- Coton de Tulear Puppy Overview
- Coton de Tulear Care Package
- History of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Coton de Tulear Intelligence
- Cognitive Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Stress in Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Anxiety in the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Allergies in the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Gut Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Eye Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Ear Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Immune Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Joint Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
- Skin & Coat Health of the Coton de Tulear
- Final Thoughts
Coton de Tulear Puppy Overview
The Coton de Tulear, 'Royal Dog of Madagascar,' is a bright, sturdy, yet small dog recognized by its profuse, white, cottony coat. The Coton de Tulear (pronounced KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE) are immensely charming, happy-go-lucky dogs that weigh between 8 to 13 pounds and are 9 and 11 inches high.The Coton de Tulear is named after the seaport town of Tulear. The Coton de Tulear puppy originated in the 1500s, belonging to the Barbichon family in Madagascar.
This dog breed was once the preferred lapdog of the nobles of Madagascar. The ancestors of the Coton de Tulear puppy were also ancestors to the Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Bolognese and were kept as companion dogs on sea trading ships. The American Kennel Club has recognized the Coton de Tulear puppy breed.
Coton de Tulear Care Package
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- Vision Supplement for Small Dogs
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- Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs
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What Makes the Coton de Tulear Puppies Unique?
The Coton de Tulear puppy has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. They are a lively dog breed that is always ready to entertain and please. They love to be loved and get along with people well. Additionally, the Coton de Tulear puppy can be trained easily. They have calm personalities, making them a unique dog breed.
The Coton de Tulear puppy is recognized as a playful dog who is affectionate with family; they are good with strangers, pets, and even other dogs. Although they were bred as a companion, they can survive on their own. They have a 4-inch profuse white coat with a texture similar to cotton, hence the name. People believe that the 4-inch coat in the Coton de Tulear puppies is to insulate them and protect them from heat and cold. However, the Coton de Tulear puppy may be born with spots, mainly around the ears and head. These spots fade away as the puppy ages.
When it comes to upkeep, the Coton de Tulear puppy is an active dog that will play around with you most of the time. Their high energy allows them to play indoors as well as outdoors. They are not lazy.
The Coton de Tulear puppy sheds little. However, coat care can be challenging at times because it mats and tangles easily. The dog owner should brush the coat daily to avoid tangles. Any twigs or leaves should be removed instantly before they result in tangling. If you have a Coton de Tulear puppy, you should bathe them weekly.
Coton de Tulear Traits
The Coton de Tulear is a friendly dog that loves children. They are known for their energy, affection, loyalty, and big heart.The Coton de Tulear puppy has a rich history, being the most loved pet of the royals. Though they are tiny, the Coton de Tulear has a lively and loving personality. Some delightful traits of the Coton de Tulear include distinctive vocalizations and a talent for walking on their hind legs.
The Coton de Tulear puppy is a soft dog with a childlike and cuddly personality. They are highly devoted and loyal to their owners. However, if the Coton de Tulear puppy is not socialized early, they might remain cautious and reserved in front of unfamiliar faces. Therefore, the dog owner should introduce him to other pets and people for an early and easy transition to adulthood.
The Coton de Tulear puppy may not be much of a guard dog, but he will sound the alarm at the slightest of things that he considers a threat, even a squirrel.
It's an absolute joy to live with a Coton de Tulear puppy. They live an active lifestyle and are somewhat playful.
The Coton de Tulear puppy will enjoy apartment life. They'll happily play and run inside a fenced yard.
History of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
Many refer to the Coton de Tulear puppy as a 'walking cotton ball' .It's appropriate because the first part of the breed's name is the French word for cotton. People often ask how did the Coton de Tulear puppy land in Madagascar? Madagascar is 250 miles off the coast of Africa. The location drew traders from France, Portugal, other European and Asian countries, as well as the Middle East. Pirates also used to roam in these areas. History tells that various of these little white dogs accompanied these travelers.
The history of the Coton de Tulear puppy can be described as intriguing and mysterious. Although new to modern dogs, the Cotton de Tulear puppy is considered an ancient dog breed. The saying goes that they traveled with Asian traders to end up in the Mediterranean Sea area. According to the American Kennel Club, there is also a mention of little white dogs in the time of Aristotle.
The white dogs were also companion dogs with the Roman aristocracy. They used to refer to them as 'table dogs'. These white dogs were known as 'Meletei'.With the downfall of the Roman Empire, these dogs were mated with another popular breed, the Barbet.
Breeding the Barbet and Meletei together gave rise to the "Barbichon" family of dogs, including the Bichon Havanais, Bichon Maltais, Bichon Bolognese, and the Bichon Teneriffe. The modern-day breeds in the Bichon family are Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese, Coton de Tuléar and the Lowchien. They're a goofy breed owned as pets nowadays.
Coton de Tulear Intelligence
The Coton de Tulear puppy is an incredibly intelligent dog. They are an observant dog breed who quickly learns and adapts to things and are flexible to their owner's needs. The Coton de Tulear puppy is a delighted and people-pleasing dog. Because of its adaptable and observant nature, the Coton de Tulear puppy can be easily trained. They are intelligent dogs that are not so difficult to deal with. Following is an example of their intelligence:
Crocodiles were the natives of Madagascar, infesting streams and rivers. When the Coton de Tulear puppy needed to cross the river, crocodiles usually presented a danger. The story goes that the Coton de Tulear used to find the narrowest crossing and would come and gather there. Some of the loudest dogs used to gather at the most expansive intersection and started barking to attract crocodiles and lizards in that area. The clever Coton de Tulear would join their friends and cross the narrow crossing while the crocodiles were busy with the lizards.
