Asking Breeders about Kennel Cough Might Provide More Answers than You Realize

Choosing an ethical breeder for your future dog is imperative. Many people tell you what to look for and signs you might see when you choose a breeder. That’s fine, but there are other ways you can tell whether or not a breeder is one that is good at his or her job. One way is to ask very specific questions. The answers provided to you by the breeder often give away the information you’re looking for, which is why you should have a list of questions at your disposal. One such question has to do with kennel cough. 

Kennel cough is much like a common cold in humans, but it’s in dogs. You’ll note that dogs likely suffer from kennel cough when they begin to hack violently. It’s a bothersome issue. However, it’s also one that is treated easily and with a very specific manner. If you want to know whether or not you are dealing with a knowledgeable dog breeder, ask the breeder how he or she handles a case of kennel cough when it affects one of their dogs. 

The Answer to Look For

An ethical breeder will give you a very direct and very simple answer to this question. An ethical breeder will respond that he or she takes the dog to the vet and has the dog treated. An ethical breeder knows that kennel cough typically goes away on its own in approximately three weeks. However, they also know that leaving it untreated can cause more serious health issues, and they will take the dog to the vet to prevent that from happening. 

Additionally, an ethical breeder might keep the dog near a humidifier to make breathing a bit easier, as well as keep the infected dog isolated a bit from the other dogs in the house. A backyard breeder will likely not know what you are talking about, or they will say that it’s not a serious issue and that it resolves itself in no time. Asking questions as specific as this one sounds innocent enough to a breeder, so they very likely will answer honestly not knowing that you aren’t actually asking this question for this answer.

Responsible Breeding: 3 Steps to Avoid Heartache

If you are considering breeding, then you are probably a dog lover. A good pet can bring more joy into a person’s life than anything. Being a part of such a happy industry is very inspiring, but there are pitfalls and negative aspects that you want to avoid. These quick tips can help you breed happy dogs for happy owners:

Secure Owners

Few things are sadder than sending puppies straight to a shelter or worse. The best practice is to secure owners before siring the puppies. Costs and arrangements should be completely settled at the outset. Requiring deposits is a great method to prevent cold feet. Even with all of these arrangements, it is impossible to predict litter sizes. Having contingencies for large or small litters is vital to keeping all parties in good care, especially the puppies.

Get Your Dogs Tested

Even if your dog is healthy, it could be a carrier for genetic problems. You can avoid heartache with a blanket set of tests offered by most veterinarians. It is easy to let your love of your pet blind you to health issues, but disorders can lock puppies into a miserable life or cause buyer's remorse. These are both issues that can be easily mitigated.

Never Pressure Buyers

Every sale should have an iron clad contract, but a buyer should never feel pressured into signing. Pets require willing owners to avoid abusive or neglectful relationships. Not everyone is ready to own a dog, and the biggest part of being a responsible breeder is investing in the well-being of your puppies. Take the time to secure buyers who are as invested in their pets as you are yours.

Breeding is a fulfilling practice. You can get the most out of the experience by taking these steps and avoiding unnecessary tragedy. Enjoy being a fundamental part of the enriching relationships your puppies are sure to have.