Responsible dog breeding, or the breeding of any animal for that matter, is a decision that should not be taken lightly. I have been a part of raising many dogs throughout my life, some were rescue dogs from the pound, some were from backyard breeders and some were from reputable show/obedience dog trainers. I’ve had my favorite dogs and I’ve had ones that about drove me nuts. Different dogs with different personalities appeal to different people. There are probably about as many reasons for breeding your favorite pup as there are for why you got that favorite pup in the first place. There are also a lot of pros and cons for breeding a dog, and there are risks involved that need to be considered as well.
The human body is made up of approximately 55%-60% water. Water is a major component is cells, blood, and body tissue. The same applies to animals. Their bodies are made up of water as well. We are told that we can live without food for several weeks, but we can only live a few days without water. The same thing is true with animals. Animals need fresh water for their bodies to function. Water is vital for bodily functions such as regulation of body temperature, lubricating joints, nutrient absorption, removing wastes, body weight, and overall health. When water is withheld or unavailable, dehydration occurs. Dehydration of more than 10% of the body’s water is considered a medical emergency, and the water needs to be replaced ASAP! If the water is not replaced, blood volume begins to drop, temperatures begin to rise, and organs begin to shut down. Animals get the water they need not only through the action of drinking but also from the food they eat. Fresh grasses, fruits and vegetables all contain water. Animals prefer fresh, clean water. Some animals will only drink stagnant water, even if it looks clean, as a last resort. I dump out and refill water pans and buckets every day. When I go away for a few days I always try to make sure my animals have enough feed and more importantly, enough water. I put out extra tubs, buckets and bowls and detailed instructions for my substitute caregiver on what to do about watering. It gives me peace of mind.
We have a black Labrador Retriever. I love her. She is my good friend and trusted companion. She tolerates my faults (I apparently don’t provide nearly enough treats) and I tolerate her’s ( incessant nagging to play fetch just one more time!!! Please!) Contrary to most Labradors, she tends to be picky about the food she eats, if it’s not people food. Although I don’t share my meals with her, she has been know to help herself if something is left a little too close to the edge of the counter. Cookies, butter, pork chops…  Â