Additionally, the intelligence of the Coton de Tulear puppy is shown in their ability to solve problems and communicate easily. You might want to be careful with this smartness, especially when you're teaching your Coton de Tulear puppy. They might learn a command fast and apply it in ways you might not have thought of. However, they are quick learners and will instantly adapt and pick a routine. This is because of their excellent observation skills.
This intelligence can aid in the training of the Coton de Tulear. Your Coton de Tulear puppy will grasp things quickly with concise and clear communication.
Cognitive Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
Dogs suffer from various cognitive health issues such as cerebellar hypoplasia, cerebellar abiotrophies, congenital hypomyelination, and more.
Bandera's neonatal ataxia (Bandera's syndrome) is an autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia found in the Coton de Tulear puppy. This health issue is non-progressive and manifests as cerebellar ataxia from birth. A DNA test is available for this health issue in the Coton de Tulear puppy. However, dogs who suffer from this health condition may never be able to walk.
The Coton de Tulear puppy will start showing symptoms after birth when they develop coordinated movements. The Coton de Tulear puppy affected by this condition will have a Cerebellum that does not function properly. Hence the Coton de Tulear puppy may not develop the balance necessary to walk or stand normally. The impacted dog will often be seen scooting on their stomach, paddling their legs, and falling while doing so.
Another common question dog owners usually ask their vets is if their senior dog will develop Alzheimer's. If you've noticed that your Coton de Tulear has slowed down or doesn't have the same energy that he used to have, it may be normal aging, but it can also be a sign of Alzheimer's. Some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer's include disorientation, change in sleep/wake cycles, house soiling, learning, memory, anxiety, change in activity, and a change in interaction with people.
Disorientation may mean that your dog is confused, he might stare blankly at walls, he may seem lost, get stuck, or will not be able to recognize people. Alzheimer's will also alter how your dog interacts with you and other people. For example, you might find their interest in petting deteriorating, and they may seem withdrawn, wanting some alone time. Additionally, you might also find a change in the sleep cycle of your Coton de Tulear. Some dogs may also show signs of anxiety and fear.
Treatment & Care
The Coton de Tulear puppy has remained relatively free from genetic disorders, not to say that they don't exist. However, the percentages of such incidents in reasonably low. However, treatment and care for brain health involves giving the right amount of nutrition that the breed needs. Nutrition plays a vital role in enhancing your dog's ability to learn. For instance, Omega fatty acids play a crucial role in brain and retinal development in young animals. Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids. There is a lot of fish in the sea, and coldwater fish have a superior level of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids can be found in anchovies, ardines, salmon, mackerel, trout, and more.
Apart from fish oil, high-quality dog food also has all the necessary nutrients for your dog breed. However, some dogs tend to become overweight, so watch your Coton de Tulear's weight level and calorie consumption. Many dog owners prefer giving treats to train their dogs, but too many can often lead to obesity in dogs. Learn which human foods are safe for your Coton de Tulear puppy, ask your vet if you have any concerns regarding your dog's diet or weight.
There is no accurate test for diagnosing Alzheimer's in your Coton de Tulear. You can visit your vet to check for early signs of this health condition. Your vet may ask for your dog's behavioral history. Some other diseases have similar symptoms like Alzheimer's, such as loss of hearing or vision, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders, and more. Hence, your vet will examine your dog for those conditions as well. Your vet might recommend diets and supplements that are rich in fatty acids. If you observe the signs mentioned above in your Coton de Tulear, you should visit your vet immediately.
Stress in Coton de Tulear Puppy
We often encounter statements like 'that dog just bit someone out of nowhere'. The fact is, dogs don't just bite someone without a warning sign. The primary way for dogs to communicate with us is through body language. Hence, the dog owner needs to keep an eye out for alarming symptoms such as growling, unusual barking, pacing, freezing, or any other thing that might look different in your dog's body language.
The Coton de Tulear puppy is called the 'anti-stress dog of the 20th century'. That is because they have pleasant and happy-go-lucky personalities. Responding sometimes with unique vocalizations and cocking his head to the side while talking to them, the Coton de Tulear puppy is recognized as a happy dog breed. However, since the Coton de Tulear is a social and easy-to-get-along dog, they might get stressed when left alone or not communicated with.
Stress in the Coton de Tulear puppy can be in the form of growling, unusual barking, pacing, freezing, or anything unusual that your Coton de Tulear puppy doesn't frequently do.
For instance, if your Coton de Tulear puppy is growling all of a sudden, it shows that he is not comfortable and something is bothering him. This may be an indication of stress. It may indicate that they are feeling threatened or uncomfortable.
Additionally, if your Coton de Tulear puppy is barking or whining excessively, it may also be an indication of stress. It's a clue for the dog owner that something in the environment makes your Coton de Tulear puppy unhappy or anxious.
