What specifically are Merle chihuahuas?

Merle chihuahuas are said to be the newest ‘style’ or ‘designer colour’ to gain popularity among chihuahua breeding throughout the past fifteen years, however because of potential health issues, merle chihuahuas are seldom mentioned in credible books about genetic colouring patterns of the breed.  Chocolate and long haired merle chihuahuas also are a rare find, therefore making them more fascinating to people that are more concerned about creating a ‘fashion’ statement.

How does merle breeding work?

The merle gene can change the pigmentation of their base color causing them to possess a lighter coloured spots throughout their coat.  Merles will produce very intriguing and distinctive colored chihuahuas and from time to time can often have blue eyes.  The merle gene is also a dominant gene. This suggests that one parent should be a merle for the gene to be passed on to their offspring. Therefore the gene won't remain dormant for several years then suddenly surface.

Are merle chihuahuas more vulnerable to health issues than other chihuahuas?

The most controversial  and debatable issue with merle chihuahuas is if there exists an increase in potential health issues.  if a breeder doesn't breed responsibly, then there undoubtedly exists an magnified health risk with merle chihuahuas, however if a breeder breeds responsibly and is credible, merle chihuahuas are generally happy and healthy similar to all other chihuahuas.

A breeder doesn't breed responsibly if they mate two purebred merles together, where each parents are merles.  By doing so that they suppose they're strengthening the merle color, however in actual truth they're making a recipe for disaster because the double merle gene will produce chihuahuas with serious health defects that include visual defect, hearing impairment and even severe deformities.

Are there any other health issues in merle chihuahuas?

Sometimes merle chihuahuas are sensitive to daylight when they have the blue eye color, therefore it’s necessary to keep this in mind when outdoors on those bright and sunny days.

So what will all this mean?

Merle chihuahuas are even as cherubic as other chihuahuas. Its  unaccountable breeding practices that cause major health issues in merle chihuahuas. Therefore do your research and make queries if you're considering obtaining a merle chihuahua.  Don’t be afraid to research the breeder.  We’d additionally suggest that you simply think about rescuing or adopting a chihuahua from a shelter because those are the chihuahuas that require you the most!

 Okay so thats a little about the Merle Chihuahua. Miss Mildred and I hope you enjoyed our blog on this subject I really love doing this kind of information blog as while I am  doing my research I learn so much more every time I do so. We would love some ideas on other blogs to do as that would be fantastic.

  Miss Mildred and I Miss Squeak 

would love to thank you all for reading! 

Please Like +1 Comment and Share 

Miss Squeak Talks Common Leg Problems in Chihuahuas

What is the explanation for cruciate ligament injury in dogs?

In the overwhelming majority of dogs, the bone cruciate ligament (CrCL) ruptures as a results of long-term degeneration, whereby the fibres inside the ligament weaken over time. we do not understand the precise explanation for this, however genetic factors are in all probability most vital, with certain breeds being susceptible (including Labradors, Rottweilers, Boxers, West Highland White Terriers and Newfoundlands). Supporting proof for a genetic cause was primarily obtained by assessment of family lines, plus the information that a lot of animals can rupture the CrCL in each knees, usually comparatively early in life. alternative factors like obesity, individual conformation, hormonal imbalance and certain inflammatory conditions of the joint can also play a role.

How am i able to tell if my dog has cruciform ligament disease?

Limping is the commonest sign of CrCL injury. this could seem suddenly during or when you exercise in some dogs, or it may be progressive and intermittent in others. Some dogs are at the same time affected in each knees, and these dogs typically find it troublesome to rise from a prone position and have a really “pottery” gait. In severe cases, dogs cannot stand up in any respect and can be mistakenly suspected of getting a spinal problem

What is happening within an affected joint?

