healing. In the case of open Pyometra, prostaglandins are sometimes administered to control cell growth, regulate hormone production, and cause contraction of the uterus to help expel the accumulated fluid.

Prevention:

Pyometra is most commonly seen in middle-aged or older virgin female dogs who have never been bred. This is the one condition that can be prevented by spaying your dog. This is unlike breast cancer which has historically been touted as being an important reason to spay dogs.

For a dog owner, it is important to prevent any type of unplanned pregnancy. If you plan to breed your dog you should be an experienced, knowledgeable, ethical breeder. You should select for health first and foremost. But of course, your primary concern is the well-being of your dogs and of course above and beyond the litters that they could produce. This means prioritizing the health of the cycling female first before the desire to perpetuate a certain strain of DNA.

So all that to say it is strongly recommended to spay a dog with Pyometra. This is necessary to avoid additional Pyo's after this particular heat cycle concludes. So if you're like most pet owners who don't intend to ever breed their pet, have your dogs spayed at an early age i.e. around six months. You can also learn about surgical sterilization options and the risks and benefits associated with all of them. If you decide to spay your dog you are a responsible pet owner. You should wait until your dog is sexually mature and fully mentally and physically developed before doing this procedure. It can help protect your dog against many forms of cancers and endocrine diseases later on.

How Much to Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy

How much to feed a golden retriever puppy? This is probably the first question that comes up in the mind after you bring home your little friend. Are you planning to get a golden retriever puppy or brought home one recently? Golden retrievers are adorable and intelligent dogs with golden shiny fur which very well justifies their name. If you had dogs before then you already know how to raise a puppy. But, those pet lovers who are going to have their first dog needs to know how to tackle the innocence of your little friend.

So here are some points which I will try to cover in this article:

What should be the weight of 1 month Golden Retriever?
How much to feed a golden retriever puppy?
what diet should you give him?
What medicine should you give?
How to handle ticks?
When should you vaccinate him?
Should you bathe them?
When will they go for poop or pee?
How to do their Grooming.
How much do they sleep?
Pro Tips

I recently brought home a Golden Retriever puppy, whose name is Jimmy, so how I took care of my Jimmy (puppy), and in the course of raising it, I got information from the vet. It is very useful, so I thought that I should share this information with you which will be useful for all those people who are thinking of getting a Golden Retriever puppy or have just brought one. So let us know how to take care of a Golden Retriever puppy.

What should be the ideal weight of a 1-month-old golden retriever?

The weight of Golden Retriever Puppy varies. It depends on the quantity and quality of his diet. Therefore, 1 Month Golden Retriever puppy weight should be from 2 to 3 kg. From my experience, I can say that their weight increases quickly if you feed him with some supplement like canine starter mix along with the regular home food. My puppy was also underweight when my vet suggested a supplement. In a few weeks, the difference was visible.

How much to feed a golden retriever puppy?

You can give food only 3 to 4 times to Golden Retriever Puppy and also fix a time to feed him. For example, if you gave a meal at 7 in the morning then give another meal after 4 hours i.e. By 11 o'clock in the same way, you can give the third meal till 3 o'clock and the fourth meal by 7 o'clock. By more frequent feeding, the puppy's food craving is reduced, so do not make the habit of giving food at any time.

After knowing how much to feed a golden retriever puppy, next come the question, what to feed him? If your puppy doesn’t eat his food, you can give him Cerelac (wheat). Canin Starter Max can also be given. You can grind Royal Canin Starter Maxi because in this way the puppy can easily eat and digest the food. You can also mix it in yogurt, cottage cheese, buttermilk. If your puppy eats Royal Canin Starter Maxi Food without grinding, then give it like that only.

While feeding always remember that a healthy puppy is the one whose ribs you can feel. If you can see your puppy’s rib it means that he is malnourished. An ideal condition is when you can’t see the ribs beneath the skin but can feel it when touched.

Supplement and Medicines for Puppies

It is very important to give vitamin and liver medicines to the Golden Retriever puppy. Also, you can give medicines for digestion and immunity because in a 1-month puppy the immune system is weak and digestion is not good because of the change in food habits. So for 1 to 2 months, they must be given digestive and immunity-boosting medicines. My puppy was given Tompcal for Vitamin and Tompliv for the Liver. Digyton Plus for Digestion and Immunol medicine by Himalaya for immunity. This medicine has to be given twice daily. Your vet may also prescribe OstoVet (for calcium) syrup and Vimeral syrup ( multivitamin). These medicines need to be mixed with food and given to the puppy.

