Welsh Terrier specific questions

sirhof

I'm not sure if anyone here can answer my questions since my Welsh Terrier isn't the most common breed but maybe the same applies to Wire Haired or Fox Terriers.

First, I had a Vet (who I don't think very highly of) tell me that we shouldn't use any sort of chain collar on him because the breed is susceptible to Glaucoma. I had never heard this and my father, who is a large animal Vet, said he had never heard of such a thing. Any insight out there.

Second, I want to know how often is too often to bath my dog. I don't want to dry out his coat and make his hair brittle. We take him once a week to day care where he plays with other dogs all day. Every time he comes home in dire need of a bath.

Thanks

Curbside Prophet

Back in the 80's when choke collars were thought to be an acceptable training tool for all dogs, people started to misuse them. Then vets started to notice a higher frequency of glaucoma. A study discovered choke collars can pinch off blood supply and raise the blood pressure in a dogs eyes, thus they are a risk factor for glaucoma.

As far as bathing is concerened, most would agree that bathing once a week is too much, and the constant stripping of oils isn't good for their skin. Once a month or once every few months is probably best. I've found that a good diet and brushing helped a lot with my dog.

sirhof

Gee Curbside, you certainly have answers for it all no matter which forum I'm in.

I had no idea about choke collars. My Vet mentioned metal collars specifically. It was my trainer that used choke collars. Since he takes a bigger correction they use a prong collar for training too. Would this create the same health issues as the choke?

Curbside Prophet

That's debatable, and I'm sure there are some people who would flatly disagree with you, lol.

The study that was done measured pressures form varying training aids, and the choke collar was the worst, as you might imagine...harnesses causing the least amount of pressure. A prong collar can be a problem too, especially if the dog is a puller and the collar is ill fitted...the neck is a very sensite area to pressure to begin with. So, if my dog was a puller and her breed has problems with glaucoma, I'd want to utilize a harness since it provides the least amount of risk. But again, even a standard buckled collar can be a risk if it's too tight or if there is too much tension when walking. I remember reading something about this in ScienceNow a few years ago.

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