My dog has skin problems and the breeder guarantees her health. Should I sue her?
I’ve taken my dog to the vet and they can’t figure out what is wrong with my dog. Possible allergies. I’m going to be spending lots of money on this poor dog. She is my first dog ever and now I can’t even breed her because she might pass on her skin problem. Should I sue the breeder? She told me I could trade her in for a new one! Yeah right she is a year old now.
I went through the same thing with one of my dogs, the problem was mainly my fault. I was shampooing my carpets and was using a little bit more dosage than required in my shampooer cause I have a high traffic home, I also used the same thought process for mopping, well alas, all that residual cleaner was getting into my dogs skin and reeking havoc. I have since learned to use much caution when it comes to products that will be in contact with my pets fur. I even use hypo allergenic stuff if it’s available for the required task at hand, yes, even for their baths and their bedding. I would try going that route first before pursuing more expensive avenues. As far as law suits in skin related issues, I was told you have to have proof it is the breeders fault, so, find out if any of the other litter mates have skin issues, (if she is willing to give names and numbers) and go from there. Good luck.
It all depends on what the skin problem is.. If its allergies its usually not something to do with the breeding. If its a type of mange all dogs have them but sometimes during a stressful period or for no reason at all they break out.. A skin problem is not really something you can blame on the breeder its just part of being a pet parent.. Most skin conditions can be dealt with and controlled and you and your Pet can have many Great years ahead Good Luck
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Experience as a Vet Nurse
Try changing food first. Even before you try any medicines from the doctor.
Natura Pet Products puts out one of the best foods out today. Innova EVO. It works wonders for allergic dogs. Their California Natural line is excellent as well. They also have a skin and coat supplement that is almost miraculous. I’m not exaggerating. It works wonders for my dog. It is cheaper than the meds the doctor wanted me to give her and it cleared her right up.
Wellness, Avoderm and Artemis are also excellent.
Try this. It works, really.
Read a book called "Food Pets Die For" by Ann N Martin. You will be shocked and amazed at what is in most pet food. It is DISGUSTING, and making our pets sick.
As to breeding, please reconsider. Even if she clears up. Go to the SPCA’s website and read about all the homeless pets that are being euthanized. Every birth adds to the problem, please be part of the solution. Spay her. It is also the best thing for her. It will make her a better, healthier pet.
Thank you for your consideration.
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I’m a Vet Tech and SPCA volunteer.
"Foods Pets Die For" by Ann N Martin
I own an extremely allergic dog.
Breeding the first dog you’ve ever had is a very bad idea in the first place. Most people that have had dogs all of their lives don’t know what to do with a pregnant poochie and are completely clueless when it comes to caring for her newborn pups. Besides, there are so many homeless dogs that it’s just irresponsible to breed dogs unless you are a serious breeder.
The skin problem might not have anything to do with your dog’s breeding. Allergies are a definite possibility since it’s a skin problem. Treating skin problems can be very tricky and sometimes they have to just heal on their own.
Also, I don’t care how good the breeding is, you can’t prevent random genetic mutations, which could be what caused the skin ailment.
Also, by buying a pure bred dog, you probably bought yourself a whole slew of health problems. Most (if not all) pure bred dogs have some degree of inbreeding (often times a very large amount of it) and this often causes health problems. Breeding for certain qualities brings out nasty little recessive genes you didn’t want to rear their ugly little heads, but you can’t do anything about it. That’s how genetics work. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against pure bred dogs. I have two pure bred dogs, but I’m aware of the complications and health issues that come with them.
While the breeder should not have "garunteed health" because it’s impossible to predict how the offspring will come out despite the best breeding, you shouldn’t sue her. It’s a silly thing to sue over. It’s a waste of money and legal resources.
I can’t help but see dollar signs in your eyes since you want to sue the breeder, and breed your dog even though it’s unlikely that you have any breeder knowledge if she’s your first dog, and your complaints about vet bills. Dogs are companions, not "Get rich quick" schemes. Love your dog, treat her well, get her better, and enjoy her company.
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Many years of raising and working professionally with dogs
Don’t sue. I’m a lawyer and a dog owner, take my advice.
Many breeders will take their dogs back and care for them themselves if they have something incurable (cancer, for example). If you really feel that this is a malady that she will have for the rest of her life and you feel you can not provide for her, it is the prerogative of the breeder to take her back and care for her, but nothing he/she has bound him/herself to.
After all, you bought the dog, and normally breeders only guarantee health for the first year, so I’d definitly double check that just in case you decide to sue.
If you really feel you can’t care for the dog in the way she needs to be cared for, put her up for adoption or fostering, but don’t give her to a shelter where she’ll needlessly be killed.
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I went through the same thing with one of my dogs, the problem was mainly my fault. I was shampooing my carpets and was using a little bit more dosage than required in my shampooer cause I have a high traffic home, I also used the same thought process for mopping, well alas, all that residual cleaner was getting into my dogs skin and reeking havoc. I have since learned to use much caution when it comes to products that will be in contact with my pets fur. I even use hypo allergenic stuff if it’s available for the required task at hand, yes, even for their baths and their bedding. I would try going that route first before pursuing more expensive avenues. As far as law suits in skin related issues, I was told you have to have proof it is the breeders fault, so, find out if any of the other litter mates have skin issues, (if she is willing to give names and numbers) and go from there. Good luck.
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HAhahahahaha! NO!!! UH-UH! NO WAY!
That was deal & the breeder has offered to make it right. IF you refuse,that’s YOUR choice! And YOUR PROBLEM!!! FOREVER!
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Thank you for not breeding a dog with a health problem!
It really depends on what the contract specifies. If it says all you can get is a replacement, I’m afraid that’s what you are stuck with. A lot of "breeders" use this type of arrangement, knowing quite well that people won’t want to give back their dog.
However, it wouldn’t hurt to talk to the breeder (NICELY), and see what she is willing to do for you. After all, why would she want the dog back when you are willing to care for it? She can’t resell it, and it would cost her money to treat it. If she won’t help you at all, I’m afraid you’ll just have to chalk it up to experience.
Good luck, I’m afraid allergies can be very frustrating. I suggest doing a lot of research on the subject, particularly in relation to diet, environment, vaccinations and medication. Don’t just rely on your vet, I’ve found many vets are woefully underinformed on this subject.
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breeder, groomer, trainer