Healthy Pets & People with Dr. Patrick: Choosing Barack Obama’s “First Puppy”
by Dr. Patrick Mahaney
Barack Obama’s presidential acceptance speech was remarkable for many reasons. I felt a personal connection to his words, as he acknowledged gay Americans and spoke of his desire to incorporate a canine companion into his first family. Obama stated the first daughters “have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the new White House.” This exclamation provoked my speculation as to the exact dog Barack and Michelle will choose for Sasha and Malia. Will they seek out a breeder to acquire a pure-breed dog, will they peruse the shelters to bring home a mixed-breed dog, or will they utilize a rescue organization to find a pure-breed, mixed-breed, or hybrid dog? Regardless, the decision to bring a new dog into their home must be well thought out in order to satisfy his family’s requirements and the scrutiny of the media.
When one of my clients, friends, or our new president expresses interest in adopting a dog, I suggest taking into the considering the following criteria:
Are you financially able to pay for your dog’s medical care? Fortunately for the first dog, his parents will be able to afford the veterinary care, food, accessories, boarding, travel, and potential unforseen costs that will arise during the dog’s life. Yet, the cost of pet care varies widely for dogs depending on the dog’s age, size, breed, and overall health status. Before making the long term investment in a dog, please make sure that you have the available finances to provide for your dog’s care.
Does your lifestyle and available time allow for a dog’s proper training and socialization? Your professional or personal lifestyle should allow for your presence and active involvement in your dog’s proper training, socialization, and ongoing upkeep. If you are unable to follow through with this commitment, the role of dog owner may not be appropriate for you at this time. A truly dedicated pet owners will find the time and make appropriate arrangements to maintain their pet’s healthy lifestyle.
Large or small dog? Is your living space large enough for you to cohabitate with a large dog? Do you want to be able take your small dog with you, such as in the airline cabin when you travel? Size matters when it comes to choosing a canine! Large size dogs require a larger financial investment, as their increased size requires an increased volume of dog food and medication.
Shedding or non-shedding? Shedding dogs will continuously leave your home coated in a layer of dog hair, but they require less frequent bathing and grooming. Non-shedding dogs tend to leave your home cleaner, yet they need regular bathing and grooming.
Active or less-active? If you are an active person, an energetic dog will complement your desire to get out on the trail and hike. If are a less active person, choose a dog that will accompany you on less active pursuits. Regardless, make sure that you provide enough activity to suit your dog’s energetic demands.
Mixed-breed, pure-breed, or hybrid? The decision to get a mixed-breed or a pure-breed dog is a personal choice. Mixed-breed dogs tend to have better overall health and longevity, as mixed-breed dogs have not been bred primarily for specific cosmetic traits. My own pure-breed Welsh Terrier, Cardiff, has primary Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a chronic, potentially fatal, manageable immune system disease. Cardiff came home from an excellent breeder as a completely healthy puppy, yet his disease emerged at 3 years of age. Keeping Cardiff’s IMHA in remission requires life-long veterinary diagnostic monitoring, medication, and nutritional and supplementation support. His rare, breed-related illness has prompted me to seek out a mixed breed dog having the traits that I find appealing in the Welsh Terrier when comes time to add another canine companion to my home.
The Obama family has show interest in the Goldendoodle, a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle. I find the Goldendoodle to be a very appealing mixed breed, as the intent of their breeding attempts to maximize the positive traits associated with both breeds. This particular breeding typically yields loyalty, mellow disposition, intelligence, a non-shedding coat, and great athleticism. As Malia is prone to allergies, the Goldendoodle is a hypoallergenic(“less allergenic”) hybrid breed that may be less likely to act as an allergy trigger.
I look forward to the choice the Obama family makes in selecting the first puppy. I hope that they identify the characteristics that best fit their desires and acquire a mixed breed dog or a pure or hybrid breed dog from a rescue organization.
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About Dr. Patrick Mahaney of TLC West Hollywood: Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. In 2000, Dr. Mahaney completed an Internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and has since practiced in a variety of hospitals, doing both general and emergency practice.
Dr. Mahaney moved to Los Angeles to join the TLC Pet Medical Center team in early 2006. His practice philosophy is to improve the quality of life for both pets and their owner’s by establishing client relationships with open lines of communication and providing optimum care within his capabilities.
Dr. Mahaney completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society basic course in 2006 and is now a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA). He is especially interested in chronic pain management and uses a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, to improve the comfort level of his patients. Dr. Mahaney strongly believes that many canine and feline diseases can be better managed by incorporating both Western and Eastern treatments. In 2008, Dr. Mahaney incorporated his own small business, California Pet Acupuncture & Wellness (CPAW). CPAW offers in-home acupuncture and musculoskeletal therapy, pet appropriate environment consultation, veterinary supervised exercise sessions, and euthanasia.
Dr. Mahaney will be taking the Canine Rehabilitation Institute physical therapy course in 2009. He is currently in the initial stages of creating a veterinary physical therapy and wellness facility.
Having lived in Philadelphia, DC, and Seattle, Dr. Mahaney feels as though Los Angeles’ mix of city, nature, and culture make it the ideal place to establish both personal and professional roots. Dr. Mahaney resides in West Hollywood with his Welsh Terrier, Cardiff. He and Cardiff enjoy canyon hiking, urban trekking, running on the beach. Dr. Mahaney also enjoys working out, playing tennis, doing yoga, going to museums, cosmetically improving his home, propagating plants, and spending quality time with friends and family.
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