Breeding Dogs part five

August 10, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase. The following is the fifth part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are similar to puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Five

Once the bitch is confirmed to be pregnant, it is a good idea to have an ultrasound done to see how many puppies are in the litter. This is a wise precaution so that when she whelps, you are assured that all the puppies were born. It is not unknown for a puppy to remain in the uterus and die, causing the bitch to die as well.

Be sure that you are clear about your breeding terms with the stud dog owner if the bitch does not conceive. What if the puppies are born dead or the bitch miscarries? What happens if you were not careful and the bitch has a mixed litter? One sperm fertilizes one egg and the bitch releases eggs over a period of time, so it is possible for a bitch to have a litter where some puppies are purebred and others are mixed breed, especially if she is bred by a roving romancer. What will you do if the some or all the puppies are breached? What if your bitch cannot pass the puppies and needs a caesarean? What are your plans if the bitch will not nurse the puppies? Are you prepared if your bitch dies while whelping the litter?

If the litter is born without major issues, you will still need to take your bitch to the veterinarian for a checkup and to get a hormone and antibiotic shot. You will want to bring the puppies to the veterinarian as well to be sure that they are all healthy and can nurse.

Breeding dogs, fourth installment

August 4, 2026August 12, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase.The following is the fourth part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are similar to puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Four

If after careful thought you decide to breed your bitch, the process has just begun. First, if you purchased your dog from an ethical breeder, you should go back to your breeder to find out if your bitch is breeding quality. This will involve studying her pedigree or family tree. It is a good idea to consult with a few breeders. Find out what your dog’s good points and faults are.

You want to find out what inherited problems are associated with your breed. Next you want to consult with your veterinarian to arrange for any tests that are available to evaluate your dog. This could mean having your dog X-rayed for hip dysplasia and then registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). If your breed has a tendency for eye problems, you will need to have a canine ophthalmologist examine your dog and then register your dog with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. You may also want your dog temperament tested by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. These are just three examples of the type of tests that are required for ethical breeding.

Your veterinarian should also check your dog for worms including heartworms (if your dog has not been on a monthly preventative), and any other disease that may cause problems with breeding or the puppies.

If a number of breeders have determined that your bitch is worthy to breed, you want to further prove your bitch by entering and winning a few conformation shows or working competitions even if it is only an obedience competition.

Next on the recommendation of the breeders that you have consulted, you want to seek out a decent stud dog. The stud dog should have had all the tests necessary for the breed. If possible, you want to match the lines of the stud dog so that they are compatible with the lines of your bitch. The stud dog should have been proven in several ways, such as having sired quality litters before, won dog shows or working trials. The stud dog should have at least the same qualifications as your bitch, ideally more.

When your bitch comes in season let the owner of the stud dog know. There will be a stud fee and if necessary, a boarding fee while your bitch stays with the breeder of the stud dog. It is important that you have written contracts between you and the owner of the stud that outline what guarantees you are entitled to for the stud fee. In some cases, artificial insemination may be required. If this method is used, the litter is usually small.

Stud fees vary from a cash payment and/or first pick of the litter. If your breed is not known for having more than one or two puppies in a litter, this could mean you will only have one or no puppies to sell yourself.

Be prepared to make several trips to the stud dog for the breeding. It does not happen with one breeding.

First dogs in the UK treated with groundbreaking bee and wasp venom immunotherapy

July 28, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

The University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital is the first in the UK to use a groundbreaking treatment for dogs suffering from serious allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings.

The treatment, Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy (VIT), has now been successfully used on a number of patients; and while the approach is still relatively new, clinicians believe it offers a hopeful approach to preventing recurrent anaphylaxis in dogs.

The Small Animal Hospital is one of just a few specialist centres around the world able to deliver this type of disease-modifying treatment.

Insect venom allergy is one of the most serious acute allergic conditions in dogs. Reactions can develop within minutes of a sting and can, in a very small number of cases, progress from hives and vomiting to collapse, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, death.

In addition, almost two-thirds of dogs who experience one severe reaction to a bee or wasp sting go on to experience the same, or worse symptoms after subsequent stings.

Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy treatment, which was first developed for use in humans, works by gradually introducing controlled, increasing doses of bee or wasp venom to the affected dog, training the immune system to tolerate future exposure and significantly reducing the likelihood of a recurrent severe allergic reaction.