Fraying of the ligament triggers a cascade of events leading to knee pain and claudication. At the earliest stage, arthritis is already present. It’s vital to simply accept this, as a result of many of us ask “when can my dog get osteoarthritis?” when actually the dog has it already. At a crisis of fraying, the CrCL loses its traditional mechanical function, and painful limping is in the midst of a mechanical disability of walking. At this point, one of the factors influencing the mechanical gameness is that the shape of the top of the leg bone (shin bone) that features a pronounced backwards slope in dogs. The consequence of this slope in dogs with an incompetent CrCL is that the leg bone will go down the slope every time weight is taken on the leg. In dogs without impairment of the CrCL, this slope can only become a drag if it's terribly steep indeed and might predispose to CrCL problemsIn some dogs, the mechanical deficiency can result in trauma to different structures inside the joint, particularly, a pair of buffer cartilages referred to as menisci. In slipping down the slope of the top of the tibia, the leg bone will crush and tear these cartilages, particularly the one on the within of the joint.

How is cranial cruciate ligament injury diagnosed?

Diagnosis in dogs with complete rupture of the CrCL is typically supported examination by an experienced orthopedic Furbaby Doctor, with demonstration of laxity of the joint by specific manipulations of the knee. In dogs with partial tears or early degeneration of the ligament, alternative tests could also be necessary, as well as radiography (x-rays) or imaging scans. To be of most benefit, radiographs should be of optimum quality. In most dogs, exploratory surgery or arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) is employed to verify the identification, and to research for possible cartilage tears or alternative issues.  

How is cruciate ligament injury treated?

Non-surgical management

Non-surgical management is seldom suggested, except where the risks of a anesthetic agent or surgery are thought of excessive (e.g. patients with severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hormonal disorders or immune conditions, etc.). The cornerstones of non-surgical treatment are weight management, physical therapy, exercise modification, and medicine (anti-inflammatory pain killers). These same techniques {are also|also are|are} vital within the short-term management of dogs who are treated surgically, though the primary surgical aim is to reduce the necessity for long-term exercise restriction and medicine. Dogs larger than 15kg have a awfully poor likelihood of turning into clinically normal with non-surgical treatment. Dogs weighing less than 15kg and cats have an improved likelihood, although improvement typically takes many months and is never complete.

Surgical management

Surgical treatments are classified into techniques that aim to switch the deficient ligament, and those that render the ligament redundant by cutting the leg bone and re-aligning the forces performing on the stifle joint.

Ligament replacement techniques

Various surgical techniques that mimic the procedures used for ligament replacement in humans are practiced for more than five centuries. Techniques using transfer of local tissues have the poorest likelihood of returning limb function to nearly normal or normal. this can be in all probability as a result of the replacement tissues don't seem to be as strong because the original ligament, and they are positioned within the same unfavourable biomechanical surroundings that caused the original|the initial} ligament to fail within the first instance.

Prosthetic ligament replacement techniques have conjointly been used for several years. These are straightforward techniques that have the power to return several animals to just about normal function. The first disadvantages of those techniques are their unpredictability throughout the early stages of recovery and mechanical limitations in heavy and athletic dogs. Some dogs become transiently more lame before improvement happens. Others take several weeks to improve, and a proportion can have on-going knee instability and pain. Variations of this system are most ordinarily suggested for dogs with traumatic cruciate ligament injuries and in animals where several stabilizers of the knee are broken, therefore known as “multiligamenous injuries”.

For decades, sutures of nylon with varied knotting and crimping systems are placed between a bone at the rear of the leg bone (the fabella) and a tunnel within the top of the tibia. These so-called fabello-tibial tubercle sutures have had variable reported  success rates dependent on material and technique. the foremost necessary aspect of this system is that the ligament origin on the femur and insertion on the shinbone are as iso-metric as possible, i.e. stay as far as possible the same length in flexion and extension. in point of fact this can be not possible and then the principle has been referred to as “quasi-isometry”. High success rates are reported  for the Anthrax “TightRope” technique that uses an artificial material known as Fibretape or Firewire on metallic anchors placed through bone tunnels within the femur and the shinbone.

What are the potential issues or complications after cruciate ligament repair surgery?

