KY HillBullies

Canine Hair Loss

For pet lovers, it is devastating to see a beloved pet lose large patches of hair.  Hair loss in dogs can be due to something as simple as seasonal shedding while other causes may be much more serious.  Some shedding for most breeds of dogs is normal, but there should not be large, bald patches left behind.  An underlying health problem could be the culprit.

If the main hair loss is along the top and down the flanks of your dog, then the culprits may be flea and mosquito bites.  Your dog may be hypersensitive to these pests’ bites and an anti-flea treatment will usually solve the problem.

Allergies cause hair loss in your dog and can closely resemble the symptoms of flea and mosquito bites.  Allergies in a dog can come from medications, foods, or any number of inhaled allergens.  Cortisone injections can relieve allergies and allow hair growth.

Hormonal changes during a dog’s pregnancy can cause hair loss in your dog.  Vitamin supplements and a special diet for your pregnant dog will help.  Usually the hair loss ends when your dog has her puppies or after the puppies are weaned.

Another possible cause of hair loss in dogs is a skin disease called mange.  Mange is caused by a parasitic mite that burrows itself into hair and skin follicles.  This mite cannot be seen by the human eye.  There are three varieties of mange and one of them, sarcoptic mange, can be spread from animal to human.

Thyroid problems can cause your dog’s hair loss.  Other symptoms may be dry skin and lethargy.  Dogs with low thyroid levels can take medication to treat the problem.  A blood test will verify the diagnosis.

Dogs have stress just as humans do and it sometimes shows up as obsessive/compulsive behavior.  This behavior causes a dog’s hair loss by excessive, persistent licking and chewing of his skin and fur.

A staph or other bacterial infection can cause your dog’s hair loss.  A dog’s immune system is usually able to fight off a staph infection, so a dog diagnosed with a staph infection will have a compromised immune system.

Sometimes, your dog’s hair loss is nothing more than seasonal weather changes.  If you have an outdoor dog or indoor/outdoor dog, he may lose hair in the spring to keep cooler during the hot summer months or in the fall in order to grow a thicker coat.  Seasonal hair loss will not be accompanied by excessive scratching or inflamed areas on the dog’s skin.

Whether you suspect a seasonal hair loss or a more serious skin condition, it is advised to consult a veterinarian.  No one but a knowledgeable vet can determine what caused the hair loss and how it can be treated best.  It can take several tests and procedures to find out what the cause of a dog’s hair loss is due to so, before trying any over-the-counter treatment, see a professional first.

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Choosing a Dog Bed

Dogs, like their humans, associate beds with the evening ritual of rest and relaxation. In order to provide pets with this sense of comfort and security, dog beds have been designed in an array of styles to suit their needs. When selecting a suitable bed for a dog, owners should take into consideration factors that can impact the well being of their beloved pet.

Bed Size and Type

Dog beds typically come in extra small, small, medium, large and extra large sizes. Although the size of the dog is a determinant in choosing a bed size, it is also important to take into account the position in which the dog likes to sleep. Nest beds or donut beds are perfect for dogs that curl up to sleep. For those dogs that stretch out to rest, pillow beds that can accommodate their body length are recommended.

Durability

Location is a factor in selecting the appropriate dog bed. Outdoor dog beds will require a more durable, water resistant fabric that can withstand the elements. These beds, like the indoor dog beds, tend to have a polyfil cushion that can be removed so the outside case can be easily laundered.

Comfort and Support

The quality of support the bed provides may also be of importance, especially with older dogs that suffer from arthritis or joint problems. Orthopedic dog beds made of high-grade polyfoam are specifically designed for these situations and can help to alleviate any discomfort or stress on the dog’s elbows and hips.

Health

Dog beds are sometimes filled with cedar chips that are a natural deodorant and insect repellant. These beds usually have a zippered enclosure to access and refresh the chips. This type of dog bed can be extremely useful in preventing flea infestation.

Safety

Active dogs are prone to injury when jumping to and from furniture. Multiple dog beds throughout the home may prevent possible injuries from occurring as the beds are set on the ground.

