Health and GroomingFood and WaterExercise Safety 
Food and WaterFoodContents of Food Holistic Foods Allergies Supplements Homemade Diets Bones Table Scraps Puppies and Dairy Products Water Homemade Dog Treats FoodEach month it seems there is another dog food on the market. The reality is that there are many new dog foods that are improving the choices for the consumer. What you feed your Havanese is ultimately your choice, but I recommend a high premium or holistic food. Havanese dogs, like people, are individuals and there is perhaps no one food that is best for all dogs. The best advice is to use a quality food and understand what ingredients are in your dog's food. The AAFCO regulations on dog food tend to focus on the percentages of essential elements in the food. It does not necessarily reflect quality. Keep in mind that there is an advantage to using some kibble as part of the diet as it helps keep teeth and gums healthier.Contents of FoodIn general, premium and holistic dog foods will have more useable fats and higher grades of meat. I suggest you not use "store-brand" dog food because generally the quality of ingredients is much lower as well as the useable fats. You probably do not want to know what goes into some dog foods. Terms such as "animal protein" can include hair and hooves and gluten can mean protein that is, in reality, hard to digest.Without going into a chemical analysis, use a food that uses meat protein or a food that uses "human-grade" products. Often allergies in dog food can be traced to grain ingredients that are put in food as fillers such as corn and soy. Higher-end dog foods are also moving away from certain preservatives that have become controversial in the dog food world. Vitamins and minerals should not exceed about one percent of the food. Holistic FoodsGenerally the best of the dog foods but they also tend to be the most expensive. Some are even hormone- and steroid-free. Check the label since some are very high in protein and many note on the label that the high levels of protein do not make it suitable for puppy diets.AllergiesSigns of allergies may include scratching, chewing on paws, diarrhea and, in some cases, vomiting. If you suspect your pup or dog may be having an allergy related to its food, your vet can prescribe a hypoallergenic diet. This sort of neutralizes the diet and you can try foods that have different proteins and carbohydrate sources. In this way you can normally determine which protein or carbohydrate source is causing the problem.Some Havanese have allergies. Some love chicken and are not allergic to it, while others are. Some are allergic to milk and other products that are added to some pet foods. SupplementsSupplements are normally not needed if you use a high-end dog food. In fact, over-supplementation can be harmful to your puppy or dog. Your veterinarian is your best source of information and guidance on supplements.Homemade DietsSome individuals believe that homemade diets are better than dog food. The challenge that homemade diets face is for the diet to be nutritionally fit. Do your homework on any such diet and perhaps it is a good idea to discuss this with your veterinarian. There are some guides for homemade diets that have been put together by veterinarians. Check the web for the latest.BonesNot a good idea. The bottom line is that any bone which becomes splintered or fragmented can cause damage. Nylabones are a better alternative.Table ScrapsAgain, not a great idea. Lean meat is certainly the best of a bad idea. But one suggestion is to use dog treats instead of table scraps. The other problem with feeding your Havanese leftovers is that it can lead to other bad behaviors such as stealing food. The other reality is that when you allow your dog to beg at the table it undermines your position as the "alpha" in the house and can cause training problems.Puppies and Dairy ProductsAvoid dairy products as they are hard for puppies to digest and can create gas and diarrhea.WaterKeep the water dish filled and CLEAN daily to prevent a buildup of bacteria. Homemade Dog TreatsHere is a link to Dog Aware that lists many homemade dog treats. There are also books on this topic. However always check with your vet before you give you dog any new foods. Your vet remains the expert on what is advisable and what is not for your pet’s nutrition. |
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ExercisePlayThe Havanese puppy loves to play and playing with your pup will help build companionship. There are many games you can play with your puppy. One is Hide the Treat, when you hide a treat and watch as your puppy finds the treat. You will learn how accurate their scent is as they generally have an easy and festive time finding out where you have hidden the treat.Fetch is a game loved by most dogs and puppies, and can be a part of the broader area of training. To be successful, your Havanese should first have learned the sit command. My advice is that the basic training that is often part of play is best learned by dogs who go through obedience classes. These classes are fun and also help your Havanese to socialize with other dogs. WalksWalks are great exercise and great for your Havanese. Ideally walks should start with obedience class where your Havanese will learn the basic commands that will provide correct exercise and allow you to be and stay in control. |