At the Small Animal Hospital the treatment is led by Professor Ana Rostaher, a world-leading expert in the veterinary field on VIT, who alongside colleagues has contributed to research which shows encouraging clinical outcomes, including high levels of protection from recurrent severe reactions in treated patients.

Clinical experience and research from the University also suggests that many dogs undergoing VIT achieve strong protection against repeat anaphylaxis, with the treatment demonstrating a favourable safety profile when delivered under specialist supervision.

The process for treatment involves an initial diagnostic phase with allergy testing, followed by a closely monitored induction period and long-term maintenance therapy that may continue for several years.

Professor Ana Rostaher said: “Venom immunotherapy represents a major advance in how we can manage severe insect sting allergies in dogs. For affected animals, a single sting can make them very ill and even die. However, this treatment offers a proactive way to change that risk profile and provides owners with an option for further peace of mind for those animals who are severely allergic to insect stings.”

The severity of some cases was seen in the case of Claire and Matthew Preece’s dog Amber, a Vizsla breed dog who became the first patient in the UK to undergo venom immunotherapy at the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital after experiencing a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting in July 2021.

Amber’s owners, from Stratford-upon-Avon, experienced Amber becoming suddenly unwell after an unseen bee entered the home through an open window. The dog’s behaviour changed abruptly—she began barking unusually, followed by the rapid development of hives and vomiting, and her condition quickly deteriorated as she was rushed to the vet.

Her owners described the experience as devastating, with Amber treated as an emergency patient. The experience left Claire and Matthew with ongoing anxiety around bee and wasp exposure, particularly during warmer months and outdoor activity. The couple heard about the groundbreaking new therapy and opted to have Amber treated at the Small Animal Hospital in Glasgow.

Claire Preece said: “Amber became unwell very quickly at home—we didn’t even realise at the time that she had been stung by a bee that had flown in through an open window. Her behaviour changed first, then things escalated rapidly. It became clear within minutes that this was extremely serious.

“We chose immunotherapy to reduce the risk of another reaction and to regain a sense of control. The anxiety never fully went away—we simply wanted to do everything possible to protect Amber.”

Prof Rostaher added: “Amber’s story underlines why this treatment matters as, for some dogs, these reactions are sudden, severe, and deeply distressing for families. Venom immunotherapy offers a way not just to treat the condition, but to prevent the next emergency before it happens.”

The University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital continues to develop its venom immunotherapy programme, aiming to improve outcomes for dogs at risk of anaphylaxis and expand access to this specialist treatment.

More information

Images of Amber the dog alongside caption details can be found here.

ENDS

For more information contact Elizabeth McMeekin or Ali Howard in the University of Glasgow Communications and Public Affairs Office on Elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk or ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk

Breeding Dogs Part 3

July 20, 2026August 12, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase.The following is the third part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are similar to puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Three

There are six types of breeders.

There is the ethical breeder who studies lines and has a goal that they hope to accomplish with a breeding. This goal can be for a litter who has a solid temperament, true working ability or just to meet show standards. It is important to understand that temperament and intelligence are the two qualities that make a dog a good pet or working dog. A dog who meets the conformation standard without a good temperament or intelligence is not a desirable pet or working dog.

Ethical breeders are typically involved with a breed club or organization that monitors the ethics of the breeder. The ethical breeder does not produce multiple litters at one time and often only has one or two litters a year. They do not breed their dogs before they are tested for inherited issues or are under two years old. The ethical breeder will only breed those dogs who are worthy of breeding having been cleared of inherited issues and has been proven as the best quality for the breed. Only exceptional dogs are bred.

Ethical breeders often have waiting lists for puppies because their lines have been proven. They also only line breed or outcross. They rarely if ever inbreed.

The ethical breeder rarely makes a profit from their dogs due to the expenses of raising, testing and proving their dogs. Their litters are consistent in temperament, health and conformation. The ethical breeder will often guarantee the quality of their puppies and puppies from an ethical breeder are registered with a recognized registry.

The new breeder. Everyone must start sometime. A small in-home breeder who is being mentored by an experienced breeder can be a quality, ethical breeder. Not every breeder has a large kennel. Most ethical breeders have several dogs that live in their house with them as pets. A home-raised puppy from an ethical breeder is an ideal situation to get your new puppy from. The quality of the breeding is not measured by the number of dogs a breeder has, but by the care, planning and goals of the breeder.