Your Coton de Tulear puppy will primarily communicate with you through body language. Some stress signs to look for include yawning, lip-licking, raised hackles, panting, tucked ears, or whale eyes (when dogs reveal the whites of their eyes).
Another sign to look out for is pacing. When your Coton de Tulear puppy is walking back and forth, it's a symptom of stress. If this is happening between mealtimes, it may not be a concern. However, you should notice when your dog engages in this behavior and determine what might be triggering them.
Treatment & Care
As an owner of the Coton de Tulear puppy, it is essential to reflect on your behavior and see whether it is your behavior that is causing stress in your Coton de Tulear puppy. Some of the ways a dog owner might be causing stress in their puppy are by not giving them clear instructions, staring at him directly, or punishing him unnecessarily. The best possible way to relieve the stress of your Coton de Tulear puppy is by knowing what is bothering them. Then, you should work with your vet or a professional trainer to eliminate their response to that trigger.
Sometimes, the simplest thing to do is to teach children to deal with their Coton de Tulear puppy respectfully. For example, if you know that your dog gets stressed about certain things such as fireworks or car rides, then you should make sure that you keep him far from it.
Additionally, to know when your Coton de Tulear puppy is stressed, you should know their natural demeanor. You can tell whether he is licking himself for a treat or if something is making him anxious. When your Coton de Tulear puppy is relaxed, he will have a soft mouth, semi-erect or forward-facing ears, and round eyes. You can regroup him at a calm place when he is stressed. You can also pamper him with treats or play around with him. Additionally, you can go on with regular commands that will distract him. Signals like sit, heel, and down can be beneficial to calm a stressed dog.
If you notice that your Coton de Tulear puppy is constantly stressed, you should see a vet immediately. Exercise or physical activity can be another stress reliever for a dog.
Anxiety in the Coton de Tulear Puppy
Dogs experience anxiety, just like humans. Anxiety can be an unpleasant emotion; however, it is normal and healthy. Dog anxiety is present in all dog breeds, but the degree can vary in each dog. Although anxiety is something that your dog might be dealing with from time to time, it may lead to an anxiety disorder if left unnoticed. Anxiety in the Coton de Tulear puppy can be due to multiple causes. Some of them include anxiety related to fear, separation anxiety, or age-related anxiety.
You might have noticed that your Coton de Tulear Puppy gets extremely uncomfortable with loud noises, strange or new environments, strange people or animals, or specific situations such as car rides or when in a vet's office. This uncomfortable behavior might be an indication of fear-related anxiety in your Coton de Tulear Puppy. Additionally, your Coton de Tulear puppy might also deal with separation anxiety, impacting around 14% of the dogs.
Since the Coton de Tulear puppy is affectionate and gets along with people well, they may find it uncomfortable when left alone or separated from their owner. Your Coton de Tulear puppy may show signs of discomfort when left alone, such as urinating the house, destroying furniture, or barking often.
Additionally, some dogs often deal with age-related anxiety. For example, age-related anxiety usually occurs in dogs with Cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Since CDS is not so common in the Coton de Tulear puppy, he may not have to deal with age-related anxiety.
Some common signs of anxiety in the Coton de Tulear puppy include aggression, drooling, urinating or defecating in the house, depression, destructive behavior, excessive barking, panting, restlessness, pacing, and repetitive or compulsive behaviors. Some of the mentioned anxiety symptoms may result from occasional anxiety or specific events. However, any of the symptoms mentioned can become recurrent, leading to more severe issues. Aggression is considered the most dangerous symptom of dog anxiety. This aggression can be in the form of 'direct aggression,' when the Coton de Tulear puppy charges directly at people, threatening or harming them. 'Indirect aggression' can be in the form of excessive growling or barking. Therefore, a dog owner needs to notice any unusual behavior that indicates the Coton de Tulear puppy anxiety.
Additionally, destructive behavior is a common symptom of separation anxiety in the Coton de Tulear. If you see your Coton de Tulear puppy harming the furnishings, doorways, or windows might be a sign of separation anxiety. If this continues, you should immediately take action and visit a vet.
Treatment & Care
If you've noticed signs of anxiety in your Coton de Tulear puppy, it's time to visit a vet and ask for treatment. Your vet may be able to identify the type of anxiety your Coton de Tulear puppy is dealing with and will let you know the possible causes and triggers. Additionally, your vet will provide you with a treatment plan specific to your dog's condition.
There are various training strategies that you can adopt to treat your dog's anxiety. One of the strategies is counterconditioning. This strategy works by shifting your dog's focus away from the stimuli responsible for the anxiety and focusing on something else, for instance, sitting or playing with the owner. It is somewhat like distracting your Coton de Tulear puppy from the anxiety-causing stimuli.
Additionally, CBD oil can also reduce stress and relieve dog anxiety. CBD is a compound found in cannabis and hemp that humans and dog owners have found helpful in treating various health conditions. However, it is essential to keep in mind that although humans use CBD oil as a stress reliever, no scientific data proves how CBD oil affects dogs. Moreover, CBD products are also not yet regulated. Therefore, purity and consistency are not always validated. Hence, if you plan to use CBD oil for your dog's anxiety, you should consult your vet first.
It can be difficult to deduce what might be causing anxiety in your Coton de Tulear puppy. However, there are different ways you can help your Coton de Tulear puppy.
