Rough Collie

The Rough Collie is one of the smallest working collies, often used for catching mice, and this breed also enjoys hunting vermin.

The Rough Collie, also known as the Norwegian Terrier or Norwich Terrier, is a new breed developed by Folant Jones in the Harlow and Rough areas of Cambridge, England in the early 20th century, using local working terriers. It was confirmed as a breed by the English Kennel Club in 1932.

Initially, there were differences between them in terms of type, size, color, coat and ear shape. Subsequently, the Rough Collie retained the drooping ears, while those with cropped ears formed another separate breed. In 1964, the English Kennel Club established them as two separate breeds, with the drooping-eared ones called Norfolk Terriers and those with cropped ears called Rough Collies. They belong to the Terrier group rather than the Toy group.

Pet lovers recommend raising Rough Collies, one of the smallest working collies.

1.Heart Disease

Dogs are more likely to develop heart disease due to obesity and old age. When dogs have heart disease, they may show symptoms such as easy fatigue, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. Heart disease in dogs is difficult to detect, often being noticed by owners when the dog is already very sick.

2.Infectious Diseases

Canine distemper and canine parvovirus are common and highly fatal infectious diseases in dogs. Dogs that are not vaccinated in a timely manner are more likely to get these two diseases. Once infected, dogs may show symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, increased body temperature, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3.Kidney Disease

When discussing common diseases and symptoms in dogs, we must mention kidney disease. The terrifying aspect of kidney disease in dogs is that it often develops unnoticed, and by the time the owner notices it, the dog's kidney cells may have been damaged by more than 75%. When dogs have kidney problems, common symptoms include blood in the urine, abnormal urine color, and changes in urination habits.

4.Parasites

Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms, as well as heartworms, are common parasites that infect dogs. When dogs are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, main symptoms include emaciation, lethargy, diarrhea, presence of worms in the feces, and pale gums. Heartworms, on the other hand, are parasites that live in the dog's heart. Dogs infected with heartworms may show symptoms such as decreased vitality, coughing, anemia, difficulty breathing, and abdominal fluid.

5.Canine Pneumonia

Pneumonia is also a common disease in dogs, but it is usually a complication of other diseases. It often occurs in dogs with abnormalities in the upper respiratory tract, bacterial infections, canine distemper infections, viral infections, lung function impairment, and heartworm infections. Cough, nasal congestion, and increased body temperature are the main symptoms of pneumonia in dogs.

Newborn Period: The newborn period is when the dog is just born and relies mainly on mother's milk for survival. Their bodies cannot regulate temperature and they need the mother for warmth. During the first day, they have no hearing or vision and can only find the nipple through weak touch. Around day 13, their eyes open and around day 15, they develop hearing. Around day 20, they start teething. From day 21 to 28, the amount of milk is not sufficient, so they need to transition from liquid to semi-solid food. During this time, they are prone to diarrhea and constipation, so it is necessary to feed them lactase, probiotics, or give them goat milk powder/pet milk powder. In case of constipation when consuming milk powder, a small amount of vegetable oil can be fed and massaging the abdomen can help with bowel movements. Deworming begins at 14-28 days old.

Puppyhood: From 1 month to 2 months old, the puppy's digestive system is not fully developed, so they need careful care from the owner. They should be fed at least 3 times a day, with small but frequent meals based on the puppy's condition. Soak dry food in warm water or goat milk powder and feed it gradually. Do not overfeed as it can lead to poor digestion. Make sure to provide the puppy with clean drinking water and avoid giving them milk, as it can cause diarrhea. Probiotics can be given daily to regulate the gastrointestinal tract. During this stage, puppies have weak resistance to viruses and bacteria, so they should not be taken outside or exposed to people with colds to prevent them from getting sick. Vaccination begins at 6-7 weeks old, and the immunization process ends at 3 months old. It is advisable to bathe the puppy after immunization. Dry shampoo can be used in the early stage. Teeth start to grow from 19-28 days old, and all deciduous teeth are present by 2 months old. Puppies have some learning ability and can start toilet training.

