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How to take care of my dog's joints during the winter? Winter can be especially difficult for dogs, especially for those with joint problems or races prone to conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. Cold and moisture can intensify stiffness, pain and inflammation in the joints, reducing the mobility and well -being of your pet. For Help your dog spend a comfortable winter And without joint discomfort, it is essential to take preventive measures and adapt its care routine to low temperatures. Next, we will explore the alert signs, the importance of caring for your joints and the best tips to maintain your health in winter. The importance of caring for dog joints in winter Cold and humidity can negatively affect dog joints, especially those suffering from joint diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. During winter, low temperatures can cause: ●      Greater joint stiffness: The cold can cause muscles and ligaments to contract, reducing flexibility and increasing the risk of injuries. ●      Pain and inflammation: Inflamed joints can become more sensitive to climatic changes, intensifying the discomfort in dogs with previous joint problems. ●      Decrease in physical activity: The cold climate reduces the motivation of dogs to move, which can lead to the loss of muscle mass and to the weakening of the joints. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures and adapt your lifestyle to maintain your mobility and well -being during the cold months.   Signs of joint problems in your dog that you should monitor Detecting joint problems in your dog is key to providing proper treatment and preventing your quality of life from deteriorating. During winter, these symptoms can be aggravated, so it is important to be attentive to signs such as: ●      Rigidity when moving: If you notice that your dog takes longer to get up after being lying or seems more clumsy when walking, it could be suffering articular discomfort. ●      Loper or difficulty walking: A dog with joint pain can avoid supporting a leg or walking with difficulty. If you notice that it frequently holds, consult with a veterinarian. ●      Less desire to play or move: If your dog avoids running, jumping or moving as before, pain may prevent him from doing it normally. ●      Lick or bite your joints: Many dogs with joint discomfort try to relieve pain licking or nibbling the affected areas, such as elbows, knees or hips. ●      Behavior change: Chronic pain can make a dog more irritable, grumpy or less sociable. I could also prevent them from touching it in certain areas. If you observe one or more of these symptoms, it is advisable to go to the veterinarian for an evaluation and thus implement an adequate care plan. Tips to protect your dog's joints in winter During the cold months, it is essential to take additional measures to take care of your dog's joint health. Here are some key recommendations: Keep your sheltered dog: Recommended clothes and accessories The cold can cause muscles and joints to contract, causing discomfort in dogs with joint problems. To avoid it: ●      Use coats or thermal sweaters, especially in short -haired dogs, elderly or races prone to joint problems like the farmer or the German shepherd. ●      An orthopedic bed with good cushioning helps relieve joint pressure and prevents direct contact with cold soil. ●      Avoid air currents and cold soils. Keep your rest area in a warm and protected wind. Adequate exercise on cold days: avoid joint injuries The lack of movement can cause the joints to become more rigid. However, it is important to avoid high -impact exercises: ●      Before a walk, Let your dog walk inside the house for a few minutes to heat your muscles and joints. ●      Opt for Short but frequent walks instead of a long walk to avoid prolonged exposure to cold. ●      Avoid slippery surfaces, since snow or wet soil can increase the risk of falls and joint injuries. Specific care for races prone to joint problems Some races have a greater predisposition to joint diseases, such as: ●      Labradores, Golden Retrievers and German shepherds, who are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow. ●      Bulldogs and Pugs, which can develop early arthritis due to their bone structure. ●      Older dogs, since over time, cartilage wears out, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. For these cases, in addition to the aforementioned care, it is advisable to visit the veterinarian regularly for preventive checks. Supplements and food to strengthen joints Adequate diet is key to maintaining your dog's joint health, Especially in winter, when the cold can accentuate discomfort and rigidity. There are certain nutrients and supplements that can help strengthen joints and prevent long -term problems. Beneficial foods for joints Some ingredients can contribute to maintaining flexibility and reduce inflammation in dog joints. Among them stand out: ●      Omega-3 fatty acids: Present in salmon, fish oil and chia seeds, help reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility. ●      High quality proteins: A diet rich in proteins from lean and fish favors favors the regeneration of articular tissue. ●      Fruits and vegetables with antioxidants: Foods such as blueberries, carrots and spinach help fight oxidative stress in the joints. ●      Natural collagen: It can be found in the bone broth, which provides essential nutrients to keep the cartilage in good condition. Condroprotectors for dogs: essential support for joints The Condroprotectors for dogs They are supplements designed to maintain joint health and prevent cartilage wear. They are especially recommended for older dogs, large breeds or those with predisposition to joint problems. Among the most commonly used condoprotectors are: ●      Glucosamine: It favors cartilage regeneration and helps reduce inflammation. ●      Condroitin: It helps maintain the elasticity and resistance of the joints. ●      Hyaluronic acid: It helps lubricate the joints, reducing friction and wear. ●      Msm (methylsulfonilmetano): A natural compound with anti -inflammatory properties that can relieve joint pain. The use of Condroprotectors for dogs It can be an effective strategy to maintain the mobility of your pet and prevent long -term joint problems. Before administering them, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to determine the dose and the most appropriate type according to your dog's specific needs.