For instance, the best thing is you can learn their body language. Knowing when your Coton de Tulear puppy is scared or uncomfortable will help you prevent them from an unpleasant experience. Additionally, socializing your Coton de Tulear puppy may also help prevent the development of anxiety. Finally, introducing them to new people, dogs, and kids will help them become well-adjusted dogs.
Allergies in the Coton de Tulear Puppy
The Coton de Tulear puppy is a bright and affectionate dog who gets along with people quickly. They're loving and family-loyal dogs. If you're someone looking for a hypoallergenic dog, the Cotton de Tulear puppy is a perfect choice. The Coton de Tulear puppy is an ideal hypoallergenic dog, with no shedding and low dander. Although the Coton de Tulear puppy will not give you an allergic reaction, they deal with certain allergies.
Dog skin allergies are one of the most frustrating problems to come across, and finding their root cause is even more complex at times. Your Coton de Tulear puppy may have to deal with environmental allergies, parasitic dermatitis, food allergies, and other inhalant allergies.
Environmental allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in dogs. They may be caused by ragweed, feather, mold, pollen, grass, trees, animal dander, and plants. Since eliminating the root cause is difficult, you must treat the symptom instead of the culprit. The symptoms may include hair loss, chewing, scratching or biting intensely, skin damage due to scratching or licking, and ear infections.
Additionally, your Coton de Tulear puppy might also face Parasitic Dermatitis. Fleas are a widespread cause of dog skin allergies. These allergy symptoms include itching, red skin, or bumps appearing on the inner thighs, tail, and stomach. Therefore, you must look for non-toxic treatment options such as killing the fleas or applying the product that kills the fleas or any pain-relief medication.
In addition, your Coton de Tulear puppy may also have to deal with food allergies which can range in symptoms from skin conditions (facial swelling, hives, itchiness), gastrointestinal signs (vomiting or diarrhea), or a combination of both.
This is much easier to take care of because the cause can be easily eliminated by making changes in diet.
Your Coton de Tulear puppy may also face other inhalant allergies, which might be due to cigarette smoke, smog, chemicals in cleaning products, pollen, or some other airborne contaminants which may cause allergies to dog skins. Some symptoms of this can be swelling of lips, throat, and eyelids. Visit your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms in your Coton de Tulear puppy.
Treatment & Care
Preventing allergies or taking precautions to fight allergies is not as difficult as it sounds. By ensuring simple measures, you can ensure that your Coton de Tulear puppy stays healthy and safe from all sorts of allergies.
Homemade dog food is a good option when treating allergies in dogs. You can add all the right ingredients that are beneficial for your dog. Make sure to add essential fatty acids to the food like Omega 3 and Omega 6, which relieve itching. You can further utilize anti-inflammatory ingredients like kale, sardines, coconut oil, and blueberries. You can even add some other ingredients which your dog loves.
Additionally, raw honey can do wonders for your Coton de Tulear puppy. If you give raw honey in adequate quantity to your Coton de Tulear puppy, it can help with various skin conditions and help your dog stay healthy.
Apart from honey, there are many supplements available over the counter to ensure your Coton De Tulear puppy has healthy skin. You can then get the ideal supplement in solid or liquid form, and you can even consider a homeopathic option to ensure that your dog faces no side effects. It is advised that you consult the vet before getting supplements. Supplements rich in Omega fatty acids are an ideal choice for dogs dealing with allergies.
Additionally, if your dog is dealing with skin allergies, you should ask your vet to prescribe a specific shampoo or conditioner for their skin condition. You can opt for medicated shampoo and conditioners and check the ingredients in detail beforehand. This way, you can ensure soothing ingredients are present like oatmeal, aloe vera, or eucalyptus, which will help with any skin condition, reduce redness and help with itching. Sometimes, the shampoos might be the reason for the allergy; therefore, make sure to verify the ingredients before you apply them.
Additionally, you should make sure that your home is clean. However, avoid using excessive chemicals which would harm the dog instead of benefiting them. Therefore, use environmentally-friendly products and keep the dust away as much as possible.
Along with raw honey, you can give your Coton De Tulear puppy virgin organic coconut oil, which would provide them with relief and help with digestive issues.
Another thing that can be done is limit the exposure to outdoor areas. Here, we suggest that you keep your dog confined in one place. You must make sure that wherever you are taking your Coton de Tulear, the place is not exposed to allergens.
Lastly, give your dogs a weekly bath or bath every three days; this could significantly reduce the allergies and provide time for the skin for healing and staying away from all harmful pollutants. Make sure to use lukewarm or cool water for the bath to ensure that the dog doesn't catch a cold and the bath offers therapeutic effects.
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Gut Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
The digestion process of dogs and humans differs significantly. For instance, the digestion process in humans starts in the mouth when the enzymes in the saliva begin to function, breaking down the food. On the other hand, dogs have jaws made for crushing, tearing, and wolfing down the food. The enzymes in dogs' saliva are there to kill bacteria. Many factors can disrupt or damage this well-balanced digestive process, resulting in diarrhea or other gut health issues. Suppose your Coton de Tulear puppy has diarrhea. In that case, it can be due to several reasons, such as a change in diet, food intolerance, allergies, poisonous substances or plants, illnesses, bacterial infections, stress or emotional upset, parasites, and much more.