Although raised dog beds provide the added comfort of resting above cold floor surfaces away from insects, many of these beds are made with PVC. Dogs can chew through this material which can be harmful to their health. Instead, select chew resistant dog beds with metal frames.

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Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

A relatively common disease in dogs, diabetes is typically an adult onset disorder and is very rarely seen in puppies or even young adults. Female dogs are more frequently affected, as are certain breeds such as retrievers. The cause of diabetes in dogs is unclear, but genetics may play a part.

Insulin is a hormone normally produced by islet cells in the pancreas. This hormone controls the concentration of one of the body’s main sources of energy, glucose or blood sugar.  In healthy animals insulin prevents the liver from producing excess glucose. It also ensures that any excess glucose an organism gets from food is stored in the body.

The pancreatic islet cells of diabetic dogs produce little or no insulin. This lack of insulin in the blood results in excessive production of glucose by the liver as well as an inability to store glucose derived from food in the body. Diabetic dogs have very high glucose levels in their blood. A high level of glucose in the urine is also characteristic of the disease.

Early symptoms of diabetes in dogs include appetite increase, excessive water consumption, increased urination and weight loss. As the disease progresses, loss of appetite, severe weakness and dehydration may occur. Without treatment, diabetes can lead to coma and death.

With proper monitoring and treatment diabetic dogs typically have a healthy existence and a normal life expectancy. Treatment includes dietary changes and daily insulin injections. Insulin therapy is tailored for each animal’s condition and needs. The initial dose of treatment post-diagnosis is calculated based on a dog’s weight and blood glucose levels.

Owners of diagnosed animals may need to periodically check urine for glucose with special test strips. Regular visits to a veterinary clinic for a blood glucose curve, that is multiple blood glucose measurements over the course of a day, help ensure an animal is on the correct therapeutic plan. Insulin dosage may be altered according to the blood glucose curve results and an animal’s clinical presentation.

References:
Canine Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus; Peter A. Graham, PhD; 1995

The Bark; Preventing and Treating Canine Diabetes; Shauna S. Roberts, PhD

WebMD; Diabetes in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatments and Dietary Management; 2007

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Dog Allergies

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from a number of different allergies, but determining the exact cause of an allergy can often be a difficult task. Dog allergies are very common and occur when foreign substances (allergens or antigens) cause the immune system to overreact or respond inappropriately. Typical allergy symptoms include itchy and dry skin, shedding, chronic hot spots, coughing, sneezing, poor coat, stomach upsets and ear infections.

Dog allergies can produce a wide variety of symptoms, and this can make it very difficult to decide whether or not your pet has an allergy. You obviously know your dog better than anyone else, so if it shows any signs of unusual behaviour you should keep a close eye on it. Keeping a detailed diary can be extremely useful in helping to get to the root of any possible allergies, and it should include everything from what your dog has eaten each day to what the weather is like. You also need to remember to make a note of anything you buy for your pet, such as new collars, bowls and bedding. This wealth of information may also make it easier for your vet to diagnose the condition.

There are five main types of dog allergies and they include food, contact, bacterial, flea and inhalant.

Food allergies

Food allergies are responsible for around 10 to 15 percentof all allergy problems in dogs, and symptoms can include scratching, sneezing, coughing, eye and nose discharge, loss of appetite, hair loss, vomiting and diarrhea. It is not always easy to locate the offending allergen, but some of the more common food culprits are wheat, corn, dairy, soy, eggs, lamb and beef - corn and wheat being two of the worst offenders, as they are commonly used in many pet foods as cheap fillers. They can then build up in your dog’s system and eventually cause an allergic reaction. Treating a food allergy can involve a great deal of trial and error. You could try putting your dog on an elimination diet, which involves preparing a less commonly used meat, such as rabbit or venison, and then mixing it with rice or potato. You could also try using pet foods that contain hydrolysed proteins, as these are less likely to affect the immune system. If your dog’s condition begins to show signs of improvement, you can then start to reintroduce other ingredients, one at a time, to see if anything sparks off a reaction. Whilst performing this exercise, it is important to keep a diary of everything you do and note down dates and times of any reactions and their severity. If you purchase a new dog food, always check the ingredients first and keep a close eye on your dog in case of any reactions. If you are lucky enough to find out what is causing the problem, then you will obviously be able to avoid the offending ingredient in future.

