What you must know about dogs

After several centuries, humans have developed hundreds of different dog breeds. Some are tiny, some are huge, some have little heads with big ears, and some have big heads with little ears.

What sets different dog breeds apart?

The skeletal and muscular systems of the different dog breeds, while similar, do reflect refinements that characterize the breed. For example, a dog with a longer neck may have longer vocal cords and thus a deeper bark, while a shorter neck and shorter vocal cords produces a higher-pitched bark.

The anatomy of the dog reflects its history as an omnivorous animal, able to derive nutrition from a variety of sources. Its huge teeth illustrate its close relationship to the wolf and constantly remind us of its carnivorous ancestry.

From a nutritional and metabolic perspective, however, the dog also eats and thrives on plant sources of nutrients, as well as meat. Just like most other animals, every element of a dog's anatomy serves a specific purpose. Learn the basics here.

Skeleton and Teeth

A dog's skeleton is formed so the dog can run fast, hunt, and chase. For example, a dog's shoulder blades are not tightly connected to its skeleton, so the dog has potential for greater motion and flexibility.

Of course, not all dogs have the exact same type of bones. Since humans have been breeding dogs for years, bones may vary according to length and thickness depending on the breed. Smaller dogs may have tiny bones, while hunting dogs will have more substantial bones.

There are basically two scull shapes for dogs – a narrow head and long face (like the Borzoi), or a short head and wider face (like the Pug). Of course there are many variations between them.

 

 

1. Coccygeal vertebra. 2. Sacrum. 3. Lumbar vertebrae. 4. Thoracic vertebrae. 5. Cervical vertebrae. 6. Scull. 7. Scapula. 8. Shoulder. 9. Humerus. 10. Elbow. 11. Radius. 12. Carpus. 13. Metacarpals. 14. Ulna. 15. Ribs. 16. Os penis. 17. Metatarsals. 18. Tarsus. 19. Fibula. 20. Tibia. 21. Knee (stifle). 22. Pelvis. 23. Femur.

 

Teeth

Of a dog's 42 teeth, 6 pairs are incisors, and two pairs are canine teeth. The remaining teeth are molars. Traditionally, the most important teeth for the dog were the incisors and the canines, because they helped the dog rip and bite his food. With domestication and prepared diets from loving owners, a full set of functioning teeth is no longer a life and death issue for most pet dogs, but this does not mean they should be neglected. Overall health is directly affected by dental health.

What do a dog's claws do?

A dog's claws are fairly strong. They help the dog to run and maneuver, to dig and they do offer some protection. As would be expected, they help to provide stability to the feet. However, a dog's claws just don't seem to be a particularly defining part of their anatomy as they might be to a cat. After all, when did you last see a dog climbing a tree?

Specific Breeds Dewclaw Image

Not really. Unlike cats' claws, which can be retracted and are very sharp, a dog's claws are more like humans' fingernai ls and cannot be retracted.

What are dewclaws?

The mini-claws that are located on the inside of the legs above the 'normal' claws are called dewclaws. They actually represent the first digit or toe on a dog, located a short distance up the leg on the inside surface, and are not used for walking.

Are dewclaws necessary?

Although they may have been functional in the past, dewclaws no longer serve a purpose for the dog. Some dogs may be born with front dewclaws only, or any combinations of front and back.

Should I have my puppy's dewclaws removed?

Dewclaws are prone to getting snagged and ripped, so many breeders prefer to have them removed when the puppies are just days old. If you are not showing your dog, you may want to discuss dewclaw removal with your veterinarian when you have your dog spayed or neutered.

Most dogs are built for endurance, not speed, and their muscles reflect this. The muscles, collectively, are the largest organ system in the dog's body. Although the dog's muscles are not quite as well-built as his close cousin, the wolf, some breeds have been bred to run faster than thirty miles an hour!

Specific Breeds Muscle Illustration

1. Gluteas and muscles which move the hip joint.

2. Latissimus dorsi.

3. Brachiocephalicus (neck muscles).

4. Muscles which move the shoulder.

5. Triceps (extends elbow).

6. Extensors of foot.

7. Pectorals.

8. Muscles which flex the hip to move the leg forward.

9. Biceps femoris and muscles which extend the leg.

The tongue.

