Hello, my name is Alyson and I am Ozzy's owner.

[hoognu]

Hi, Alyson here. I have owned Ozzy since October 2005. He will be 3 in August.

Ozzy is suffering from hip dysplasia, at this relatively young age. We are trying to get in as much swimming as possible, to exercise his hips and to stay cool. I am also giving him Nupro joint supplement (glucosamine chondroitin). I wish I had read more about limiting vigorous exercise in puppies. Ozzy has been playing with the big dogs since he was about 6 months old. He began to show hip problems about four months ago.

Have any of you folks had your corgis shaved down for the summer? Is that shaggy coat an insulator against the heat?

[Michael Romanos]

Very sorry to learn of Ozzy's HD. Because of their perception as being 'big' and strong, Labs are often over-exercised, over-ran/raced or subject to too vigorous play at an age under 12 months - and it can affect them for the rest of their lives. If only owners waited until they turn into juniors .........

Unless your Corgi has a coat fault ie fluffiness, they are not to be trimmed because trimming alters their coat where the trimming covered. But if you are not concerned about Ozzy's coat and the hot weather is unbearable, go ahead but only a light trim mind you - the coat is most certainly a sun filter. I would never want to trim any of the Pems that i have had or ones that belong to the local Corgi club other than a fluffy Pem who gets trimmed up once a year and she does look good for it.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by hoognu

Hi, Alyson here. I have owned Ozzy since October 2005. He will be 3 in August.

Ozzy is suffering from hip dysplasia, at this relatively young age. We are trying to get in as much swimming as possible, to exercise his hips and to stay cool. I am also giving him Nupro joint supplement (glucosamine chondroitin). I wish I had read more about limiting vigorous exercise in puppies. Ozzy has been playing with the big dogs since he was about 6 months old. He began to show hip problems about four months ago.

If his running with the big dogs was his choice then it was ok. It's "forced" exercise or when you decide how long and how fast a dog should go that needs to be limited.

Hip dysplaisia is genetic. It is not caused by too much exercies. I suggest joining Corgi-L
( Archives of CORGI-L@LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU ) as there are people on there who have or have had corgis who are dysplastic and they can give you more advice than I can.

Have any of you folks had your corgis shaved down for the summer? Is that shaggy coat an insulator against the heat?

I don't recommend shaving a corgi. If there is too much coat they will shed out what they don't need. The coat will protect them from the sun. If you find your dog getting hot make sure he has someplace to get in away from the heat. Indoors in the a/c or with a fan blowing. Circulating air is the best thing for cooling a dog.

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

I would take issue with Peggy about allowing a Corgi pup of six months to play rough and tumble etc with bigger, stronger, older and more volitile dogs. A Corgi pup can overcook the situation and go on for a long duration without realising the damage to himself/herself short term or long term. But peggy is right of course, a dog doesn't get HD from this BUT is can make the HD and associated problems worse and much worse.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

I would take issue with Peggy about allowing a Corgi pup of six months to play rough and tumble etc with bigger, stronger, older and more volitile dogs. A Corgi pup can overcook the situation and go on for a long duration without realising the damage to himself/herself short term or long term. But peggy is right of course, a dog doesn't get HD from this BUT is can make the HD and associated problems worse and much worse.

It depends on the dogs. She only says "big dogs". Some big dogs are quite gentle and play nicely with other dogs. And I have referred to my puppies playing with the "big dogs" and meant my adult corgis. So it depends on how she means it. There was no indication that there was a problem.

I have allowed my corgi puppies to play with the big dogs at puppy kindergarten classes. Always under supervision and they have done just fine. In fact gave the biggger puppies quite a run for their money.

Peggy