Adolescence: From 3 months to 6 months old. At this time, puppies can gradually transition to eating dry food instead of soaked food. The feeding schedule should be adjusted gradually to establish a regular routine. They still eat puppy food and drink clean water. However, during this period, their bones and muscles grow rapidly, requiring a large amount of protein and calcium. Their fur is also changing, entering a critical period for coat maintenance, which may result in an awkward appearance. Puppies also start to develop dominance and may try to assert themselves and control their owners. Destructive behavior increases. They need regular exercise to maintain their physical development and prevent them from becoming overweight.

Sexual Maturity: From 8 months to 14 months old, dogs enter their sexual maturity period and experience their first heat. The first heat can cause hormonal imbalances and irregular estrus cycles. Continuously being in heat, not coming into heat, or pseudopregnancies can result in low fertility rates and difficulties in giving birth. It is important to supplement them with nutrients that promote reproduction, such as vitamin E, organic chromium, and folic acid. It is recommended not to breed them during their first heat, paying attention to hygiene during the heat cycle to prevent infections. If they are not intended for breeding, spaying can be done after the heat cycle ends.

Adolescence: From 6 months to 10 months old, and up to 18 months old. By now, dogs can eat dry dog food exclusively, but some cooked meat like beef or chicken can also be added for nutritional variety. However, it is important not to give them chicken or duck bones, as it can lead to skeletal problems. If necessary (such as poor nutrition, weak health, picky eating, etc.), supplements can be given. Based on the dog's specific needs, choose vitamin supplements, calcium supplements, protein supplements, or products for coat maintenance. It is important not to overdo it and not to give a large amount of supplements all at once. Gradual and consistent supplementation is recommended. During this period, their bones and muscles grow rapidly, so they need a large amount of protein and calcium. They also become more curious, have stronger cognitive abilities, and have better memory. This is the best period for learning.

Adult: From 1 year old to 6 years old. Dogs become adults at one year old and will have nearly reached their full size and shape. At this stage, they can eat regular dog food without many restrictions. However, it is still important to supplement their diet with nutrients, avoid giving them chicken or duck bones, prevent them from consuming salty, spicy, or fatty foods, feed them cooked food rather than raw food, and avoid feeding them animal fats. If they catch a cold or get sick, they should be taken to a veterinary clinic for proper treatment. Self-medication should be avoided unless you are a veterinarian, as you are responsible for your beloved pet's well-being.

Old Age: From 8 years old to 18 years old. Dogs over 8 years old are equivalent to humans in their 50s, entering the "old age" phase of their lives. During this time, the functions of their organs decline, and they are prone to age-related diseases such as diabetes, weakened liver and kidney function, and bone and joint diseases. It is important to pay attention to calcium supplementation. Adding soy products and cartilage to their diet or using calcium supplements available on the market can be beneficial. Exposing them to sunlight and taking them for regular walks is also recommended. Good hygiene practices are important. Cherish the time you spend with your dog, as it will contribute to their overall well-being.

1. Do not bathe frequently

Bathing your dog, of course, should not be too frequent. Bathing your dog should be based on the dog's hygiene situation. In hot weather in summer, you can bathe your dog one or two more times, and in winter you can reduce it by one or two times. But overall, it should not exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!

2. Brush regularly

Dogs shed almost every day, especially in spring and autumn, when seasonal shedding is more severe. To keep the fur in good condition, regular brushing is an important step. Pet owners can use a special brush for pets to help the dog clean naturally shed hair and prevent tangling. Brush once in the morning and once in the evening for about five minutes each time.

3. Sunbathe

Sunbathing is beneficial for the growth of a dog's fur. In addition to making the fur more shiny, letting the dog sunbathe can also help kill bacteria. While sunbathing, you can let the dog exercise a bit, which can help improve its physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and help grow healthier fur.

4. Deworming

Poor fur condition is actually closely related to parasites. Parasites absorb a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body, which leads to competition for nutrients. Therefore, deworming is necessary. It is recommended to do internal and external deworming at the same time. Deworming drugs can cause significant damage to the dog's gastrointestinal tract, so it is recommended to feed probiotics regularly to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Pay attention to diet

If you want your dog to have a beautiful coat, you must establish a good nutritional foundation and pay attention to daily diet. On one hand, feed your dog with nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a dog food that is suitable for the dog and provides sufficient nutrition to meet the dog's needs. On the other hand, you can also feed your dog with lean meat, cooked egg yolks, and vegetable oil in moderation.