The tongue is one of the most important muscles in the dog's body. It serves several purposes. They are:

Helping food get to the throat

Cleaning its coat

Panting

Licking owners and ice cream cones

What does panting do?

A dog panting is similar in function to a human sweating. Panting helps lower the dog's body temperature by the evaporative action of moving cool air over the tongue. The result is a cooler dog....provided the air is cooler than the dog. Dogs left in hot parked cars with poor ventilation don't benefit from panting because the air is warmer than the dog. So if you see your dog panting heavily, make sure she has plenty of fresh, cool air and clean, cool water in her bowl. After all, if you were hot, you'd want a fan and a nice glass of ice water, right?

Task 15 Answer the following questions:

1. How many dog breeds have humans developed?

2. How do these breeds vary?

3. What characterizes each dog breed?

4. Which dogs have a deeper bark, a higher-pitched bark?

5. What does the anatomy of the dog reflect?

6. What do its huge teeth illustrate us?

7. Does the dog eat and thrive on plant sources of nutrients?

8. How is a dog's skeleton formed?

9. How may dog's bones vary?

10. What are the basic skull shapes of dogs?

11. How many teeth does the dog have?

12. How are the dog's teeth classified?

13. What are the most important teeth for the dog?

14. What purpose do dog's claws serve?

15. Are dog's claws like cat's claws?

16. What claws are called dewclaws?

17. Where are dewclaws located?

18. Are dewclaws necessary for dogs?

19. Should they be removed?

20. What do dog's muscles reflect?

21. What purposes does a dog's tongue serve?

22. What is the function of a dog panting?

23. What should you do if you see your dog panting heavily?

DOG TREATMENT

Most of the common ways dogs become injured are preventable. You don't have to restrain your dog's curiosity to safeguard her well-being. Traffic accidents. It's not uncommon for dogs to run out into the street unexpectedly, but if you keep your dog on a leash, you'll minimize the chances that it will be hurt. Dogs hit by cars often have broken bones and lacerations. Be aware that a dog in pain may attempt to bite. Handle an injured dog in a manner that protects you and prevents further injury and pain to the dog.

Ingesting poison. There are a lot of potentially poisonous substances lurking around your house—cleaners, plants, antifreeze, bug sprays. Take care to read the label of everything that you buy, and find an alternative if it's harmful to your pooch. If you're a plant lover, educate yourself on ones that are dangerous to dogs. Consider hanging them from the ceiling, if possible.

Dog fights. If your dog escapes a fight with just a scratch or a minor cut, it's not considered a medical emergency. Anything worse, and you should call your veterinarian. But keep in mind, if you keep your canine on a leash when outside, you drastically reduce the chances that a fight will be a part of the outing. Heatstroke. Never leave your clog in the car when it's hot outside, even if it's only for a short period of time and you leave the windows cracked. Dogs can't perspire like humans, and thus are very susceptible to overheating in a hot, confined area like a car. Many dogs suffer heatstroke and death from being left in parked cars while owners shop or eat. And take care when exercising your dog if it's warm outside, too—that's another way dogs frequently get heatstroke. You can help prevent almost any potential injury to your dog. It's simple—be aware! Know where your dog is, and what he's up to! Give your dog the attention and love he deserves, and he'll be less likely to get into harmful situations.

First Aid Advice. Every pet owner should have a first aid kit stored somewhere convenient, but out of the reach of small children. Note: Consult a veterinarian before giving any medications to your dog. Depending on the problem, certain medications could cause harm.

Contents:

1. Address and phone number.

2. Names, ages, allergies of your dogs.

3. Veterinary and emergency numbers.

4. Dog's vaccination records.

5. Heavy towels or thick blankets to cushion and help prevent further injury.

Sterile bandages, as well as gauze pads.

