All Dogs Breed

There's a lot to be said about the different breeds of dogs out there. They range from tiny to huge, and have some of the greatest variation in size of any species on the planet. Dog sizes can be smaller than a housecat to larger than a donkey, and have an incredible variety in their coats, temperament, and uses. In this quick article, we'll take a look at some of the impacts dog DNA has on their various qualities, as well as how you can use your dog's DNA to find out his or her specific mix of breeds. We'll also go into a recent phenomenon that just might blow your mind.

Dog DNA is, as with any living organism on the planet, what determines just about everything about them. It contains information for their coat color, eye color, ear size, muscle mass, everything. Finding out which breeds are prone to certain behaviors is crucial in finding the right kind of dog. For example, herding dogs, like collies and shepherds, are notoriously good with children. They may even keep children away from dangerous or "off-limits" areas, which can be set by someone who knows how to train a dog. Picking a dog breed to suit your tastes and living situation is important.

There are several services, both online and in person, that can use specific information (the most accurate of which is a tissue sample containing dog DNA) to find out the exact history of your dog, including breed information, and which traits about your dog come from which breed. This can be used to determine a dog's temperament before you even adopt it, which can be a great way to make sure the dog will get along with your children or your other pets. Remember, certain types of dogs are better with certain things than others, and it never feels good to make a commitment to an animal that you can't keep, so be sure to learn as much as you can beforehand.

On a final note, there is actually a service available in some areas to have your pet cloned. You can actually take in your dog for them to take a sample of DNA, and use that dog DNA to create an exact copy of your current pet. This copy, of course, will have to grow from an infant dog, but the resemblance will be perfect. Does that blow your mind?

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Reading this article could save your dog's life. Summertime brings longer days, warmer temperatures and a need for safety. Whether you live in the far north, the deep south, the coast or the desert, the more you know about hot weather dog safety, the better.

For example, at temperatures of 50, 60 or even 70 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on humidity levels) leaving your dog in the car can turn into a fatality. Dog heat stroke happens fast. Many places have laws about leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle and the places that don't, should.

Think about it! If its 70 degrees, humidity is moderate (heat index is 80-85 degrees) but all the car windows are rolled up with a 1-3" opening, the car is in the direct sun, or even the shade, and you're leaving your dog in the car for more than 5 minutes. Could this be a problem? Maybe it's 80 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit (heat index of nearly 100 degrees) and you leave your dog in the car.

Take a moment and ask yourself, is this safe? Ask yourself if you would be safe left in the conditions you plan to leave your dog in. Would a baby be safe? If your answer is no, then your dog won't be safe either. Would a police officer, animal control officer, or veterinarian scold you or possibly ticket you for leaving your dog? If the answer is yes, then don't do it.

If you have any doubt about your dog's safety, listen to that and act accordingly. In the spring & summer months, dog heat exhaustion & heat stroke is the main concern. Believe me, watching a dog succumb due to heat exhaustion or stroke is heart breaking. They refuse water & food, are lethargic, breath rapidly, can't get up, are disoriented, vomit continually, have uncontrollable diarrhea, and slowly die.


*Don't leave you dog in the car unless you plan to leave the air conditioner running.

*Don't let your dog run in the middle of the day. Let your dog go for it in the early morning or at night when it's cooler.

*Keep in mind if you live in a highly humid/tropical climate, when it's 90 degrees and humidity is high, the heat index is typically over 100 degrees. Exercise your dog when humidity and the heat index is very low.

*Take stock if your dog has dark colored fur. They will get hot faster (black absorbs heat where white repels it).

*Be especially careful with short snouted dogs like pugs, bulldogs, mastiffs and shih tzu's. These breeds overheat much faster and are highly susceptible to dog heat stroke.

*Provide shade for your dog. Buy a tarp or a sheet and put it up if necessary. It's a lot cheaper than a vet bill.

*Always have fresh, clean water available for your dog. Dogs need hydration just like humans. Have a large plastic dish (metal gets hot) & leave your garden hose slightly running into the dish. A vet bill can be much higher than a water bill.

*No! An ice cold beer is not the answer on a hot summer day for your dog! Alcohol is poison for your dog. Give your dog lots of cold, clean water.

*Please don't tether your dog outside when it's hot. Dogs easily get the tether wrapped around various objects and end up in the sun. This is a recipe for dog heat stroke.

