It sounds like your breeder breeds to supplement her income. While she was super nice, I think most if not all of these types of breeders will be super nice bc they are trying to get you to buy one of their dogs. It's important to support the right kind of breeders, those who breed to improve the breed, not do the opposite. This is how so many of us come to have off standard yorkies, with luxating patellas (very common in yorkies, where the knee caps float around, and could result in lameness and/or surgery), health problems, dental problems (too short of muzzle, not enough room for teeth) etc. Also may be why this breeder let you take your baby home at 7 weeks. A lot of socialization is learned at this age up to 12 weeks.
Thank you for this...when we first started to look for a yorkie I had no idea about good vs. bad breeders, potential health probs, etc...I know now that it takes much more research than simply going out to the first person you find and purchasing a dog.
However, since you have already owned him for almost a year, all the above does not really matter now. Just thought I would let you know, in case in the future you may want to add another.
Sebi is my one and only for now but, I've been considering getting one for my mom since we have all moved out and she's alone most of the time.
As for advice, I strongly agree with the no table food, as in processed, high fat foods. They can get pancreatitis, which can be difficult to control and expensive to maintain. My Uni got pancreatitis from regular dog food. You just have to see what works and what doesn't. I know now she can't have lamb. Bil-Jac isn't that great of a food. There are a lot of grain free, corn free, organic, holistic, etc foods out there that are not very expensive that you may want to look into. Read the labels and avoid anything that has corn meal, by products, or vague names such as animal fat, what animal is it?
Would you mind recommending a few brands? Bil-Jac is what the breeder had been giving them and she said that's what she feeds all her dogs so I just went with it. I assumed she knew her stuff (and I sure didn't) so I trusted her.
I would def get him neutered also. I'm guessing he's about a year old now, so I think it's time for his dental also, and to take out any retained baby teeth. Do all that while he's under, along with the microchip, and get his nails done all at once. make sure the vet explains how the chip works. You have to buy the chip from the vet, but still have to pay another fee to get it registered to you. We've been discussing chips recently and a lot of us were still pretty confused on how they work. Also neutering is not only the responsible thing to do, but also eliminates the risk of certain cancers.
Yes he is almost one..Dec 24th is his birthday. I plan to get him neutered within the next few months and he also has 2 teeth that will be taken out at that time. Sebi just had surg last week for a dislocated hip and the ER vet suggested I do these things at the same time as the FHO but, the specialist I took him to did not recommend I do that.
Sorry for rambling. Hope some of it helped.
I love rambling lol ..I appreciate you so much for taking time to help me out!!
Oh, is he on any flea or heartworm preventative?
Yes he is on heartgard and frontline...and he is up to date on all of his vaccinations. I'm doing my best 