Fortunately, complication rates are low when experienced surgeons perform cruciate ligament repair surgery. the two commonest complications are infection and mechanical complications. Infection is treated using antibiotics. In some cases, surgical irrigation is necessary, and within the worst cases wherever microorganism adhere to the implants, the implants must be removed once the bones have recovered. within the overwhelming majority of animals, the implants stay in place for life and cause no issues in the slightest degree. Mechanical complications typically occur in dogs that exercise too much before the bones have recovered (which takes about six weeks). several mechanical complications are managed with rest alone, though some issues need surgical revision. A rare complication of late injury to the menisci (buffer cartilages) within the operated hinge joint can need treatment using keyhole surgery. other rare complications as well as sprains and strains round the hinge joint will usually be managed using physical therapy.

Miss Mildred and I hope this blog has helped so furbaby mum and dads out also below is a special question from a sweet little furbaby Chihuahua from Facebook called Chickeeta we hope this helps your mummy out and I think the problem might be number 4 on the list below!

5 Reasons Why Dog’s Paws Peel:

1—Burns – Hot pavement and searing sand can wreak havoc on your pet’s paws.

2—Rips— Nails, sharp rocks and even sand spurs can rip your dog’s paw pads. 

3—Allergies—If your dog suffers from allergies, one symptom could be peeling paw pads.

4—Footpad diseases – Hyperkeratosis is a disease affecting the tough and fibrous skin that covers the paw pads. It grows excessively causing the pads to crack so that peeling feather-like skin will appear around the edges of the paw pads.

5—Lack of moisture – If your dog’s paw pads dry out, they can crack and peel. To remedy this, you’ll want to rub Vaseline™ or other dog approved paw balm on the pads and keep them covered with furbaby socks so they can heal.

It’s a good idea for your vet to check out your pet’s peeling paws and make sure you address the underlying problem. If it’s a dog food allergy for instance, you’ll want to determine the cause of the allergy and eliminate it from your pet’s diet.

As your pet’s paws heal, you’ll likely need to keep them bandaged and will need to prevent your pet from licking the hurt spots. Licking can prevent healing.

 As I said before thanks so much for reading my blogs Miss Mildred and I are trying to do my blogging as its a nice way to spend sometime having a coffee and resourcing the information then putting it into my own words that other furbaby mums and dads can relate to with out all the big and fancy words that sometime come with reading medical info so we real love doing this as it keeps the brain active and gee its like my favourite subject to cover anything dog related its my passion as everyone should have one and this is one of mine some others include taking photos of my furbabys and helping out my Monster with his music hence I am the camera lady the makeup lady the hairdresser and the last but not least the tea lady and I love it .. I wish everyone reading this happiness and joy in whatever makes you happy dream big you can succeed 

Live Laugh Love 

please remember we would love to hear you comment and ideas below !

Like Share +1 and Comment 

Miss Squeak and Miss Mildred xx 

Miss Squeak Talks About Miss Mildred The Chihuahua!

     

Hello everyone Miss Mildred and I hope you are all well and happy ! Today I thought I would talk about my furbaby chihuahua Miss Mildred as it is  getting very cold here in Western Australia and gee little Miss Mildred feels the cold so very badly and people might think that I am dressing her just so she looks cute but oh no its because she is so tiny and has very short fur and hardly any body fat hence I do enjoy finding her cute outfits to wear and yes she has shoes to keep her feet warm and sandals for summer to keep her feet from getting burnt on the ground !

Miss Mildred is not a toy or a rat she is a real dog with teeth and real attitude  and she might be small but she thinks she is bigger the all other dogs ! We have been constantly training her so she is the happy well rounded furbaby we want and by doing so she knows how far she is able to push us but we are the ones she looks to for  guidance I am having trouble with getting her to sleep in her nice warm cozy bed at night she will stay in her bed until I turn the tv off and then its like mum mum let me in the bed with you and daddy over the last  few nights we have been trying our hardest to get her to sleep in her bed and gee it is like have a toddler all over again every half hour her little face would be looking up at me and her cute little feet where tapping at the edge of the bed its has been like the battle of the bedroom and yup for all the good advice I might give in my Blog this has been the hardest habit to get out of as you might know Miss Mildred and I spend our time between two homes 

so when I am home alone I like her to sleep with me I know bad Miss Squeak bad I am trying hard to break the habit as now only Miss Mildred and I will be in the bedroom alone as poor old man river is gone now , So maybe we can break the habit fingers crossed its like when you have a baby and its crying what do you do hmmm I would pick them up and sooth them then my boys might end up in my bed hahaha yes I was one of them mothers so I understand why my little cute adorable Miss Mildred ends up in the bed so its just a short blog today as I am still getting over the loss of Sebastion things are just not the same around here with out him ! So I going to try to get a blog up twice a week again hope to see you all again soon ! If you have any ideas you might like me to blog about just post in the comments below I  would love to know what you all want ?