*Remember your dog doesn't wear shoes and asphalt, concrete, etc. get very hot in the summer sun. Burnt puppy pads are very painful and can become a serious issue quickly. Imagine walking barefoot on asphalt in the summer. Ouch! Walk your dog when it's cooler outside and preferably in shaded areas.

*When you're out & about with your dog, don't let your dog drink from stagnant water sources. These often have bacteria & mold that will make your dog very sick.

*Never, ever leave your dog unsupervised around a swimming pool. They can easily drown. If you have a pool, train your dog where the stairs are located so they know how to get out. Just like children, keep an eye on your dog, at all times, when they're in the pool area.


*Rapid breathing with an increased heart rate.

*Your dog has discolored gums--Dogs with heat stroke have dull gray or pink gums instead of the normal red-pink color.

*Your dog is disoriented--they are unaware of their environment.

*Your dog isn't listening or obeying commands, seems lost or scared.

*Your dog has a wild or panicked expression.

If you suspect your dog may have heat stroke, first call your veterinarian or animal emergency center. Secondly, to help bring your dogs temperature down, do the following:

*Gently place a cool wash cloth on the unhaired belly area. Keep rinsing the cloth with fresh cool water and applying until your dog is calmer (this should only take about 5 minutes).


With the temperatures rising all over, be aware & make adjustments when necessary to take the very best care of your dog. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your veterinarian or veterinary technician.
Your dog relies on you to care for them. Do a good job. The rewards are priceless.

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As the weather heats up across the country, one of the hottest topics for pet parents is preventing heat stroke and other heat related health issues. But, even the most loving pet parent can sometimes underestimate the effect the warmer weather (especially a drastic heat wave) can have on their canine companions.

While on a walk yesterday, I passed a woman with a baby in a stroller, two older children and a dog. Everyone looked hot, but none more so that the dog who was waddling behind the stroller, straining against the leash and exerting what seemed to be a lot of effort to try and keep up. It was clear the dog was suffering. I approached the woman to see if I could help out. Of course, I was wary of being too pushy as I didn't want her to be offended that I was offering unsolicited advice and to walk away without understanding that her dog looked to be in need of help. So, I began by asking her what mix her dog was and his age. I then mentioned that I had a friend with a dog of a similar type (a Pekingese mix) and from my experience they don't do well in warm weather. I knelt down to invite the dog over to me and he stepped right into the shaded area I created and laid down. The dog seemed fine with letting me pet him.

I wasn't sure if this was his normal demeanor or due to the fact that he might be too hot and tired to care. Regardless, I took it as an opportunity to take a look at his gums. The color looked a bit redder than is typical so I pointed it out to the woman. Luckily, she seemed very receptive. She said she knew her dog was hot, after all we all were. But, she didn't seem to understand how much more susceptible her dog was to suffering from the heat. She clearly had her hands full, so I stayed with her while she called her veterinarian who suggested she come in so they could check the dog's condition. I was glad to hear they were located just a few minutes away. She carried her dog off and had the oldest child push the stroller as they headed to their car.

Dogs have a relatively inefficient cooling system. Unlike humans who sweat through their skin to cool down, dogs release heat primarily through panting and through the pads of their feet. As a result of not being well equipped to dissipate or expel heat, dogs are highly susceptible to heat stroke. Heat stroke can cause brain damage, vital organ failure, and even death. In addition to their lack of a good cooling system, most dogs don't tend to have a strong awareness of when they have pushed themselves too far. This is especially true when they are trying to keep up with their human buddies. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and vigilant about prevention.


• Heavy or rapid panting
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Increased salivation
• Thick saliva
• Weakness, lethargy, and/or disorientation
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea


• Move them to a shady, cooler area.
• Contact your veterinarian.
• Offer water.
• Begin cooling them gradually with tepid or cool water. Avoid using cold water as this may inhibit circulation and gradual cooling. If possible, using a fan as you gradually cool with water may help.
• Even if your dog seems more comfortable, take them to the veterinarian as delayed reactions to heat stroke may develop.


• Avoid vigorous exercise and play outside on warm days. Instead, plan time for play indoors or in a cooler outdoor area early in the morning or later in the day when the temperature is safer for such activity. This will also help your dog avoid the risk of sunburn.