The commercial breeder mass produces puppies from a limited number of dogs. Their puppies are often registered with a national registry, but the care and planning of the lines do not exist. Their goal is to make money so they often shortcut the testing and care of their dogs including the puppies. Their puppies are not from proven stock, are not consistent in temperament, health and conformation. These breeders will produce the breeds that are popular and likely to sell.

The puppy mill breeder. These people breed solely for profit. The dogs are often kept in cages and rarely given attention. They are not part of the family but viewed as livestock. They do no testing or planning and have no goals except to produce puppies and make money. Often these puppies are not pure and are not registered or if they are, they are registered with a non-recognized organization that supports puppy mills.

These puppies are often not consistent in temperament, conformation and are more prone to health issues.

The backyard breeder. This is the person who thinks they can make money from their pet. Due to a lack of understanding about breeding these puppies are one step away from the puppy mill breeder. The parents have no health testing; there is no consistency in the litter since they are randomly bred with no understanding of genetics. There is also no guarantee with the puppy.

The last type of breeder is a rather recent phenomenon. This is the designer dog breeder. These people take two different breeds and try to create a dog of their own design. There is no consistency in the puppies that result because they do not have a solid goal. One of the excuses these people use is to create an allergy free dog. Because allergies are not a result of dog hair but of dander, this is not possible. All dogs have dander. Unfortunately, since there is no consistent conformation with designer dogs, there is no way other than a DNA test, to prove that the dogs are the mix that the breeder claims. I have had clients come to me with a dog that was supposed to be a Labradoodle, and the dog grew up to be a terrier. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee the puppies, and the buyer cannot know for certain that they are getting what they paid for. Also, it is unfortunate that these breeders charge as much or more for the mixed breed puppies as a buyer would pay for a well-bred puppy from an ethical breeder. These puppies are not registered or if they are, they are not registered with a recognized organization.

What is also important to consider is that a person who has a well-bred dog from an ethical breeder is not likely to cross this quality dog with another breed. Therefore, by default, many designer dogs are created from less desirable stock.

Breeding dogs, an eight part series

July 2, 2026August 12, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase.The following is the first part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are like puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part One: The Bitch

First, it must be said that only the best bitches and males should be bred. The only reason to breed is to better the breed.

Often in my career I have had clients tell me that they wanted to breed their pet dog. In most cases, they have no idea what is involved. It is much more than simply introducing a male and female.

Here are some of the reasons why they feel they want to breed their dog.

To make a lot of money. Often people will pay a substantial amount of money for a puppy. They feel that if they breed their bitch, they will earn eight to ten times that money.

It will be good for the children to watch. Whelping puppies is pretty gory, and most children cannot handle what is involved. In some cases, it can traumatize a child and if the child is a girl, make her afraid to have children of her own.

If you still want a child to see this, it is better to find a breeder who will let your child get up in the middle of the night to watch the birthing of a litter.

We love our dog so much we want another like him/her. The chances of reproducing your dog are slim to nothing. Genetics is not an exact science and if breeders could control how a dog turns out there would be many more champions and exceptional dogs.

Everyone who meets my dog wants a puppy like him/her. As soon as the litter is born most people find that all those friends and acquaintances who said they wanted a puppy have excuses as to why they cannot get one now. Breeders who have dogs that are breeding quality have waiting lists for a reason. A home bred or backyard bred dog has no special qualities to warrant the cost.

We really love puppies. Many people do not realize that raising a litter of puppies is a lot of work and if done right, is very costly.

Animals are developing the same chronic diseases as humans

May 19, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

The health problem does not just affect pets, but all animals worldwide including marine animals. These diseases are noncommunicable and include such problems as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and degenerative joint disease.

Animal scientist Antonia Mataragka of the Agricultural University of Athens conducted the study. While the causes are inconclusive, Mataragka did find that genetics play a part in selectively bred animals such as dogs, cats and livestock which show higher rates of conditions such as diabetes and mitral valve disease.