Contact allergies

This is the least common of all dog allergies and is caused by something coming into contact with your pet’s skin. Hair loss, swelling, and red, itchy skin are commonly seen with this type of allergy. Changing your dog’s bed or bedding, removing its flea collar, or changing its feeding or water bowl could make all the difference.

Bacterial allergies

Staphylococcus bacteria are present in all dogs in varying degrees and this doesn’t generally cause any problems. Sometimes, though, dogs can develop an allergy to the bacteria and this can result in hair loss that looks similar to ringworm. This type of allergy needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Flea allergies

A flea allergy is actually caused by the flea’s saliva and not the flea itself. Symptoms of flea allergy include redness, itching and swelling, which often results in hair loss due to incessant scratching - hot spots can also form. If you suspect that your dog has a flea allergy, a test can be carried out by your vet to determine it.

Inhalant allergies

An inhalant allergy (otherwise known as atopy) is the most common of all dog allergies and is caused by environmental factors. A number of things can cause the allergy, such as human dander, pollen, feathers, mold, or dust. Symptoms of this allergy include scratching, chewing, and licking around the abdomen, paws, armpits and genital area - reddish-brown stains can often be seen in these areas too. As many allergies have similar symptoms, inhalant allergies can be tricky to diagnose. If, however, you have tried everything else, then this allergy could be the culprit. Treatment consists of antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergy shots, or a diet that is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Bathing your dog in a cool bath and using medicated shampoo can also help to alleviate the symptoms.

If your dog is going to develop some type of allergy, it will normally develop it by the age of four – so if your pet has not displayed any allergy symptoms by then, it will hopefully be spared the irritation. If you ever suspect that your dog is suffering from an allergy, it is always best to consult your veterinary surgeon for advice on appropriate treatments before trying any home remedies.

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Alice & Buddy's Puppies were born on 04/29/2012
2 Males & 2 Females

At KY HillBullies we pride ourselves on selling Bull Terrier Puppies of the highest standards for health, temperament, and conformation. 

Female - Mini
Pictures taken 05/13/2012

Female - Maxi
Pictures taken 05/13/2012

Male - Lil Bud
Pictures taken 05/13/2012

Male - Lil A
Pictures taken 05/13/2012

Pictures below taken 05/02/2012 (Black Mini - Pink Maxi)

Pictures taken below 05/13/2012 (Pink Maxi - No Ribbon Mini)

Both puppies are very similar in size and looks and it is just hard for her to make a decision at this time. (I don't blame her! They are both so cute!) Either puppy she chooses will be a great dog as will the one she doesn't choose. There is really no wrong choice here as you can see by the pictures.

Buddy Boy Bullet

Buddy Boy Bullet of KY HillBullies was born July 12th 2010 and is owned by Shannon Qualls. Buddy is a healthy, intelligent and loving bull terrier with a perfect temperament, beautiful brindle coat and great personality. Buddy loves to play, snuggle and meet new people. We bred Buddy with Alice to sire his first litter. He is sure to sire some beautiful puppies.

Buddy & the Rocking Horse - Buddy at 8 months old

Our oldest daughter brought this rocking horse over to the house and it was no big deal, but when you squeeze the ear it makes a sound like a horse. After hearing the rocking horse, Buddy went crazy. We had to take the rocking horse out of the room, but not before catching Buddy on video.

Alice Marie 
Habermehl Bullet

Alice Marie Habermehl Bullet of KY HillBullies was born on Christmas Day in 2009 and is owned by Brittany Qualls and Jamez Habermehl. Alice is a very sweet, playful bull terrier with a great temperament and loving personality. She has been a part of the Habermehl family since she was born. Alice loves to play with the other dogs and loves to play with her basketball. She is a great bull terrier. This will be her first litter.