It's a fact that gut health is the center of overall health for our four-legged friends as well as humans. An unhealthy gut may lead to an imbalanced immune response and poor nutrient absorption, leading to many other health issues such as inflammation in the body. The gut is the house of the microbiome (also known as gut flora). The balance of harmful and beneficial bacteria that makes up the microbiome links to the development of several health conditions such as diabetes, anxiety, obesity, food allergies, and inflammatory-related conditions such as skin complaints, arthritis, asthma, and more.
Additionally, your Coton de Tulear puppy might also suffer from bloating (gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)). Signs of bloating may include an enlargement of the dog's abdomen, salivation, restlessness, and retching. In addition, your Coton de Tulear puppy may also find it painful when your touch their belly.
Bloating can have a wide range of causes such as eating rapidly, eating large meals together, stress, or having a genetic relation to another dog with the same condition.
Many of the health issues in the Coton de Tulear can be traced back to the gut. Therefore, it is significant to keep track of the gut health of your Coton de Tulear puppy.
Treatment & Care
It is believed that a raw diet can significantly elevate the balance of the microbiome by sustaining beneficial bacteria, as compared to processed food. Conversely, processed food loaded with synthetics, additives, and chemicals can disturb the balance of the microbiome by sustaining harmful bacteria.
This condition can result in the 'Leaky Gut Syndrome' where the intestine lining becomes permeable. This lining functions as an efficient barrier against toxins entering and passing through the dog's system. When this lining becomes permeable, toxins and food particles will pass through it and pave the way for inflammation, making your puppy more prone to illness.
The immune system is the natural protective mechanism of each being, whether human or our four-legged friends. When the immune system functions efficiently, it will respond to possible threats, toxins, or bacteria that may harm your Coton de Tulear puppy. A significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut, which increases the significance of maintaining the gut health of your Coton de Tulear puppy. To ensure that the immune system is functioning at its best, feeding a natural raw diet to your Coton de Tulear puppy will maximize their natural defense mechanism, protecting them from infections and illnesses.
If your Coton de Tulear puppy has an upset stomach, you need to find out the root cause before changing his diet. Your Coton de Tulear puppy might be sensitive to certain foods. You should make an appointment with your vet and let them examine your Coton de Tulear puppy. Once you've ruled out severe conditions like cancer, you can move on with other possible causes of a sensitive stomach in your Coton de Tulear puppy. For example, there is a possibility that your dog food might be lacking essential nutrients or minerals or maybe containing something in excess, like fat.
The symptoms of a sensitive stomach may be loose stools, occasional vomiting, and flatulence.
If you notice signs of bloating (as mentioned above) in your Coton de Tulear puppy, you should visit your vet immediately. Puppies with bloat require immediate medical attention. Your vet will work actively to stabilize the Coton de Tulear puppy. While doing so, your vet will also try and decompress the dog's stomach by passing a stomach tube via the dog's mouth.
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Eye Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
Pet owners usually opt for general practice vets to assist them in maintaining their dog's overall health. However, some conditions need specialized care and are not within the scope of a general practice veterinarian. Therefore, it is essential to consult a specialist.
There are various eye health issues observed in dogs, and many of them can lead to vision loss or complete impairment. As stated by Martin Coster, DVM, MS, DACVO, staff ophthalmologist at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, "the most common diseases we see in the canine eye are cataracts, dry eye, and glaucoma." In addition, progressive Retinal Atrophy is a common eye health condition observed in the Coton de Tulear.
This health condition involves a group of diseases that lead to the retina's degeneration. This involves photoreceptor dysplasia and degenerations that have similar symptoms. The first symptom of progressive retinal atrophy is night blindness. This eventually leads to complete blindness over some time, varying from dog to dog. Progressive Retinal Atrophy also progresses to cataracts in the Coton de Tulear, masking the underlying disease of the retina. If you visit the vet, they will look for alterations in the retina consistent with progressive retinal atrophy.
Your vet will confirm the condition in your Coton de Tulear by performing electroretinography which is a test that measures the electrical responses of the eye. Efficient treatment is not yet discovered for this disease. If your Coton de Tulear puppy is suffering from cataracts, the central part of their eye might appear to be cloudy because the lens would have lost its transparency. Cataracts may affect one eye or both. Cataracts can either be inherited or occur due to any other disease. Diabetes can be one cause of cataracts because the excess glucose can lead to causing lens to swell.
Additionally, cataracts can also develop in your dog as a part of the normal aging process. They can also be formed due to an infection or inflammation within the eye. Depending on the severity and size of the cataract, some dogs might become blind and lose significant vision.
Watery eyes are also referred to as epiphora, common in many breeds along with the Coton de Tulear. If you see the Coton de Tulear having watery eyes without any redness on the eyes or in the surrounding skin, then it doesn't require any treatment. However, if Coton de Tulear's eyes are red or the skin surrounding is irritated or red, it is essential to urgently take the dog to the vet to treat the inflammation.
Watery eyes might also happen due to any inflection or allergy; therefore, you should observe the Coton de Tulear and notice any signs such as a discharge or watery eye.
