Monthly WestieGram

What's new this August!

August 6, 2004

In this issue:

1.  Update on Ellie's Pups!

2.  Francie has a new litter!

3.  Abby is expecting today!

4.  How does a fat Westie weigh?

5.  The importance of Poop Scooping

6.  Give us an update!

1.  Update on Ellie's pups!

  Ellie's pups will soon go to their new homes.  The girls go to live with Vicki and Hal in MS, Michelle and family in TN, and Meredith and family in TX.  The boy goes to live with Bo and Sharon in LA.  They are all a typical Down South Westie!  They are full of energy, feisty, healthy, and loving.

2.  Francie has a new litter!

  On Saturday night, July 31, Francie delivered 5 beautiful pups.  She had 4 boys and a girl.  Mother and pups went to the vet on Monday and all are doing just fine.

3.  Abby is expecting today!

  Abby is expecting pups just any hour now (Saturday).  As I prepare this WestieGram, I am also watching her on the monitor.  She is restless, and will probably deliver those pups in the middle of the night tonight.  Her temp has been below 99 degrees for about 36 hours.

4.  How much does a fat Westie weigh? 

Putting your Westie on the scale is not the best way to evaluate if he is overweight.   It is better to look at the appearance of your Westie rather than at a weight that this breed 'should' be.  Looking at his body condition is the best way to judge where your pet falls on the obesity spectrum.  You should be able to feel the ribs easily without pressing, but you should not be able to see the ribs through the coat.  An overweight pet is not a healthy pet.  Owners need to recognize that they are putting their pet's health at risk by allowing that extra weight.  Obesity commonly leads to diabetes, heart problems, and arthritis.  An overweight pet does not age well, either.  Overweight pets are more prone to hip dysplasia, back and joint pain, and endocrine diseases.  Extra weight also decreases a veterinarian's ability to manage these conditions both medically and surgically.  Keeping your Westie at a healthy weight can literally add years to his life.

5.  The importance of Poop Scooping!

Have you gone days, or even weeks, without picking up your pet's poop piles in the back yard?  Many pet owners do not realize that dog feces carry parasitic worms capable of infecting humans.  Not only is picking up after your pet hygienic and courteous, but it can also help keep the soil free of parasites such as roundworms and hookworms and can help keep humans safe from infections.  In addition, keeping pets on a regular worm preventive and practicing good hygiene can help control and prevent the spread of these parasites.  Dr. Allan Paul, veterinary parasitologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, explains that two parasites found in pet poop, roundworms and hookworms, can infect humans through ingestion or skin contact.  Both are very common in puppies.  Roundworms can be spread to puppies from their mother before they are born; dormant roundworm larvae in the mother's bloodstream can become activated during pregnancy and cross the placenta to infect the puppies.  In fact, according to Dr. Paul, virtually 100 percent of puppies are born with roundworms.  If a pup's roundworm or hookworm infection goes untreated, not only can a puppy develop serious disease, but also the environment can become contaminated with eggs that are excreted with feces and pose a health risk for humans. Roundworm and hookworm infections are as serious for humans as they are for pets.  Monthly drugs, taken orally or applied topically, can prevent roundworm and hookworm infections, and some monthly heartworm treatments include these preventives. 

6.  Give us an update!

If you have a Down South Westie pup, please give us an update!  We receive many emails and pictures of our pups.  Keep us informed about your pup's progress.  We enjoy hearing from you.