Alice & Her Favorite Teddy Bear

KY HillBullies short video of Jamez and Alice playing with Alice's favorite teddy bear. 

The Bull Terriers of KY HillBullies - 2012

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Choosing a Collar for Your Canine Friend

The selection of dog collars available to the dogs of today is extensive. You can find them in all shapes, sizes and materials at pet stores and online. While it’s exciting to have so many possibilities, it can be confusing choosing the one that’s best for your dog. Not only are dog collars decorative, they help to control and keep a dog safe. That’s why choosing the right dog collar for your canine pal is important. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a dog collar.

A large, strong-willed dog may not do well with a collar designed for a small breed dog. After all Buddy, the 70 pound Bull Terrier has an entirely different temperament than Fi-Fi, the cute and cuddly Maltese. A large dog that’s difficult to train and pulls hard on a leash may be best suited with a choke collar during the initial training period. If you choose to use a choke collar, use it only during training sessions, and don’t allow your dog to wear it around the house unsupervised where it could get caught on something and be a choking hazard. These collars are best reserved as training tools. Once your dog “graduates” from training, he can wear a traditional dog collar.

Another alternative for a large dog that pulls on a leash is a halter dog collar. These collars have an extra band that fits around their nose but still allows them to pant and breathe normally. This type of collar gives you more control over your dog’s head. If your dog tugs while walking, you simply pull back on the leash attached to the collar to move your dog’s head down. This helps to subdue your dog.

Some dog owners choose a pronged collar for large rambunctious dogs that pull. These collars have metal prongs inside that apply pressure to a dog’s neck when they pull on their leash. Many dog owners swear by them for stubborn dogs that are resistant to training, but it’s best to use them temporarily as a training tool, if at all. If you do place a pronged collar on your dog, make sure it fits properly for safety reasons.

If your dog doesn’t need a training collar, enjoy choosing among the large variety of standard dog collars. They most commonly come in two materials, leather or nylon. Nylon has the benefit of being inexpensive, durable and easy to care for. Simply clean it with a soapy washcloth or place it in a mesh laundry bag, and wash it in the washer. They come in a variety of colors and designs to suit your dog’s personality. Some dogs develop contact dermatitis from the nylon touching their skin, which can lead to an unpleasant rash, redness and weeping. If you place a nylon collar on your dog, check underneath every few days to make sure there’s no skin irritation. Another option is a leather dog collar. Like nylon dog collars, leather collars are durable but more difficult to clean. They’re a good option for dogs that can’t wear a nylon dog collar because of skin irritation.

Does your dog enjoy going for a run with you? If you run at night, it’s important for oncoming motorists to be able to spot the two of you in the darkness. Fortunately, there are reflective dog collars that will help motorists see you as well as lighted dog collars designed to give off light to make your dog more visible. This type of collar will give you additional peace of mind if you and your dog take walks at night.

There’s a dog collar that’s functional and decorative for every type of dogs these days. Enjoy choosing the right collar for your special canine friend.

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Tips to Control Dog Shedding

You may love your dog, but the hair everywhere can be hard to clean. Shedding is a natural and important process that allows dogs to drop their damaged, old and extra hair to make way for new coats. While some breeds have been labeled “non-shedding,” all dogs lose their hair to some extent. Breeds such as poodles, terriers and schnauzers, tend to be light-shedders, while breeds with undercoats such as labs, shepherds and huskies shed heavily. Shedding may occur seasonally, with dogs losing their summer or winter coats, or may take place year round. You can’t stop your dog from shedding but you can take steps to control the amount of hair you find on your furniture, floor, clothes and car upholstery.

Brush your dog daily with the right brush. This easy grooming task will do the most to eliminate dog hair in your home. Slicker brushes with stainless steel pins catch hair before it has a chance to fall and leaves your dog’s coat clean and smooth. For dogs with an undercoat, a shedding blade or undercoat rake will quickly remove dead hair. If your dog has mats, a de-matting comb or mat breaker will let you comb through snarls and tangles without pulling on your dog’s sensitive skin.

