Congestive Heart Failure…We as owners have known for decades longer then the researchers our Dobes tend to hold their paws up if we asked if they hurt their little foot for the but when their life is on the line most times we don’t realize this until late in the process because of their stoic nature.

Remember we run to our doctors if we think our indigestion is not from what we ate – this just an example of course. We also tend to have regular check ups but our Dobes well until they appear to have obvious problems do we judge by their appearance and or actions and again they tend to mask the more serious conditions. 

Recently during a detailed physical of our new ‘next generation’ boys Lex and Marshall which was their first full examination that began with a general examination along with Blood Pressure, Chest X-rays, Ultrasound, ECG, what is called a Blood Chemistry Panel or Superchem and a Complete Blood Count plus an echocardiogram on my boys who are just two years old with my girl Marti and one of our future mothers I was told about a in-home heart test. In the end I also asked for update information of Cardio – nothing new yet but was surprised to learn about the following test we all can do at home. We need only our Hoytt Dobe, a quiet time and a free hand. 

+ Use your I Phone or a watch with a second hand. Observe the breathing rate over 30 seconds by placing a hand on the kid. Since Marti sleeps in bed I waited until she was sleeping but all they have to be is relaxing. Sitting on the floor with them on their favorite rug or bed works well.

+ One breath is counted every time the chest rises and falls. The count should be less then 35 breaths per minute. Marti’s came between 18 & 20 per minute. (I did sixty second tests and also the first few nights I checked Marti at least ten different times – why not?) However they (who ever they are) say once a day is enough.

+ Keep a daily chart for one week to establish the kid’s base line. (I did Mari for 14 days)

+ If while resting the Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR) is greater then 35 breaths per minute or increases from the base line you’ve established by 25 percent its time to have the kid checked –but first…

+ If the kids RRR increases repeat the test in 30/60 minutes just to be sure your count was correct. Real elevations in RRR will be consistent.

Now here’s what generally is considered warning signs.

+ Coughing …. Not throwing up as we know our Dobes are grazers. Experience back in 1984 with one of my boys came as a cough I did not consider I heard before after a play time outdoors with his mate. The next day I again heard the cough – the following day I was at the vets and whatever tests were suggested back then was done. 

+ Changes in breathing of course.

+ Shortness of breath – my 1984 boy showed no shortness of breath and the cough came only after playing outdoors with his friends just two days before the tests. I had noticed after the fact that he had lost a bit of weight but thought it was because of the girls he would have wanted to date but had no offers. So even a slight but visible weight drop or a change in coat quality should be considered not just for heart health but other conditions – with Hoytt Dobes parasites are extremely rare. But this could be time for at least a blood profile which can as I understand detect even many types’ cancers.

+ Being restless at night may mean the kid is beginning to have breathing difficulties – I expect our ‘family’ to know their Dobes well. Separating their Guardian side as well as their picking up on some animal roaming their yard would be just the kid being itself. 

+ Hormonal changes in the girls would also cause a restlessness even after being spayed they can have imaginary feelings during a few weeks of when they would have cycled if not spayed.

+ Lack of appetite is of concern but not a panic situation initially because like our selves sometimes we are not interested in food just be sure they will take their most favorite treats – if they don’t throw up at least you know they have not swallowed your favorite under ware  . 

Last but not least I have talked with more folks over the years who’s kid was diagnosed wrong so be sure what you are told sounds right - again you know your ‘kid’ the doctor does not unless your vet lives with you. Plus in today’s world of internet information always follow up once home and read up on what drugs your Dobe was given and the diagnosis. Too many times I think we are given a trade off and a drug that seems to correct the immediate believed problem will bring more serious consequences in the long term. 

Barrie Hoytt