 Once again thankyou for reading my Blog

Miss Squeak Talks About 

Miss Mildred The Chihuahua !

Please Remember To 

Like Share +1 and Comment 

Miss Squeak and Miss Mildred xx

Miss Squeak Talks First Aid For Your Furbaby

                          

Hello it's that time once again lets have a little talk on First Aid for our furbabys , and sometimes we just need a little help Now lets get started with a few things you might need in your First Aid Bag .

              Wound sprayThere are all kinds of ways that your dog can get cut, scratched, or otherwise suffer injury to their skin, both around the house and outdoors. Vetericyn, for example, is non-toxic, won’t sting, and is designed to clean and speed healing.

                   Self-cling bandage

If your dog suffers a serious laceration or other injury, you’re probably going to want to cover it with a bandage after using the wound spray. Look for self-cling bandages that won’t stick to your dog’s fur to avoid painful removal later.

                  

                  Bandage scissors
Unless you want Fido looking like a mummy when you bandage him, include a pair of bandage scissors in your kit that are designed to cut through gauze, clothing, and (yes) bandages. 

                 Eye wash and ear wash
If your dog gets some kind of pollutant or other contaminant in her eyes or ears, it can cause itching, stinging, burning, or worse. Dog-safe eye wash and ear wash can help you flush out the problem materials with a dropper nozzle and can even be used on any dressing needed.

                Dog cone
The problem with eye and other head-related issues is that your pup is going to do whatever he can to scratch and rub at the area with his paw. Prevent this from happening by using a dog cone, which will also prevent your dog from being able to chew at stitches from surgery or lick at a hot spot during treatment. Your vet may also refer to this as an Elizabeth Collar, or e-collar for short.

                Muzzle 
Even a normally calm and balanced dog may lash out when injured, and he may also bite at a wound, making it worse. Muzzles, like the Funny Muzzle, serve the dual purpose of keeping a nervous or aggressive dog from harming others or bringing harm to himself. 

                Leash
The leash is an important tool to have on-hand because it’s a way to gain control of your dog at a time that she might be panicking and try to run away. You want to be able to focus on the injury, not just keeping your dog from fleeing.

               Hydrogen peroxide
If your dog consumes poison, you might not have time to get them to the vet. Depending on the poison, making your dog vomit can be an important tactic until you can get them to treatment. One safe and effective way to induce vomiting and get the poison out of their system is to force them to drink hydrogen peroxide. Always keep a fresh bottle on hand. 

 Thanks For Reading , 

Miss Squeak Talks First Aid For Your Furbaby

Hope you enjoyed it don't forget to plus 1 and share 

Thankyou Very Much 

Miss Squeak and Miss Mildred xx

Miss Squeak Talks Dangerous Foods for Dogs

                

When you see flossy providing you with a sad little look while standing next to the dining table, you may be tempted to slide your furry pal to a small degree a little of your food. Or maybe you have been within the thick of a large an oversized holiday meal and let your pet tend to the ground scraps. Beats sweeping, right?

Sharing food together with your pet could appear comparatively harmless, however outside of encouraging unhealthy begging behaviors and probably even weight gain (thanks to the additional calories), you may really be putting your pet's overall health and life in danger. There are a number of foods and ingredients consumed by humans on a daily basis, like chocolate, milk and garlic that may trigger serious toxic  reactions in pets. We'll take a more in-depth look at those that may be most harmful to your four-legged friends. We'll examine the signs of consumption, the side effects, and what you should do in case of emergency. Let's begin with one that looks terribly harmless:

..Milk.. 

