Minature Pinscher

Question
1. Why get a dog?
2. Vet say my dog has something like Mang?  What is that? Is it deadly to him and deadly to us?
3. Can we catch anything from our dog and dies?
4. There is no way our dog could kill us right?
5. How much should I spent on my dog monthly?

Answer

Hi Henry,

Getting a dog is a purely personal decision. One usually gets a dog because they like the companionship of a pet. With the decision to get a pet comes responsibilities that are financial, emotional and moral. A dog is a living thing, if you don't feel you can commit to one, you're better off not getting a dog. The following web page has info you should consider before getting a dog: http://www.doginfomat.com/b4ugetadog.htm

Mange, is caused by a mite, there are three different kinds of mange, each caused by a different species of mite, they are: Demodectic, Sarcoptic and Cheyletiella. It's not deadly to the dog or you, but it is very uncomfortable for the dog, and it requires treatment. The sooner the dog is treated once mange is diagnosed, the better.

Cheyletiella is the least serious form of mange. It usually manifests itself in itching and a light dandruff over the dog's head and shoulders. The mite dies soon after leaving the host, so usually bathing the dog in a medicated shampoo is all that is necessary to treat this type of mange.

Sarcoptic mange is a microscopic mite, and is more serious, but usually very treatable. It can be transmitted to humans, in which case it is called scabies. Sarcoptic mange generally starts with intense itching and some hair loss. The dog will scratch furiously and can injure its skin, which can then become infected. The ears often crust over first, which is a telltale sign. The dog will need a trip to the vet's office to confirm the diagnosis and to be treated. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice for sarcoptic mange. It is usually administered in two doses, two weeks apart. The dog may also require antibiotics and medicated baths for skin infections and itch relief. The family should be cautious about handling the dog, since sarcoptic mange is contagious.

Demodetic mange is the third, and can be the most serious type of mange if it's "generalized" form (located on several areas of the dog's body). Most dogs have the demodex mite living on their skin, but why some develop a sensitivity to it and contract demodetic mange is unknown. Most dogs that have Demodetic mange are under a year old. It generally starts with hair loss around the face or eyes. If the hair loss remains localized, the mange will often resolve without treatment. In the generalized form, the demodex mites burrow deep into the skin, making it irritated and itchy. Sores follow and secondary skin infection is not uncommon. A veterinarian will want to take regular skin scrapings to make a correct diagnosis, and to monitor the treatment progress. Prompt veterinary treatment is essential for the dog's recovery.

It's doubtful you will catch anything from a dog, especially if you keep your dog clean and healthy, and get him prompt medical care when needed. If you catch Sarcoptic mange from the dog, you, and everyone in your home would need to see a doctor.

Dogs are animals, and I'm sure if you do some digging you can find statistics on the number of human deaths caused by dogs each year. That said, 99.9999% of pet dogs are at least fairly well behaved, and never kill a person. I'm quite sure that far more dogs are needlessly killed at the hands of humans every year, than visa-versa. As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to properly train your dog, so he endangers nobody.

The monthly cost of an adult dog, on average isn't much more than the cost of food. However, dogs do can sick, need yearly doctor exams and preventative care, or require unexpected emergency care. Like people, as dogs get older they often require more medical care, which can be on-going or they might require surgery. The yearly cost of owning a dog will vary depending on where you live, and the age of your dog. Figure anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to possibly thousands, if "big ticket" items like surgery is required. For this reason, a smart dog owner keeps a special savings account, where monthly or weekly deposits (as little as $5-$20) can be kept to pay for unexpected pet expenses. Those small deposits will add up to hundreds of dollars over time, making paying for a pet's care a lot easier.

If you are considering getting a dog, and have never owned one before, it's much better to adopt a adult, than to get a puppy. I cannot stress strongly enough the amount of care and training that puppies require! When you adopt an adult dog, you are getting a known entity. It's personalty traits probably have been evaluated, so you you won't be guessing if the dog is dominate or aggressive, if it's a snuggler, or if it's aloof, if it likes to play, or not. Adoptable adult dogs have usually already been spayed or neutered, up to date on shots, and may already have been house trained. To browse adoptable dogs of all ages and breeds, go here:

http://www.petfinder.com

Keep in mind that mixed breed dogs are often healthier than their pure-bred cousins, and make wonderful loving, faithful pets too. If you consider a pure-bred dog you should read up on the diseases common to the breed you're thinking about. Just about every pure-bred dog breed has some conditions or diseases associated with it. While it's not an absolute that any dog will develop these conditions, it's something the dog has a predisposition to. Also, there are plenty of "non-breed standard" pure-bred dogs out there, due to irresponsible breeders. This means there are lots of aggressive downright dangerous Golden Retrievers, and plenty of laid-back good natured Pit Bulls out there. The only way to know a dog's personality is to visit it, and ask a lot of questions (such as if the dog's temperament has been evaluated). Dogs come in many personalities, just like people. A shy dog isn't going to change, and become an outgoing dog that will go to everybody for a belly rub. Take the time to find a dog with the personality you want, and you and the dog will have a wonderful relationship, to last a lifetime.

Best of luck,
Patti