Environmental influences, including poor diet, limited physical activity, and long-term stress, also shape how and when these diseases appear across species. Other examples are pigs who develop osteoarthritis, beluga whales have documented gastrointestinal cancers and farmed Atlantic salmon experience cardiomyopathy syndrome. Wildlife living in polluted estuaries contaminated with industrial chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) show liver tumor rates as high as 15-25%. More research needs to be conducted to fully understand what is happening.

Cite This Page:

Society for Risk Analysis. “Animals are developing the same chronic diseases as humans.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 November 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105735.htm>.

Journal Reference: Antonia Mataragka. Beyond Infections: The Growing Crisis of Chronic Disease in Animals. Risk Analysis, 2025; DOI: 10.1111/risa.70130

Dog Behavior on CBD

April 29, 2026 / susanbulanda / 2 Comments

Dr. Maxwell Leung, an assistant professor and the director of Cannabis Analytics, Safety and Health Initiative at Arizona State University and his team studied 47,000 dogs to determine the behavior changes CBD caused.

They found that dogs on CBD for years initially became more aggressive, but the aggression became less intense over time. Several health issues were linked to higher CBD use. The strongest association was seen in dogs with dementia (18.2%), followed by those with osteoarthritis joint problems (12.5%) and those diagnosed with cancer (10%).

What is interesting is that dogs that had agitation or anxiety did not show improvement in their behavior. The team stressed that dog owners must only use quality products and be aware that CBC can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

Journal Reference:

Kendra D. Conrow, Richard S. Haney, Michael H. Malek-Ahmadi, Julia D. Albright, Barbara L. F. Kaplan, Noah Snyder-Mackler, Kathleen F. Kerr, Yi Su, Daniel E. L. Promislow, Emily E. Bray, Maxwell C. K. Leung. Demographic features, health status, and behavioral changes associated with cannabidiol use in the Dog Aging Project. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025; 12 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1666663

Cite This Page:

Frontiers. “Scientists studied 47,000 dogs on CBD and found a surprising behavior shift.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 November 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050506.htm>.

Thoughtful Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding Story

February 5, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

by guest blogger, Cindy Aldridge

cindy@ourdogfriends.org

For many couples, a wedding isn’t complete without the pet who’s been there through everyday life. From quiet mornings to major milestones, furry companions are part of the story being celebrated. Including them in wedding festivities can feel meaningful rather than gimmicky when it’s done with intention. With a little planning, pets can add heart without adding stress.

Key Ideas

Choose roles that fit your pet’s temperament, not trends.
Plan logistics so comfort and safety come first.
Build in a graceful exit plan if your pet needs a break.
Carry the pet theme through details, from décor to keepsakes.

Why Pets Belong in the Story

From first apartments to long walks after work, pets witness the relationship’s quiet milestones. Inviting them into the celebration isn’t a gimmick; it’s a nod to shared life. The trick is choosing moments where they add warmth without stealing focus or feeling overwhelmed.

Roles That Feel Natural, Not Forced

Some pets love the spotlight; others prefer a cameo. A calm dog might walk down the aisle with a handler, while a shy cat could appear in portraits taken earlier in the day. Even a brief appearance—like greeting guests during cocktail hour—can feel meaningful when it aligns with your pet’s personality.

Preparing Your Pet for the Big Day

The goal is familiarity, not perfection. Walk your dog around the venue in advance. Practice short leash walks with distractions. Introduce any outfit well before the wedding so it feels routine, not restrictive. Assign a trusted friend or professional handler whose only job is your pet’s care.

Before the celebration arrives, walk through these practical steps to set everyone up for success:

Schedule a vet check to confirm vaccinations and health.
Pack a small kit with water, treats, waste bags, and a favorite toy.
Choose a quiet rest space away from music and crowds.
Confirm venue rules and any required documentation.
Plan transportation to and from the venue that suits your pet.

Styling Without Stress

Comfort always wins. Lightweight collars with florals, a simple bow tie, or a flower crown designed for pets can elevate photos without irritation. Skip anything that limits movement or hearing. If in doubt, dress up the leash instead of the pet.

Turning Wedding Memories Into Lasting Keepsakes

Including pets doesn’t have to stop when the music fades. Thank-you cards featuring your furry companion extend the celebration and add a personal note guests genuinely remember. Using an online app that lets couples design and order printed custom cards with polished templates and intuitive editing tools makes the process simple and flexible. You can personalize colors, photos, and messaging, then easily print online cards that feel thoughtful without adding post-wedding stress.