While a glass of cold milk can do your body good, the same can't be said for your pets. Neither cats nor dogs come equipped with systems that inherently carry enough lactase (the enzyme that helps break down lactose). As a result, introducing cow's milk or milk-based products like ice cream into their diets can lead to digestive issues including upset stomach and diarrhea, or even food allergies. Follow the advice of organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and keep your pet on a lactose-free path. Or seek out commercially prepared milk substitutes created especially for cats, which can be found at your local pet shop.

..Bones.. 

If you're inspired by the nursery rhyme "This Old Man" and tempted to "give a dog a bone," be cautious about what you're giving to Rover. While the idea of a pup gnawing on a bone might seem like second nature, you could be introducing a health risk by handing one over. It could splinter and cause choking, intestinal blockage, or tears in your dog's digestive tract. Nevertheless, the act of chewing a bone does help with dental issues by scraping off plaque and stimulating gums, which help control bad breath. However, it's safer to purchase nylon-based or pressed rawhide bones for these purposes.

Raw meat can present challenges as well, in terms of transmitting bacteria like E. coli that can be harmful to pets and disturb your pet's digestive system. Avoid sharing any uncooked beef, poultry, or fish, and keep any items you're defrosting for dinner well out of reach.

..Onions and Garlic..

Several common seasonings, as well as onions, garlic and chives, will produce issues for your pets by triggering irritation in their epithelial duct, presumably resulting in serious red blood cell damage, bronchial asthma attacks, and even liver harm. Immediate signs of intake include vomiting, diarrhea, stained body waste and lethargy. Reactions appear to be more prominent among cats than dogs, although each are best-known to react once exposed to raw, stewed or dehydrated kinds of these ingredients. Whereas cats and dogs are not notably interested in the smell of onions or garlic, this stuff are so present in stewed food, we should keep in mind to not provide our pets meat that has been sautéed or garnished with these seasonings.

..Caffeine and Chocolate..

If your dog looks to a small degree groggy and you think that a cup of coffee would possibly help, caffeine. alkaloid is harmful to animals due to the presence of methylxanthines, chemicals which may be found not just in coffee, however conjointly in tea, colas, energy drinks, and even pain killers and diet pills. consumption will trigger vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, panting, increased  thirst and urination, however also more serious symptoms like tremors, abnormal heart rhythms and death.

Chocolate also contains lower amounts of methylxanthine. Levels vary, depending on the kind. However, chocolate is a double whammy of sorts to pets, because it also contains theobromine, another probably harmful part which will trigger reactions like restlessness, vomiting and muscle spasms. simply four to ten ounces (113 to 283 grams) of chocolate may be fatal to smaller dogs. sugarless  chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest amounts of theobromine, while white chocolate has all-time low. That said, it is best to keep all kinds of chocolate out of reach.

Bakers, beware: If your dog or cat gets its paws (or rather, mouth) on some yeast dough, the results can be nice discomfort at the very least, if not a more tragic outcome. Yeast dough will expand in your pet's abdomen, resulting in increased  gas production in its gastrointestinal system. this might trigger rupturing of the abdomen or intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal discomfort and bloat.

..Yeast..

Bread presents less of a risk because the yeast has already risen, however nonetheless,   "bread-based" treats should not exceed more than five to ten % of a pet's overall caloric intake. It's better to get your fur baby  a "cupcake" from a dog bakeshop

These are just a few foods that can  be found around your kitchen and in your relaxing area at home so be careful with the treats you give your little fur baby  because we don't want to have a expensive trip to the vet that could have been avoided it the first place I have learnt that my Little Miss Mildred loves to sit next to be while I have my morning coffee so I have a little bit of her favourite treats with me at the ready and I use dehydrated chicken and turkey breast to treat her when she sits and comes when called I also don't really let anyone else feed her or treat her as I like to know what she is eating so i don't have to take her   to the vet .. I really hope you have enjoyed my blog on Dangerous Foods for Dogs 

Thankyou For Reading 

..Miss Squeak and Miss Mildred..