Glaucoma is another health issue that refers to increased pressure in the dog’s eye. Generally, the fluid flows in and out of sight to normalize the pressure. However, if the dog is suffering from glaucoma, then either too much fluid is going inside or outside, which causes increased pressure on the dog’s eyes.
The symptoms for this include redness in the eye and visible vessels on the white area of the eyes. The dog’s eye size increases when the disease progresses and is very painful. You may also note the cornea to be cloudy because of it being stretched. Additionally, cherry eye is another condition that refers to the displacement of the tear gland on a dog's eyelid. The symptoms of having cherry eyes are that the tear gland shifts behind their third eyelid and becomes swollen and inflamed. It forms a ball of pink tissue, which blocks the inside of their eye. It can cause immense irritation and creative problem in dogs. There is nothing that can be done at home. Therefore, you must rush to the vet as soon as you note such symptoms.
Treatment & Care
Dog's eyes are almost similar to that of humans in design. While there may be a hereditary origin to eye conditions, some conditions like cataracts can result from disorders of history of another disease like diabetes. In addition, conditions such as diabetes, some cancers, and high blood pressure can lead to eye health issues.
The first and the most important preventative measure is a periodic examination by your vet. You can do that annually or as recommended by your specialist. In cases when the owner finds an external particle in the dog's eye, you can get an over-the-counter eyewash to get rid of it. Eye health issues can indeed have irreversible and significant impacts on the quality of your dog's life. Therefore, it is essential to visit the vet as soon as you notice something unusual, for instance, a watery discharge.
Unfortunately, there is no effective cure for progressive retinal atrophy. The use of vitamins and antioxidant supplements has also not shown considerable improvement in this health condition. These supplements may only help delay the formation of cataracts in your Coton de Tulear without having any harmful impact on the eye.
Cataracts cannot be prevented, but you can ensure that your Coton de Tulear's vision is preserved by taking steps like examining your Coton de Tulear's eye annually or every 6 months. You should also take your Coton de Tulear to the vet when their eyes look bluish-gray or cloudy and take your dog to the vet if you notice that your dog is having trouble with his vision. Additionally, find out the medical history of your dog's parents, and be aware and prevent conditions that might cause cataracts in your Coton de Tulear, for instance, diabetes.
Eye Health Supplements We Love
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Ear Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
Having an ear problem or an ear infection can be extremely uncomfortable, so it's important for dog owners to notice an issue. Unfortunately, many dog owners don't routinely peer into their dog's ear. To help protect your Coton de Tulear puppy's ear health, you must keep a check on their ears every once in a while, for instance, every week. By doing so, you will be able to check ear health issues such as infections and take preventative measures at the right time before these problems can develop into serious health issues.
It is essential to keep a check on your dog's ear once a week, especially if your Coton de Tulear has gone through specific skin and ear health problems in the past. Some signs of ear problems in your Coton de Tulear puppy include pungent odor, discharge, irritated or red skin, blood, and inflammation.
Some common behaviors to look out for include your dog excessively pawing or scratching their ears, flipping or tilting their head, turning in circles, or tripping over objects. If your Coton de Tulear shows these behaviors, you should visit your vet and let him examine your dog.
Ear infections are also a common health issue in the Coton de Tulear. Some of the symptoms of ear infections in the Coton de Tulear include head shaking, dark discharge, scratching at the affected ear, pain, odor, redness or swelling, and itchiness. Dogs are more prone to ear infections because the ear canal of dogs is more vertical than that of a human, tending to hold in fluids. Factors that may lead to ear infection in your Coton de Tulear include autoimmune disorders, injury to the ear canal, wax buildup, and excessive cleaning.
Treatment & Care
If your Coton de Tulear shows any signs of ear health issues, you must visit the vet immediately. Quick treatment is crucial to eliminate the spreading of the infection and eliminate discomfort in your Coton de Tulear puppy. Your vet will ask you the complete history of your Coton de Tulear puppy, so be prepared for questions like what has your dog been eating lately? Is your dog on any medication? Or recent activities, such as grooming, bath, or swimming.
Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog's ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your dog might also be prescribed an ear cleanser and a topical medication that can be used at home. You must follow your vet's instructions carefully and take special care of cleanliness.
Your vet may perform an ear swab to check for bacteria, yeast, or ear mites. However, when it comes to cleaning your Coton de Tulear's ear, excessive cleaning can also be harmful to your dog. Consider cleaning your dog's ears weekly or monthly. You might also want to be careful when taking your Coton de Tulear swimming or bathing him.
You should check your dog's ear weekly for any signs of odor or unusual discharge. Keeping the ears clean is an essential part of ear health care. However, cleaning those ears can be challenging for many pet owners. Some dogs have naturally healthy and clean ears, while others need regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of wax and dirt in the ears, leading to infections. Therefore, checking your dog's ear health is something that you should do regularly, preferably monthly or as recommended by your vet.
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Immune Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
The primary role of the immune system is to protect the body from foreign invaders that will attack. To operate in such a manner, the immune system should differentiate between 'self' and 'non-self .'For instance, the immune system should recognize invading microorganisms like chemical agents, viruses, or other foreign elements.
An immune response is stimulated in the body with substances called antigens. Antigens may be present on or within bacteria, cancer cells, or other microorganisms. Additionally, antigens can also be present on their own, such as food molecules or pollen. A simple immune response will include recognizing a foreign antigen and attacking it or defending the body against it.