Deworming of Golden Retriever Puppy

Deworming of Golden Retriever Puppy is very important. There are many types of worms in the stomach of the dogs and this is common for all dogs, so Vet asks to get your puppy’s Deworming done in 15 days and then after 21 days. Therefore, you must have your dog's Deworming done periodically. Deworming is given to a puppy of 1-2 months in Liquid form. After the puppy completes 2 months it is given as a tablet.

If Deworming of your puppy is not done on time, then you will see many symptoms in it like-

White Starch starts coming from Puppy's eyes.
The puppy will start to have a lot of hair fall.
The puppy will eat his potty.
He will go round and chew his tail.
The puppy will eat too much or eat too little.
The puppy will start to lose weight.

Veterinarians say that it is necessary to deworm any dog. Consult your vet for details.

Golden Retriever Puppy potty Training

Golden Retriever Puppy passes stools or pees at any place. But in 1 month you can find out when it needs to pee or poop. Puppies need to poop in the morning. They pee every time they wake up. Puppy poops only after 10-15 minutes of eating. There is no time for pee although.

Puppies may pee many times throughout the day but you can take him for a pee every 2 hours. Fix a place for excretions and always take your puppy at that place for pee or poop. Some vets also recommend poop spot marking spray. Wherever you spray, the puppy will poop there only. Whenever the puppy needs to poop, it starts moving in circles around a place. Always carry a paper whenever you take your puppy for defecation either inside the house or outside. It’s easy to dispose off later.

Grooming of Golden Retriever Puppy

Grooming of Golden Retriever Puppy is very important. If you do not pay attention to their daily grooming, then their fur will start falling. So it is very important to comb the puppy twice daily. Grooming and combing are as important as giving a good diet to the puppy. If proper care is not taken for the grooming then the loose fine hairs (fur) will be spread all over the house which will not only be a mess to deal with but may also be harmful to kids.

Tics are also a challenge in pups, due to which they start to get very itchy, so it is important that you also use Tick Comb. My pup was prescribed Himalaya's Erina-Ep Powder which was very useful and the ticks were finished within 2 weeks.

You have to use this powder only 2 times a week, on the puppy's coat. Also, use ticks comb with it, it removes ticks comfortably and easily. There is nothing to panic if your pup gets infected with ticks. Like human kids get lice sometimes dogs also get tics infection. Whenever you discover the first tick on your pup, start applying the powder from that day itself. Very soon the tics will vanish.

Golden Retriever Puppy Sleeping pattern

Golden Retriever Puppy when they are young, spends at least 22 hours of sleep. They are required to sleep for a few hours when they are tired of playing. They like to play a lot after a meal and very much active. Soon after this, they doze off. If not disturbed then they spend 2-3 hours sleeping. It improves their health as much as they sleep.

Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Bath

Golden Retriever Puppy should not be bathed for 3 months. You can clean him with dry bath shampoo. You have to give a dry bath only 2 times in a week. Puppy's body has to be lightly sprayed taking care not to go into the eyes. If your puppy gets wet by mistake, then immediately dry it with a dryer or else it can get sick, may stink, or may develop ticks. Be careful to save it from water and do not even take it outside the park for 3 months.

Vaccination schedule for Golden Retriever pup

Vaccination is as important to your pup as it is for your kid. Dogs are susceptible to many life-threatening diseases which can infect at any stage of their life. Hence maintaining a proper vaccination schedule is very important for keeping a dog healthy throughout its life. Talk to your veterinarian for the complete vaccination of your pet. Here is a generally accepted vaccination schedule for your puppy.

Pro Tips:

Chocolates are like poison for your dog.
If your pet is a bitch be sure to breed it at least once or spay it at a younger age to eliminate the chances of pyometra.
Dogs are carnivorous by nature. Try to feed him nonveg at least once a week if you can (unless you are hardcore vegan)
Exercise like running and playing is a must for large breeds. If you are living in a flat, it’s a good idea to go for a pomeranian or pug rather than a German shepherd.
If your golden retriever develops a bad breadth, it may be due to a weak liver. Consult your Vet.

Also Read:

Vaginal Discharge in Dogs or Pyometra: A life threatening condition