I don't think we have a vet in Savoonga :( where can I read up on important must-haves and must-dos? Is anyone in this situation, no available vet for hundreds of air miles? That is one of my high concerns if I wanted to start a small kennel. I'm glad that I'm getting to know some mushers though, they are or will be very helpful if I ever do start. Thanks :biggrin
Yes, as Kristen relates - other than vets, I believe mushers are the next most reliable source for dog husbandry information. Read online, ask questions, and get books! In your situation - I would say this will be your best vet. Would you ever have the chance to get to the vet maybe once a year for checkups on the dogs?
Here on the boards one of the member's dogs swallowed an entire sock - and we helped her along the way, and had the dog throw it up in no time! So if you're really in a bind - we're all here to help as much as we can!
Thanks, I'm glad I joined a community like this. This is the one thing I was so concerned about but I'm a reader and I'll get to it while I'm recovering from my surgeries. I don't think I'll get more dogs than I can handle until I'm capable of tending to them, I know how it is taking care of a bunch of babies :) I've taken care of all 6 of my nieces and nephews at once many times and they are a handful! I enjoy them though, they keep me busy and happy.
There's a vet in Nome I think I'd be able to take them to my 2nd home once a year or send them one or two at a time to my family in Nome, I grew up in Nome. I was actually interested in veterinary work when I was a teen. Wow, swallowed a sock eh? I almost forgot how curious and playful they are. I'm glad that my parents know how to take care of sled dogs, they grew up with traditional dog teams. I did too but I was only 5 years old and didn't do much except play with/feed them. Thanks, I'll def. get books and stuff.
You're way ahead of the game if your parents are well adjusted to sled dogs! I was the first, and still am, the only crazy in our family who's obsessed with the sport....
Is there any way you can get with the mushers and learn some first aid? If you get a chance to get with a vet, you can also learn some from them. Learning stitches, IVs, vaccinations, etc. are really helpful along with basic sled dog first aid.
Dog Driver by Miki and Julie Collins is an excellent resource. It has everything- first aid, training, nutrition, etc. I talked to Miki at the Symposium last October, and she talked about a new edition coming out soon.