Health

WEIMARANER RESCUE of the Tennessee Valley the South is dedicated to public education.  Some 50% of the dogs we receive are heartworm positive.  Treatment costs can be in upwards of $500.00 per dog, while the dog is confined for over 8 weeks to restricted activities.  Through poor breeding methods, heredity hip displasia has become an ever increasing problem, occurring in even young Weims.  Bloat is very serious condition where the stomach swells with air and twists, giving the dog owner around 1 hour to seek help before death results.  We have created these pages to help educate all dog owners and prospective adoptive Weimaraner parents as to their serious nature and what preventions and treatments are available.  Some photos included may be graphic.

All Weimaraner owners live in fear of bloat (Gastric Torsion). In simple terms, this is when the dog's stomach twists. This is an emergency situation which requires surgery within 1 hour to have any chance of survival. Bloat can be caused by over eating, exercise after eating, drinking a ton of water, stress, etc. To try & minimize the risk of bloat, we recommend that Weims be fed at least 2 small meals each day rather than 1 large meal. Do not allow your dog drink excessive amounts of water at one "sitting". Restrict exercise 45 minutes before AND after each meal. Signs that your dog is bloating can include pacing, drooling, unproductive attempts to throw up, unproductive attempts to defecate, restlessness, looking toward the belly. The belly is usually distended (bloated). It will be hard & tight... almost looks like they've swallowed a basketball. Please click on the word BLOAT above to learn more.

Heartworms are a deadly parasite spread by mosquitos. They can easily be prevented with monthly heartworm prevention *Interceptor, Sentinel, Heartguard are some of the more popular brand names.* Approximately 20% of all dogs WRS takes in are heartworm positive. The treatment to kill the heartworms is expensive ($350-$700 per dog) & is very tough on the dogs. Please read more by clicking on the word HEARTWORMS above. Also view "Sweet Maggie Mae's video" on our home page.

There are Animal Poison Control Centers which can help save your pet's life in an emergency. Please visit these sites & read about ways to prevent poisoning. Post the phone numbers on your refrigerator or other place where they will be easy to find in case of an emergency. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc   phone 888.426.4435 (You will need to have a credit card available for the ASPCA site. They charge $50-$55 fee per emergency to help pay on call vet staff 24 hours per day) http://www.mspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=poisoncontrolhotline_pagewrapperlanding  phone 877.226.4355

EMERGENCY window decals can save your pets' lives during a natural disaster or fire. They say "In case of emergency, Please save my pets. I have __ dogs inside the house". The ASPCA offers a free emergency kit which includes a window decal. Order yours today: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_rescuesticker.