The immune system comprises a network of antibodies, white blood cells, or substances that will reject foreign invaders and fight off infections. Additionally, the immune system includes different organs such as bone marrow and the thymus gland, significant sites where the white blood cells help fight infections. Some others, like lymph nodes and the spleen, trap foreign substances and microorganisms and provide a space for cells to interact and create an immune response.
Your Coton de Tulear puppy may face a deficiency in phagocytosis. Phagocytes are a crucial part of the immune system. Phagocytes are cells that engulf, digest, and kill foreign invaders. Phagocytes immediately work against foreign invasions. They also operate to alert other cells in the adaptive immune system about foreign invasions. Suppose your Coton de Tulear puppy has a phagocytosis deficiency. In that case, this can be due to a low number of phagocytes in the bloodstream or a defect in their capability to act normally. This deficiency can be either present in your Coton de Tulear puppy by birth, or it can be due to a drug or disease.
Treatment & Care
An immune system that does not work efficiently can pave the way for many diseases in your Coton de Tulear puppy. These diseases can be in the form of infections, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer. However, according to veterinary experts, keeping the immune system of your dog balanced can eliminate these risks and contribute to the overall health of your Coton de Tulear puppy. This is because the immune system operates to identify potentially harmful substances like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites and then attack them before they can harm the body in any way. Hence, the proper functioning of the immune system is essential in your Coton de Tulear puppy.
There are various natural ways you can use to boost the immunity of your Coton de Tulear puppy. You don't want your Coton de Tulear puppy to be vulnerable to diseases and infections. Hence, the below-mentioned natural ways can help improve the immunity of your Coton de Tulear puppy.
The first thing to do is feed your Coto de Tulear puppy the right food for boosting their immunity. The diet of your Coton de Tulear puppy plays a significant role in boosting their immunity. Therefore, a diet that comprises a considerable quantity of good fiber and live bacteria from fresh food can be crucial to maintaining a healthy microbiome in your Coton de Tulear puppy. Additionally, various raw diets that comprise of bone and meat only cannot support the ideal microbiome for your Coton de Tulear puppy.
It is important to note that nutrition is not the same for every dog. Therefore, before you plan on changing the diet of your Coton de Tulear puppy, you must consult a vet first.
Additionally, if you wish to boost the immune health of your Coton de Tulear puppy, you can add some supplements to their diet. However, it is advised that you stick to one supplement because trying different products for different conditions may overdo some ingredients, which may be harmful to your Coton de Tulear puppy. Instead, you can use probiotics as they add beneficial microorganisms into the digestive tract. An additional benefit is that probiotics will help prevent outside bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, from causing your dog to get sick.
In addition, keeping your Coton de Tulear puppy fit is another way to boost their immunity. You can encourage your Coton de Tulear puppy to exercise regularly and play with him often to keep them active and fit.
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Joint Health of the Coton de Tulear Puppy
Although the Coton de Tulear is a healthy breed, they suffer from different joint health issues such as luxating patellas Hip Dysplasia. In addition, since the Coton de Tulear is a small dog, they can quickly gain excess weight, and this weight can put extra stress on their joints, leading to various joint health issues.
A luxating patella is recognized as a dislocated knee joint. This can be an excruciating condition for your Coton de Tulear, and they might feel the knee popping in and out constantly. In addition, because of the compact size of your Coton de Tulear, the joints in their body are developed pretty small, making them more prone to this health condition. The symptoms of luxating patellas in the Coton de Tulear include the inability to bend the knee, limping, pain when moving the leg, not being comfortable with the exercise, and failure to run or jump.
Additionally, Hip Dysplasia is another joint and bone health issue associated with the hip. This health condition involves the joints and bones around the hip becoming loose and causing immense inflammation. Hip Dysplasia is a painful health condition that can gradually reduce the quality of your Coton de Tulear puppy's life. Many factors can cause Hip Dysplasia in your Coton de Tulear. Genetics can also contribute to developing this health condition in your Coton de Tulear. Although Hip Dysplasia is hereditary, factors such as improper weight and nutrition, excessive growth rate, and types of exercise can enhance this health condition.
Additionally, improper nutrition or conditions such as obesity can also magnify Hip Dysplasia in the Coton de Tulear. An obese Coton de Tulear will have a lot of stress on his joints, magnifying a pre-existing condition such as Hip Dysplasia. Some of the symptoms of Hip Dysplasia include reduced range of motion, reduced activity, lameness in the hind end, loss of muscle mass in the thigh, pain, stiffness or limping, and difficulty in jumping, running, rising, or climbing stairs.
Treatment & Care
There are various treatment options for Hip Dysplasia in the Coton de Tulear. These options range from surgery to changes in lifestyle. If your Coton de Tulear does not have severe Hip Dysplasia, or if he is not a candidate for surgical treatment due to financial or medical conditions, then your vet might recommend a non-surgical approach to this condition.