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a race that leaves no one indifferent. Those who live with one of them worship these dogs, while others cross sidewalk when they see him pass. Weight: 25 to 30 kilos Hair type: Very short and smooth Character: balanced and sociable Health: Good, with a tendency to various genetic diseases Life expectancy: between 12 and 14 years Origins Although the American Staffordshire Terrier is a race that it was created in the United States, the truth is that Its origin is very far, specifically in England. In this country some "sports" were very popular that consisted of harassing bulls and bears. In 1835 they are prohibited, but dog fights continue to be allowed, so the type of dog must change. Larger animals are sought, so crossing the English bulldog Old (which has nothing to do with the current one) and the old English terrier arises the Bull and Terrier. This breed is extinct and you don't have to confuse it with the Bull Terrier We have now. This Bull and Terrier arrives in the United States in that same nineteenth century and there followed its selection. This was destined for the specimens to be larger and the result was the birth of American Pit Bull Terrier. The race was already recognized in 1898 by United Kennel Club, gaining great popularity in a very short time. Although it was selected for fights, the truth is that he soon dedicated houses, cattle, etc., and in the American Kennel Club they think of putting Staffordshire Terrier to some strains of the race. It seems that the idea was to honor the province where this dog originated, selecting copies of the Colby and Corvino lineages, which were the best in the American Pitbull Terrier. In this way the American Staffordshire Terrier arises, selecting the most representative pitbulls specimens. From there, the breed furrows a huge journey that ends In 1972, when the international cynological federation admits it. Main characteristics of the American Staffordshire Terrier The American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized immediately, although we do not know of dogs, since it has a grid and very muscular body. That does not subtract agility, because it can run and move like an athlete. The head is very wide and denotes strength. The same happens to the jaw, something to which their cheeks contribute, since they are bulky and seem muscular. To complete their particular expression, the eyes are low and very separate, which makes your face unrepeatable and express goodness, although we see that it is a very strong dog. The ears are placed high and usually have a rose shape. Years ago they cut, which gave the dog a more aggressive appearance when he lifted them. Today that is prohibited. The muscles stand out in the body, with a very short back. The chest is wide, with a musculature that is usually quite marked. Its tail is thick at the base and becomes thinner. As with the ears, it is no longer cut in any case. If we look at the hair we will see that it is lustrous, that it shines. It is very short and rigid, admitting any color or combination of them. They weigh between 25 and 30 kilos, being their height to the cross between 43 and 48 cm, with very similar males and females in this aspect. American Staffordshire character This is where the controversy enters, since there are many opinions. Despite this, the truth is that the American Staffordshire Terrier is a curious, friendly and cheerful dog, confident with everyone. Is outgoing and sociable, which can bring us more than one problem if we are the owners of one. Due to the bad press it possesses, most people are afraid of him and that will make them alert if they see our dog approach. Inside the house it is very quiet and creates a strong link with the members of your family, especially with the young children to which Idollatra. Outside is more active, which often does not interpret well. He only seeks to have fun, but only people who have been able to enjoy the race know. Educating it well is essential A dog behaves as they have taught him since he is little. Hence the importance of educating American Staffordshire Terrier, since we are facing a very strong animal and with a powerful jaw. You have to leave aggressiveness aside, because with this dog it doesn't work. Therefore, we are going to use the positive reinforcement when educating him, starting when he has the vaccines and can already go out. It must socialize with other dogs and people. With the former he has to learn to play, understanding that he cannot bite whenever he wants and that when he plays he should not harm. Then we will have basic obedience, which will help us keep it safe at all times. This type of obedience must be repeated until it is assimilated, reviewing the orders weekly. Because of the predisposition you have to learn it will not take long to do what we ask. In fact, we will even be able to teach some tricks.  Care Starting with the hair, in this aspect the American Staffordshire Terrier will give us little work. Being smooth and very short, all you have to do is Brush it once or twice a week. We will choose for this task a brush with the soft tips, have some protection. Otherwise, we will end up making the skin wounds, so that the best idea is to comb it with a rubber mud. It does not accumulate much dirt, so we can space the bathrooms, although it will not make it complicated in this aspect, since it dries immediately even in winter. Its character makes it bore a lot, so if it is too long, it is not unusual for the well -known separation anxiety to appear. We can avoid it by leaving a few varied toys. Among them, one of the best is the Kong. He will not break it and if we fill it with food, he will have a good time trying to get it. Yes, it is more demanding with exercise. He needs it both to maintain his physique and when having good mental health, although he is not a dog that must pass all day running.  