Havanese Care

Are you thinking about adding a Havanese puppy to your family? These cute little creatures can make wonderful family pets, whether your clan consists of adults only, a brood of kids or even other animals in the house. But any new pet will come with its own unique set of concerns and care issues, and Havanese are certainly no exception to this rule. If you are seriously considering a Havanese, the first thing you will want to do is research the various aspects of Havanese care to ensure that you will be able to offer your new puppy the best home possible for him to grow and thrive.

There are a number of concerns regarding Havanese care specifically and dog ownership generally. First, there are certain Havanese health risks with this breed that you will want to be aware of, so that you can screen your breeder for potential genetic issues. Havanese will also require regular grooming, and a regimen of a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

All purebred dogs come with a handful of medical problems that they have a genetic predisposition to, and the Havanese is no exception. Part of taking responsibility for Havanese health is to be aware of these problems before you ever begin the selection process for your puppy. Some problems like cataracts, patellar luxation (a slipping of the kneecap) and hip dysplasia can be kept to a minimum through responsible breeding practices. It is important to ask your potential breeder about these problems to find out if he has had any of them appear in his lines of dogs.

Once you have found a Havanese puppy with a low risk of these issues, you will still need to practice regular Havanes health habits to keep your dog looking and feeling his best. Grooming is a very important routine with these dogs, with daily brushings and monthly baths. You might prefer to clip the coat of your Havanese to keep it shorter and easier to maintain, and this can be done through a professional groomer or at home if you learn how to give doggy haircuts.

The Havanese diet is another important component in Havanese health, and most breeders will recommend feeding your pet either a high quality manufactured dog and in most cases, a dry food is preferable over a canned one. If you are concerned about some of the ingredients that are found in your commercial dog food, you can also opt to feed your dog a raw food diet. It is best to talk to your veterinarian about the best way to approach this method of feeding.

It is also important for your dog to get regular exercise, whether it is a few rounds of fetch in the backyard or a walk through the neighborhood with you. Regular exercise will help to keep your dog’s energy level up and maintain a healthy weight. With regular grooming, daily exercise and a healthy diet, you are doing everything possible toward the best Havanese health practices for your pet.

Fiona Kelly has plenty of experience with many different dogs, but the Havanese is one of her favorite breeds. Learning the basics of Havanese care is an important first step in raising a healthy, happy pet. Articles like this, regarding the best Havanese diet and other aspects of Havanese care will help to ensure that you enjoy many years with your pet.