Your vet might recommend the following:
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Physical therapy
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Weight reduction to take the stress off of the hips
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Exercise restriction, especially on hard surfaces
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Joint fluid modifiers
Hip Dysplasia can also be prevented in some cases. You can follow some steps for eliminating or reducing the risk of developing this health condition in your Coton de Tulear puppy. If you feed your Coton de Tulear a healthy diet, it can lead to the healthy development of bones and joints, reducing the risk of Hip Dysplasia. Additionally, regular exercise and proper diet can also prevent obesity in your Coton de Tulear, which plays a vital role in contributing to Hip Dysplasia in the Coton de Tulear. Finally, CBD oil can help reduce the pain of Hip Dysplasia as it is an anti-inflammatory that may help in the treatment.
Visit your vet for a regular check-up of your Coton de Tulear, and he will perform a physical exam where the diagnosis can be done for Hip Dysplasia. Your Coton de Tulear puppy's physical exam may also include blood work as the inflammation caused by the joint disease can be shown in the complete blood count. The most accurate diagnosis will come in the X-ray or the radiograph.
Treatment for luxating patella can also be divided into two parts, surgical and medical. Natural methods can be weight loss and temporary exercise restriction. Exercise restrictions differ depending on the severity of your dog's condition. For this condition, you should make sure to not allow your Coton de Tulear to run up the stairs or jump. Medical management of this health condition can take a lot of time. However, improvements can be observed after a long period. Additionally, if you give your Coton de Tulear CBD oil, the suffering can be reduced as the pressure and inflammation around the knee joints will be lessened.
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Skin & Coat Health of the Coton de Tulear
The coat of the Coton de Tulear is from which the breed gets its name. It's soft, long, dense, dry, and supple with the texture of cotton. The Coton de Tulear comes in three varieties. The first one is white, which involves a hint of champagne. They also come in a tri-color which includes brown, white, and black, which generally fade away as they grow older. The third one is a mix of white and black, from which black is the color that retains. Keeping the skin and coat clean will contribute to keeping them healthy.
Your Coton de Tulear might get Allergic Dermatitis or hotspots, an allergic reaction caused by food, grooming products, and environmental irritants, such as insect bites or pollen. If your Coton de Tulear has this skin condition, he might scratch himself continuously, and a peek at the skin often reveals a nasty rash.
Apart from this, if your Coton de Tulear is constantly scratching or licking their ears or toes, you might want to get him to a vet and check if he has a yeast infection. The infection typically strikes the ears or paws.
In addition to this, fleas can also be a huge problem for pet owners. Flea eggs or droppings can usually be found in a dog's coat. The symptoms may include scabs, excessive licking or scratching, and hot spots. In addition, a severe flea infestation can often lead to anemia or blood loss.
Similar to fleas, ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts. Therefore, you can easily discover a tick feeding on the blood of your Coton de Tulear. Additionally, notice that the texture or skin color of your Coton de Tulear is different from the normal one. It might be an indication that your Coton de Tulear is suffering from metabolic or hormonal issues.
Treatment & Care
For the treatment of allergic dermatitis, the best thing to do is keep your Coton de Tulear away from allergens. Medicines can help with itchy rashes, but your vet might recommend to you some medicated shampoos that will work to soothe the injured skin and calm inflammation. Additionally, your vet might also ask you to bathe your Coton de Tulear frequently (weekly to every other week) to keep them free of allergens and eliminate allergens from their hair coat. These allergens usually lead to skin allergy flare-ups.
Furthermore, vets also recommend giving your Coton de Tulear a medicated bath consisting of antifungal and antimicrobial agents and ingredients that will enable you to bathe your dog often without drying their skin. Yeast infections can be diagnosed quickly and often react well to a topical cream. Your veterinarian may recommend using medicated sprays or baths to treat a yeast infection in your Coton de Tulear puppy. You can use an oral or topical flea killer for fleas and clean the dog's home or yard thoroughly.
Ticks can be hard to get rid of. To remove a tick from your dog's coat, you need to remove it with the help of a tweezer properly. You can do it by gently pulling it out, ensuring that you get rid of it completely. If the head of the tick remained lodged to your Coton de Tulear's skin, it might lead to an infection. You can keep the tick with some alcohol in a jar. If your Coton de Tulear feels ill in a couple of days, you'll need to visit a vet to diagnose what's wrong. If you live in an area where ticks are a common problem, you need to consult your vet to recommend some tick control products.
Tick-borne diseases can be a severe threat to your Coton de Tulear. Therefore, it is essential to ask your vet to recommend tick control options.
Changes in skin color and texture of your Coton de Tulear might be a sign of infection. You can simply go for a blood test to find out the underlying cause in such a case. Remember to ask your vet about any critical changes in your dog's coat.
Skin and Coat Health Options We Love
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Final Thoughts
The Coton de Tulear is a breed of compact size dogs named after a city in Madagascar. Their personality is such that they always want to please their owner. The Coton de Tulear is extremely affectionate and perfect for a family dog. Some of the health issues common in the Coton de Tulear include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which is a health issue that affects the eye and may lead to night blindness or vision impairment.
Another common health issue that the Coton de Tulear has to deal with is the luxating patella. In this health issue, your dog will have a dislocated knee joint which can be extremely painful. Along with these, there are many other health conditions that the Coton de Tulear puppy has to deal with, discussed above. As a pet owner, you must get some awareness regarding the health issues that your puppy might possibly have and look out for unusual signs and symptoms. You can also consult your vet to recommend preventive measures to help your Coton de Tulear with a particular or potential health condition.