Alex and All,
Were I to write my rules for generally avoiding huge vet bills, I would easily win the prize for the longest post ever at SI.
Briefly, however: Never, never NEVER buy any pet from a pet store. Go to a reputable breeder, with emphasis on reputable as opposed to back yard breeder. If anyone wants more info on this, E-mail me and I'll provide it. Do not give the pet everything or anything it thinks it wants to eat. Commercial dog and cat food is all that they should have. And, in this case, do stick with the known brands. No generics. No table scraps and no treats. Just their own food. As for toys, those nylon chew bones are perhaps the best and safest.
Animals should NEVER be left unsupervised with children and should be closely watched around other animals, even those with whom they are familiar.
The above is offered by me as one who has never kept her pets' veterinarians particularly well fed or put her veterinarians' children through college and graduate school.
And now, I must ask, who in right mind would ever even dream of annoying a naturally placid, friendly creature such as a Basset Hound. Anything and anyone can turn and become the proverbial Jekyl and Hyde if sufficiently provoked.
Holly |
