Tips for Keeping and Taking Care of Large Dog Breeds
Over a long period of time, dogs have proved to be one of the animals whose loyalty to man cannot be disputed. Man finds dogs best suited for him as friends due to their ability to cope with different lifestyles and also due to their friendliness. Some of the uses of large dogs by people include pets and company, use as of dogs as guides for the blind people and in other instances by security personnel as sniffer dogs. Small dogs are kept by people who would like them as pets for company.
As a lover of large dogs, your interest may be knowing how to take care of them and if there are things to be wary of. Long lifespan and the ability to tolerate harsh environment added to their large size makes large dog breeds the best to keep. A dog weighing up to fifty kilograms is classified as a large dog. How then do you take care of a large dog?
First, see that you are able to give your dog quality food. The amount of food needed by large breeds of dogs does not only have to be enough but also of good quality. Calcium and starch levels of the food you give to your dog should be one consideration you make. Calcium is key in the formation of bones. Avoid giving your dog calcium supplements because excess calcium intake may lead to bone deformities. To give your dog enough calories, be sure to give your dog energy giving foods. Wheat and related products may be used to provide the required starch for energy.
Check also the management of diseases in your dog. How healthy a dog is determines how happy it is. The large size of these dogs sometimes is the cause of their diseases. Diseases of large dogs include entropion, osteoarthritis, gastric problems, hip dysplasia and cardiac problems. It may be very expensive to treat these diseases but the good thing is that most of them are preventable. Apart from routine injections, make sure your dog gets regular checkups. It is recommended that you inspect your dog during meal times and engage them in light exercises like walks. Your company is needed in these times as it is when you notice indicators of dog illnesses which include moods and behavior change.
Finally, ensure you get a qualified trainer for your dog. Owing to their huge size, it is possible for an untrained large dog to turn lethal and hostile if not trained. Children may be the worst hit victims of a hostile large dog and your trainer should focus on training the dog to live well even with children. Some of the activities a dog trainer can train the dog on include sniffing for drugs, grazing cattle or being guides for the blind.