Spencer is 14 today!

Basenji Talk
Log in to reply

Suggested Topics

  • Chealsie508C

    Went to see the puppies today

    Basenji Talk
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    4k Views
    J
    How exciting for you Chealsie508. I would like to comment on the old wives tale about calcium. Supplementing a puppies diet with extra calcium in the hope that it will build up the ear cartilage is not scientifically or biochemically valid. Adding calcium above the usual balance of that mineral in the diet has actually been shown to cause growth problems in some dogs. Do not add calcium to the diet in the misguided hope that it will strengthen the cartilage. EVERY PUPPY IS DIFFERENT. For example, the two extremes of my native imported pups were my boy's ears were standing straight up when he was ~10 weeks old; and one of my females had one ear flopping until she was ~5 months old. But, it did go up on its own and stayed up. So, look at your pups pedigree and don't sweat it. As I have come to understand, the general rule is that if the ears are standing or have been standing by between 3-5 months (the time teething starts), they will come back up after the adult teeth are in. Yes, calcium is one of the building blocks of cartilage growth. The body uses calcium as needed and when teeth and bone growth are developing, the calcium isn't being used for nonessentials like the cartilage at the base of the ear frame. Supplementing calcium is NOT a good idea and can actually be harmful. Be forewarned that most over-the-counter calcium supplements are NOT absorbed by the body and are a waste of money and time. With calcium that is absorbed, too much is given. Calcium will settle in joints when there is too much in the body, setting your pup up for bone spurs, hip problems, arthritis and other problems when they are older. If you really feel that you need to do something, provide natural calcium found in bones. I would strongly advise that you talk this over with your veterinarian. To be fair, you really need to give your dog until the age of 8-9 month range before you even think about the ears.
  • S

    Look who I saw today!

    Basenji Talk
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    8k Views
    E
    @smharr4: I wonder who this Wheat-coloured nose belongs to… [image: IMG_20100807_114011.jpg] it reminds me of our Wingco when he was young….........i used to laugh and say` to him boy, i hope you grow into those ears hahaha:p he did .
  • KipawaK

    Saw a basenji mix today…

    Basenji Talk
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • BasenjimammaB

    Today at the dog park..

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    1k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    :D:D:D Your description of Otis meeting the other Basenjis had me in stiches Basenjimomma:D
  • AndrewnShangoA

    Spencer

    Basenji Talk
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    956 Views
    No one has replied
  • Tayda_LennyT

    Basenji on the Today Show!

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    1k Views
    Ninabeana26N
    That is a great story! The basenji is certainly a beautiful one! Thanks for sharing :)