6. Roll of gauze and medical tape.

7. Cotton swabs scissors.

8. Tweezers (to remove anything your dog may have stepped on).

9. Triple antibiotic ointment.

10. Iodine, or an antiseptic for wound cleaning.

11. Rubbing alcohol.

12. Saline Solution (to Hush dog's eyes).

13. Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting). Administer 1-3 tsp until dog vomits.

14. Rectal thermometer/digital ear thermometer.

15. A long, strong cloth (to make a muzzle).

16. Oral syringes.

Task 16 Answer the following questions:

1. How can you minimize the chances that your dog will be hurt?

2. What have often dogs broken when hit by cars?

3. What may a dog do in pain?

4. How should you handle an injured dog?

5. What are potentially poisonous substances for a dog?

6. How to prevent ingesting poisoning of dogs?

7. How can you reduce the chances that a fight will be a part of the outing?

8. Can dogs perspire like humans?

9. What harmful situations may be for dogs?

10. What should you do before giving any medications to your dog?

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF DOGS

Man's best friend is certainly a truism when it comes to dogs. These animals will fill your days with hours of love and laughter. A well cared dog is always a 15 happy animal that will trust you and protect you even with it's own life. To care of a dog you will need to know the basics of a dog care. These include proper feeding, proper grooming, daily exercise, training and what to do when the animal is sick. If a dog is well cared for he will usually be around to love and comfort you to a ripe old age.

If you are planning to purchase a puppy, the best time to choose one is between 7 to 8 weeks old. It should be weaned by then but make sure it is lively. Check for runny eyes or nose, pot bellies, coughs and diarrhea when you get a new puppy. Also make sure you get one that does not nip, resist petting or shrink away from you. A puppy will need to be examined by a veterinarian for worms and general illness. They should be inoculated for hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenze and distemper at 6 to 8 weeks, 9 to 11 weeks, and 3 to 4 months. These shots are essential to have a healthy dog and boosters should be given annually. Your dog will also need a rabies shot at 3 to 6 months and every 1 to 3 years thereafter. It is wise to feed a dog a good grade of commercial dog food that is made for its age group. You can add cooked eggs, lean meat or cottage cheese to a dogs diet but be sure these items do not make up more than 20 percent of their intake.

Dogs, like humans, need plenty of water to be healthy. Water should be changed no less than twice a day. They should be bathed in a tub of warm water using a mild dog shampoo. Dry them thoroughly after their bath to insure they will not get a cold from drafts. Most dogs need to be brushed twice a week and while you are doing this check for fleas, ticks and skin rashes. If your dogs nails are not worn down from outside activity, you should trim them occasionally. Cut only the pointed tip of each nail when doing this. Eye discharge can be cleared with a mild solution of boric acid. If this doesn't work your dog will need to see a veterinarian since the problem could be serious. Always provide your dog with rawhide chews to help prevent a tartar build up on their teeth and help keep their breath fresh. Dogs, like children, are very active. They should be taken for a long walk each morning, after the main meal and right before bedtime to keep them happy. If you have started with a puppy, begin to housebreak your pet the minute you get it home. Most dogs can be trained to heel, sit, stay, come, and lie down by starting when they are 5 months old.

Always be firm but patient with your dog when training it and don't forget to reward its successes with hugs, praise and petting.

Watch for signs of illness with your pet. These can include loss of appetite, a dry coat, dull eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness, frequent urination and excessive thirst. Many older dogs may gain weight, loose their sight and hearing. Older dogs should be fed smaller amounts of food at more frequent intervals. When your dog displays any of these symptoms, always be sure to have them check by a veterinarian so the problem can be properly diagnosed immediately.

Task 17 Answer the following questions:

1. What basics of dog care do you need to know?

2. What is the best time to choose a puppy?

3. What should you check when you get a new puppy?

4. When should your puppy be inoculated?

5. What food additions should you give to a dog?

6. Is water important for dogs?

7. When is it better for a dog to walk?

8. When must you begin to housebreak your dog?

9. What can most dogs do when they are 5 months old?

10. What shouldn't you forget when training the dog?

11. What signs of illness can be with your pet?

12. What may happen to older dogs?