It will settle for three half -hour walks each, better if there are dogs with which you can play. Thus, although because of its size it is not a good candidate to live in a small floor, you can do it without problems. American Staffordshire Terrier Food is very important in all races, but it is even more in the American Staffordshire Terrier, since if we want it to maintain such spectacular muscles, it will need “fuel” to feed it. As with the people who make muscles, For muscles to grow and maintain protein. This is not cheap if it is of quality. What does that mean? That he needs the best I think we can buy him, since with those of supermarket he will fatten and lose muscle mass. The ingredients are what mark the quality of a feed If we acquire a sack of feed of a supermarket, the typical one we find on the offer when we are going to make the weekly purchase, and read the label, we will realize why it is so cheap. Among its first ingredients we find wheat or corn, and then chicken meat in the form of by -products. That means that there put the peaks, legs and feathers, something that is not good at eating. On the contrary, in a I think quality dog, the first thing we are going to see is chicken meat, veal, lamb, etc., of human consumption and high availability. In other words, the American Staffordshire Terrier will be able to obtain the quality proteins it needs. There are quite a few brands in the market, but you always have to take that into account so as not to be wrong when choosing, limiting the purchase to quality food. Within this we can test different compositions or brands. In the end, the one who chooses the feed is the dog itself, since that sack of such a great brand, that makes the neighbor's dog have spectacular hair, can make our dog vomit. Health This breed has a very strong health, but there are some diseases that can occur with some frequency. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the veterinarian every six months. Demodicosis Under this strange name hides A skin disease that usually affects the race, and that in fact it is quite frequent.  It is characterized by skin problems such as scales, itching, the appearance of baldness or pustules, all of which generates parasites, so we talk about an infectious disease. The treatment can combine bathrooms, with injections and other medications. It is a bit heavy, but quite effective. Hip dysplasia Due to its size, the American Staffordshire Terrier is at risk of dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a disease that affects the hip and hip legs, when the bones of these do not "settle" well in the accommodation they have in both hips. It is genetic, so that The best way to prevent it is to buy a dog from a responsible breeder, which can demonstrate with radiographs that their animals are free of dysplasia. If the dog develops it, it can suffer in different degrees, from a slight to the most serious, in which case the only solution is to pass through the operating room. Eye conditions With your eyes you also have to take some care. The first problem is the cataracts, which will appear when the dog becomes greater and that they are noticed because the eye is as covered, gray. Another is the progressive retinal atrophy and is more serious because it has no cure. Therefore, the reviews are very important, because thanks to them this disease is detected and the evolution is delayed as much as possible. Through the intake of antioxidants and vitamins, their progress is stopped, but we have to get the idea that blindness cannot be avoided. In addition, sometimes it causes problems such as the dislocation of the lens or glaucoma, so the dog must go through the operating room. Sexual development disorders Sometimes, the breed suffers from these types of problems that are usually manifested with excessive sexual attitudes, which is not pleasant with an animal of this strength and size. Here the treatment is simple and economical, because it will be enough to sterilize the dog as soon as the veterinarian gives us the approval. Other medium dog breeds you should know: French bulldog Bull Terrier American Bully Belgian shepherd Golden Retriever Border Collie American bulldog Harrier Boxer Cocker Spaniel English Schnauzer Beagle

The Tibetan terrier has nothing to do with the rest of the terrier, and Today it has become a perfect company dog. It is in thousands of homes around the world, which means that it has some very appreciated qualities.  Weight: 8 to 12 kilos Hair type: Long and smooth  Character: Quiet, faithful and shy  Health: Very good  Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years  Origins of Tibetan Terrier His name leaves no doubt and these Tibetan terrier come from Tibet, which today belongs to China.  The monks had them in the monasteries to do all kinds of tasks. There they served as a guard dog, but also guided the herds or were carrying the monks, who kept the lineage invariable for a long time.  In fact, Tibetan terrier is one of the best preserved races, of the least changes has suffered over the centuries.  It is not known exactly when it originated, but it is believed that it was more than 2,000 years ago, when the Tibetans began a kind of somewhat primitive races, separating the large animals from the little ones.  Thus the Tibetan terrier and some more races such as the Tibetan waters, remaining with the monks arose without the public knowing anything about it.  This Tibet Apso, a name with which the race is also known, did not reach Europe until 1920, when a doctor named Agnes Gray received a puppy as a gift. She worked at the Tibet and a couple she attended, gave him a puppy.  This dog went to England with its owner and with it the breeding began, the breed being recognized in 1930 by the English Club Kennel. From the old continent, I spend the US and in 1956 the race was recognized in that country.  