Bride with a beautiful dog on the wedding day

What Works Best by Wedding Moment

Different parts of the day call for different levels of pet participation. This overview helps you decide where your companion fits most comfortably.

Wedding Moment	Best Pet Involvement	Notes
Getting ready	Portraits and quiet bonding time	Low stress, great photos
Ceremony	Aisle walk or front-row seating	Keep it brief
Cocktail hour	Guest greetings with a handler	Monitor energy levels
Reception	Quick appearance or early send-off	Noise can be overwhelming

Practical Questions Couples Ask

These common questions help clarify what’s realistic and worthwhile.

Is it okay if our pet doesn’t stay for the whole wedding?
Absolutely, and it’s often ideal. Many couples plan a meaningful appearance followed by a calm exit. This keeps the experience positive for the pet and stress-free for you.

Should we hire a professional pet handler?
If your budget allows, it can be a game-changer. A handler manages walks, breaks, and cues so friends can enjoy the day. It also gives you peace of mind during key moments.

What if our venue has restrictions?
Always confirm rules early. Some venues allow pets only outdoors or for photos. If restrictions are tight, consider off-site portraits or symbolic nods like signage or stationery.

How do we keep guests comfortable if they’re not animal lovers?
Clear boundaries help. Assign handlers, avoid roaming pets, and ensure no one is surprised. Thoughtful planning keeps the focus on celebration, not logistics.

Are outfits really necessary for pets?
Not at all. Many couples skip clothing and still achieve beautiful photos. A clean, brushed pet with a stylish leash can look just as polished.

What’s the simplest way to include a pet if logistics feel overwhelming?
Photos and paper details are the easiest path. A short portrait session or pet-themed thank-you card captures inclusion without day-of stress.

Bringing It All Together

Including a furry companion can deepen the emotional texture of your wedding when it’s done thoughtfully. Focus on comfort, choose moments that suit your pet’s nature, and let simplicity guide your choices. Whether they walk the aisle or smile from a photo on your thank-you cards, their presence can quietly remind everyone what family really means.

Genetic and Environmental Drivers of Disease

February 4, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Lead animal scientist Antonia Mataragka of the Agricultural University of Athens has conducted a study that explores the increase in chronic diseases in the animal kingdom. These same diseases are found in both animals and humans.

For example, obesity is widespread in dogs and cats. Being overweight leads to a greater number of cats who develop diabetes. About 20% of pigs develop osteoarthritis, beluga whales have an increase of gastrointestinal cancers and farmed Atlantic salmon suffer from cardiomyopathy. It doesn’t end there, up to 25% of wildlife living in polluted estuaries are developing liver tumors. Even

Marine turtles and fish are developing more tumors.

Mataragka hopes that her research will encourage more coordinated monitoring of both animals, people and ecosystems to identify early warning signs by recognizing shared causes of chronic illnesses and reduce disease risks for both animals and people.

Antonia Mataragka. Beyond Infections: The Growing Crisis of Chronic Disease in Animals. Risk Analysis, 2025; DOI: 10.1111/risa.70130

Society for Risk Analysis. “Animals are developing the same chronic diseases as humans.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 November 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105735.htm>.

Dogs can tell how toys work without training

January 22, 2026 / susanbulanda / Leave a comment

What this means is that dogs can group objects by how they are used, not by how they look. The importance of this discovery shows that dogs understand words and in a more flexible manner than previously thought.

A team of animal behavior researchers worked with dog owners and had them play with their dogs with objects in two categories, pull and fetch. The owners used these words with specific toys that did not look similar.

“Next, the dogs were tested to see if they had learned to connect the functional labels to the correct group of toys before playing with more novel toys in the two distinct categories. However, this time, their owners didn’t use the “pull” and “fetch” labels for the dogs.

The team found that the dogs were able to extend the functional labels they’d learned previously to the new toys based on their experience playing with them. In the final test, the dogs showed that they could successfully apply the verbal labels to the toys by either pulling or fetching accordingly, even when their owners hadn’t named them.”

This impacts the way we train our dogs and the importance of the words that we use, especially associating the words with actions. If dogs are capable of understanding words to this level, it is reasonable to assume that other animals and birds can do the same thing.