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SafetyPuppy ProofingHavanese Mountain Climbers Blinds and Pantyhose Cat Litter Extremely Dangerous Foods Dangerous Around-the-House Products Toxic Plants Swimming pools Bees, Mosquitoes, Wasps and Fire Ants Hot weather, the Beach, and On the Boat Puppy ProofingYou must look at the environment that your puppy will be in from his perspective. Get down on your hands and knees. Look around, and look for things that he will see and may be attracted to. But never forget you should be supervising your puppy when he is not in his puppy pen or crate.Baby gates are a great way to partition off a part of the house that is his to play in. A room with a tile floor is great if one is available. Keep items like shoes, clothes, and electrical cords out of these environments. Use bitter spray on items that you want his teeth away from. Havanese Mountain ClimbersHavanese will get on high places. Thus you need to make sure that there are no ways your puppy can climb into unwanted places. First, he may be able to access items that are not good for him. The other issue is that you do not want him to be jumping down and in the process injuring himself.Blinds and PantyhoseOften overlooked are the cords that hang down from blinds and windows. Your puppy will see them and they can be dangerous. Tie up the cords or tape them away from the puppy's reach. Things that dangle, such as pantyhose, towels, and anything else that hangs down towards the floor can be a menace. Puppies do not know what is best for them, and cloth or fabric items can be consumed and lead to the unfortunate rush to the vet's office for surgical removal.Cat LitterDo not let your puppy get to the cat litter if you have a cat. The litter and the other items in the litter can result in your puppy getting worms if he eats the poo.Extremely Dangerous FoodsHere is an important list to remember of items to keep away from your puppy and dog:
Dangerous Around-the-House ProductsThere are LOTS of products around your home that are dangerous to your puppy and dog. Be aware and read labels and keep these out of reach of your four-footed friend. Here are some common ones:
Toxic PlantsThere are lots of plants that are toxic to puppies and dogs. Here is a partial list. If you have a plant around the house or in the yard you are unsure of, do a Google search to determine if it is toxic. PLAY IT SAFE. All or part of some plants are toxic and the reactions range from mild to severe. However, some plants can be fatal to your pet. |
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Swimming PoolsHavanese do like to swim, but they must be introduced to the water in a sane fashion. They learn to swim best as puppies, although adult Havanese have taken to the water.Introduce the puppy to the water by letting him get his paws wet. Many have said it is best to be in the pool and be there to support and make the puppy feel comfortable. Stay with him as he becomes familiar with the pool and do not get too far away from him. Always use common sense and take the puppy into the pool with a ramp or some steps so he can safely get in and out of the pool. There are some commercial ramps that are available for dogs. Pool chemicals are not great for the Havanese coat so be sure to wash him with a shampoo and be sure to condition his coat. Bees, Mosquitoes, Wasps and Fire AntsMosquitoes can transmit heartworms.Bees and wasps can cause an allergic reaction and, as in humans, it can be severe or mild. However, a sting on the head or nose should not be taken lightly. My recommendation that you should take them to a veterinarian as swelling in the head could lead to swelling of the throat, which could make breathing impossible. Never take chances if you have any suspicion that an insect bite is causing a reaction. Hot Weather, the Beach, and On the BoatDo not leave your Havanese outside during hot weather periods. The dog will be at the risk of heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.Use common sense and note any excessive panting in hot weather and/or dizziness or nausea. Cool your puppy down by using lukewarm water. If your Havanese is going to be out in hot weather, make sure he has water and shade and limit the time out in very hot weather. When it comes to walks, there is always the cooler morning and evening. |
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