Bathe your dog with a de-shedding shampoo. This type of shampoo removes dead hair, strengthens the hair shaft and won’t dry out skin. Look for a product with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to encourage a shiny coat and healthy skin. You can also use an oatmeal shampoo for dogs to relieve itching, scratching and sensitive skin.

Feed your dog a healthy diet. A quality coat begins from the inside out. Select a grain-free, high-quality food with easily digestible proteins and fatty acids. Look for foods that manufacturers have labeled “healthy skin and coat” or “sensitive skin.”

Supplement your dog’s diet with fatty acids. Dogs require linoleic acid, an Omega 6 fatty acid, for healthy fur and skin. Without it, the coat can become dull and fall out. You can add omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your dog’s food or give your dog a chewable tablet or gel cap.

Remove dog hair as quickly as possible. Dog hair works its way into furniture and bedding making it difficult to remove. Regularly removing newly shed hair with a vacuum, brush or lint roller will make the task more manageable.

Protect your furniture and car seats with a throw. Dog furniture throws are designed to grab your dog’s shedding hair and hold it. You’ll notice less dog hair on the floor, furniture and in your car.

Good grooming and a healthy diet will help you control your dog’s shedding. If you notice that your dog is shedding more than usual, schedule a vet visit. An excessive loss of hair or bald spots could signal a serious problem such as ring worm, thyroid imbalance, mange, skin infection or even cancer.

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Canine Heartworms

Dog heartworm is a common disease among canines in the United States. Discovered in 1856, the worms mainly live in your dog's heart and major blood vessels. The worms, especially on worst cases, seriously impair the heart's operations. Worse, they could also clog your dog's blood vessels. These infections result to body weight losses, chronic cough, dropsy, breath shortness, chronic heart failure, vision disturbances, and ultimately, death.

Since the symptoms of heartworm disease vary among dogs, it would be best that a veterinarian check your dog to evaluate a final analysis. Most dogs show visible symptoms only when the disease has reached the point where it would be almost improbable to be cured by treatment. To help you see early symptoms and to hopefully save your dog, look out for these signs:

- Dogs that have been quite active usually tend to be tired easily.

- Dogs that would have been otherwise healthy usually gasp for breath.

- Coughing of your dog has suddenly become a common occurrence.

- Dogs bred for hunting could no longer keep up with rapid chases and usually fall from exhaustion.

- In some rare instances, the dog experiences convulsions, jaundice, and problems in the vision.

- Before it dies, the dog experiences emaciation which often precedes death.

Previously, it was thought that only dogs that were long-haired were more resistant to heartworms because of the high difficulty of mosquitoes (which bring the worms) to penetrate through the dogs' hair. Since then, it has been proven that this was not true. Mosquitoes even have a hard time penetrating through short-haired dogs. Actually, mosquitoes feed on the abdominal region of the dog. That is why both long-haired and short-haired dogs are susceptible to an infection, since both types have little hair on this region. Some mosquitoes also feed on the muzzle area or the ears where the dog's hair is quite matted down.

Heartworm infection can be treated through chemical therapy if diagnosed early. Most of the chemical treatments kill the worms over some period of time. Killing all the worms in one swoop is no better: If all the heartworms were killed in just one treatment, the dead bodies would deposit in the lungs and kill the dog. Remember also that the chemicals used in treating the worms are also as dangerous to your dog as the worms. That is why treating the disease using chemical therapy should be used with utmost care and should be handled by a veterinarian. There also cases when surgery is needed. In most cases, this could be a feasible option. Consult with the veterinarian if surgical correction or any other method that can cure the infection.

There are also drugs that could prevent your dog from getting heartworms. These drugs attack the parasite in its early stages and stop the worms from being full-blown adults later. This doesn't mean that your dog would be free from infection. This only means that dogs can still get infected during the season of mosquitoes and yet remain unscathed of heartworms. Preventative medication using drugs, on the other hand, can cause serious complications if your dog has already heartworm infections in a higher level. That is why the use of drugs should be under the supervision of veterinarians. Taking drugs are also combined with regular blood texts. This has shown to be quite effective in saving many dogs with heartworm infection.