• Avoid walking your dog for prolonged periods on concrete. This type of surface can heat up more quickly than grassy areas and will reflect the heat from the ground causing your dog to become hotter more quickly.

• Heat related issues are common in the first days of warmer weather when a dog hasn't had an opportunity to become acclimated to the weather. So, be especially careful during this period.

• Be especially cautious with dogs that are more susceptible to heat related issues such as brachycephalic dogs (short nosed dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Mastiffs), puppies, elderly dogs, dogs suffering from obesity and other medical issues.

• Hydration is key. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you on walks with your dog. A good option is the Pet Top portable water bottle drinking adapter for pets which can be attached to most water bottles to make it easy for your dog to drink from them.

• Note that dogs can suffer from heat stroke even when they are not engaged in rigorous play. In fact, if the weather is warm enough, dogs can even suffer from heat stroke while swimming.

• Never leave your dog in a car unsupervised or in any area where they cannot stay cool.

• Provide your dog with a cool area to rest in the home.

• Offer your dog ice cubes or a durable, rubber chew toy that is filled with water and frozen to help keep them cool, occupied and happy.

• Get a cooling mat for your dog to rest on. Some options are: The Canine Cooler, CoolBody, Dog Cooling Pad from Sporting Dog Solutions, Duo Temp Dog Bed, Coll Bed III, Premier Ice Pod Cooling Pad.

• Chat with your veterinarian prior to clipping your dog's coat down to a 'Summer cut.' A dog's fur acts to insulate them from the cold, but also from the heat. Shaving a dog's coat too short could diminish their ability to stay cooler and make them more susceptible to sunburn.

The warm weather months can be a wonderful time for you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors. But, due to the possible seriousness of a dog's reaction to the heat, prevention and awareness is key to keeping your dog safe, healthy and happy.

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1. What is heat?

Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.

2. What are the symptoms?

Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don't expect bleeding comparable to a human female.
For small dogs, it's usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle. Other than the bleeding, the most noticeable symptom may be male dogs hanging around your house.

3. When does a dog come into heat?

The average female dog has her first cycle about six months of age. A few dogs start earlier and few dogs later, even as late as 14-months.
If you have a new female puppy, you should watch her and note when she has her first cycle. If she's 14-months old and still hasn't't been in heat, you should take her to a veterinarian.

4. How long does the heat cycle last?

The average is three weeks or 21-days. In some dogs, it lasts only two weeks while others go four weeks.

5. How often will she be in heat?

Most female dogs have regular cycles usually every six to eight months. It's quite typical to be in heat twice a year.

6. When can she get pregnant?

She can get pregnant only when in heat. Some breeders
test for progesterone levels to identify the most fertile days but the rule-of-thumb is that the most fertile days are 11-15 of her cycle.
Note - when she's in heat, the average dog will permit any male
dog to mount her. Few females, however, will accept a male when
they're not in heat.

7. Can she get pregnant her first cycle?

Yes. However, responsible breeders generally would not breed a dog that early. For one thing, you need to do genetic testing and some serious problems such as hip conditions do not show up until a dog is approximately 2-years of age.

8. Can I take her on walks during this cycle?

Yes with care. She has no problem with the exercise but she's a walking magnet for male dogs.

Even the best trained and behaved female dog will succumb to hormones. You can't trust her off a leash or out of your control. Never let her outside by herself even in a fenced yard if there is any possibility of male dogs nearby.
For walks, if there are male dogs in your neighborhood, it's a good idea to take your dog in your car and drive to a remote area. Take her for the walk there and drive back home. Otherwise, the scent of her urine and vaginal discharge will blaze a trail to your home.

9. When I can have her spayed?

The answer to that one has changed continually over the 25-years I've been in the dog business. People used to be told to let their dog go through at least one cycle or let them have one litter.

Today, veterinarians are doing it much earlier. Some vets spay as early as 6-weeks of age! Talk to your veterinarian about your dog and the vet's preferences. The state of veterinary medicine also is much improved over the past 25-years.

10. If I don't have her spayed, will she go through menopause.

No. Her fertility may decline but she will not go through menopause comparable to a human's. She won't lose her ability to become pregnant even as a senior so if you don't want to her to have any (or more) litters, she must be spayed.

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