Making the cleft decision

Clueless

When we first heard about Bea having a cleft palate and cleft lip, we were absolutely clueless as to what it means to get a dog with this special condition, let alone what it means to share your life with a cleft lip dog. We had many conversations between the two of us and talked to professionals as well. The following list comprises some of our considerations. Just be advised that clefts are like fingerprints, voices or irides, they are all unique. What is true for Bea's cleft might be unnecessary or way too little for your doggo.

The list

1. Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your dog's overall health and address any specific issues related to their cleft condition. We have had great experiences with vets. They were all very positve and had quite a relaxed stance on "treating" the cleft.

2. Specialized Diet: Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog. They may require soft or liquid foods to accommodate their cleft palate and ensure they receive proper nutrition. Bea can eat everything and then some.

3. Hygiene and Dental Care: Pay close attention to your dog's oral hygiene, as they may be more prone to dental issues. Regular teeth brushing and dental check-ups might be important. If enough people ask, I might tell you guys how I have to clean Bea's cleft.

4. Supervision: Provide constant supervision, especially during feeding times, to ensure your dog is able to eat safely and does not choke on food or water. It really depends on your dog here. Bea can eat all on her own.

Look at this fierce BEAst.

5. Socialization and Training: Socialize your dog from a young age to help them build confidence and adapt to different environments. Positive reinforcement training methods can also be beneficial. The cleft can make your dog seem hostile when he or she just wants to play.

6. Patience and Understanding: Understand that your dog may face unique challenges due to their cleft condition, and be patient and supportive as they learn and grow. But don't treat them differently just because they have a cleft. Find a certain normality and balance.

7. Quality of Life: Focus on maximizing your dog's quality of life by providing love, attention, and appropriate medical care to ensure they can thrive with their cleft. They'll reward you with loooove!

Conclusion

Living with a dog who has a cleft lip and/or palate requires patience, understanding, and most of all dedication. With proper care and attention, they will lead happy and fulfilling lives and they will bring magic and love into yours. Which part do you consider the most important of the above list? Tell us in the comments!