In order for your dog to avoid heartworm infection, protect your pet from mosquito bites especially if there is a high mosquito population in your area or if it is mosquito season. You might want to screen the sleeping quarters of your dogs to avoid repeated bites. Repellent sprays can also be used, but these only have limited effects. You might also want to consult your vet for preventive medication. In addition, you might want regular blood tests on your dog to assess early symptoms of infection. This is quite tricky, especially that the symptoms of heartworm infection could not be seen immediately.

In short, your dog which looked healthy may be having early symptoms of heartworm infection. It would be best that you checked. There's nothing wrong in doing that, especially for your beloved pet.

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Caring For Your New Puppy

The most important thing to remember is that puppies need lots of love and patience. To ensure your new puppy grows properly, be sure to give your puppy nutritious food and schedule regular veterinarian visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Working with your puppy to teach him proper obedience will establish the basis for good behavior as your puppy continues to grow. Plus, training can be fun for both you and your puppy.

If you have common sense, then you probably already know how to take care of a puppy. Good care starts with love and patience. Puppies are so cute and cuddly, how can it be hard not to love them unconditionally? How about when your puppy piddles on the floor, or chews on your favorite shoes? Having realistic expectations for your puppy will help you be patient as you and your new puppy get to know each other. While it’s important to start training your dog from the beginning, you should remember that your puppy will not be fully housetrained for at least a couple weeks, sometimes longer depending on the breed.

Physical health is important for puppies, too. You should feed your puppy nutritious food that is developed with a puppy’s nutritional needs in mind. While more expensive good typically contains higher quality ingredients, it is not necessary to feed your puppy the most expensive food on the market. Puppies should visit a veterinarian at least several times during their first year. These visits will include check-ups and vaccinations. Your puppy may visit the vet more often if she gets sick, or if you decide to have her spayed.

Obedience training is a good idea for puppies and dogs. Learning commands such as “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come” will help you and your puppy feel comfortable going out and being social, or having good behavior when company comes to visit. Your veterinarian will be able to give you specific tips for training your dog. There are also many classes available if you’d like advanced training; however, most dog owners are more than capable of teaching their dogs and puppies a wide range of commands and tricks.

Most people already know how to take care of a puppy, but would like some tips for good puppy care. Puppies need a lot of attention and the most important thing you can do for your puppy is to spend a lot of time with her. As a responsible pet owner, be sure to schedule regular visits with your veterinarian that includes check-ups and vaccinations against dangerous viruses. Basic obedience training is a great way to establish good behavior with puppies, and also gives you an opportunity to bond with your new puppy.

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Dental Care for Dogs

Like humans, dogs require dental care. Their mouths are host to bacteria that cause plaque. Unfortunately, when this substance builds up, it creates tartar, which leads to gum irritation, infection and tooth loss. As a result, maintaining your canine's oral health is vital.

Brush his teeth.
Dogs have 42 teeth. You should brush all of them daily. Purchase the proper tools for this job at a local pet store. You need a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste designed for canines. (Warning: toothpaste for humans contains agents that induce vomiting in dogs.)

Feed him dry food.
Supplement your canine's basic diet with dry dog food. As he eats, the morsels will scrape against his teeth and clean them. Consult with your vet on the brand that works best.

Purchase a chew toy.
Chew toys and rawhide bones work in a similar way as dry dog food although not as effective. The upside of using these products is that they are really inexpensive. Also, they offer your canine a break from boredom.

Seek help for traumas.
Torn (or oozing) gums and broken teeth should receive immediate care. Don't ignore or try to address them yourself. Instead, seek help from a vet who specializes in these types of oral traumas.

Visit a vet regularly.
As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." On a regular basis, take your dog to his vet. This process will allow any dental issues to be caught before they require serious medical care like surgery.

Use these tips to maintain the health of your dog's mouth. Dental care is important for dogs. If you neglect this area, you lower the quality of your canine's life.

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