Terrier's name comes to him because foreigners saw him similar to this kind of European dogs, which is why the race is called Tibetan Terrier, although it has nothing to do with them.  Main characteristics We are facing a medium -sized dog, with a weight that goes from 8 to 12 kilos, and a height of between 35 and 45 cm.  It has a solid body with square shapes, as with its head. The eyes are round and are used as a measure, since the standard of the race asks for something somewhat peculiar.  This is that the distance of the truffle (the nose) in the eyes must be the same as the one from the eyes to the base of the head.  Their ears hang from the skull, on the sides, and are shaped like V. As for hair, it has a double layer to isolate itself from the inclement weather, something that can be a problem in hot sites.  On the tones of his mantle, anyone except chocolate and liver is admitted, so we can see specimens with very varied colors.  Character As is evident, the character of the Tibetan terrier has nothing to do with that of the terriers, then It is very sweet and docile. He loves spending time with his own and always distrusts strangers.  When living with children is not one of those dogs that endure everything, like a labrador. If these are very small it is better to wait or opt for a different race.  It is possible to educate the Tibetan terrier, socialize it, but in the end there will be problems with children, because they will not respect it and we do not know how it can react.  Its character is tenacious and brave. With this we must be very careful, because it does not hesitate to become the hero, getting into very dangerous situations.  Well socialized, and always by the hand of a professional, many animals of this race have become therapy dogs, since they are sociable and love to receive attention from everyone. Given its character, They don't feel good when they are alone. If they are going to have a company for a good part of the day, they will not have problems living on a small floor, but you always have to ensure that you give long walks you can play.  Tibetan terrier care Like any long -haired dog, care starts with its toilet. Thus, we will have to brush it as often as possible, because we prevent the mantle from getting tangled or knots.  Bathrooms must also be frequent, especially if you live with us inside the house. At least you will have to put it in the bathtub once every two months. Because this period of time is very short, the best thing will be to acquire a quality shampoo for long mantle dogs. The ears will give us some work. Inside their hair also grows, so it is best to cut it often. With this we prevent dirt, humidity or that strange objects are accumulated there.  It is very important to exercise and will need at least one hour a day. Walking with him is fun, because as he likes to play we will have a good time. Here we can teach some tricks, because at that time it will pay more attention to us.  Finally, you have to insist on early socialization. It is an excellent dog, but whenever it has socialized from puppy. Its character is somewhat distrustful by nature, something that we must overcome little by little.  Feeding When we are going to choose the food of the Tibet Apso, it must be taken into account that it is a small race, with a high metabolism and that is why it tends to eat a lot. Therefore, in order to avoid problems, the first thing we will do will be to divide the daily intake, choosing for this a special feed for these races, with small croquettes, not too hard and with a good taste.  We will leave the feed for larger dogs, because this type of breed has a hard time chewing the hard balls, something that can cause you vomiting and stomach problems.  There are many brands that we can choose, so we will go to our veterinarian or trusted animal store to ask, knowing that you have to acquire a feed of the premium, of which they have a greater price.  With that, we ensure that in its composition there are only good ingredients, such as meats of human consumption, and we can even acquire a feed without grains, which will help you maintain your weight and have better digestions.  At first, We are likely to have to try several feed until we find the right. This will be the one to like the animal, while producing small and compact stool, with absence of bad smell.  Tibetan terrier health The Tibetan terrier has very good health, fruit of the isolation to which it has been subjected, which avoided intensive breeding programs and capricious modifications of its phenotype.  You can suffer hip dysplasia  Although the Hip dysplasia is a pathology that is associated with large dogs, the little ones also suffer from it.  This is the case of Tibet Apso, in which this disease can be presented, although it is true that as the weight is less than that of a large breed dog, it affects them in a different way.  In fact, if it appears it is usually treated with condoprotectors, which help the joints be in good condition, making natural “lubricant”.  As always we talk about dysplasia, We can cure in health buying the dog in a renowned hatchery, which has no problems certifying us that the ancestors of the puppy we carry are free of dysplasia.  No responsible breeder crosses dogs with dysplasia, but anyway you have to ask for evidence, such as parents' radiographs.  In turn, and if the veterinarian considers it convenient to see the dog walk, you can make a special radiography in which it is seen if there is dysplasia and its degree. They also suffer from viewing problems  There are barely breeds that are released from eye diseases. In this case, it is possible that the progressive atrophy of the retina, the cataracts or the ocular dislocation appears.  Little can be done here, especially against ocular dislocation, so that it is best to go to the veterinarian to revisions when he tells us, thus being able to detect these pathologies as soon as possible. Other dog breeds that may interest you: German Spitz French bulldog Andalusian winemaker Pomerania Yorkshire Teckel American Bully Belgian shepherd Golden Retriever Border Collie English bulldog