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Applying topical medications to your pet can be a challenge. Ointments, creams, and lotions are for external use only. It is important to prevent your dog from licking and swallowing any of these external preparations as they may contain ingredients that could be harmful if swallowed. If you find it difficult to prevent your pet from licking the medication, contact your veterinarian to have them fitted for an Elizabethan collar.
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Primary vaccination is essential to prevent the once common deadly diseases in puppies. However, recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. There is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to most dogs. Published research has shown conclusively that abstaining from some boosters can put your dog at risk.
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Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting bones and joints in many older dogs. It is a disease of management and cannot be cured. Medications, physical therapy, nutrition, and surgery may all be considered to help alleviate the pain. Dogs can live a normal life with a tailored care plan.
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Bandages and splints protect an injured or wounded area of the body. It is important to closely monitor your dog’s bandage or splint to ensure it does not slip or become wet or soiled and to ensure there is no discharge or foul odors indicating infection. This handout explains optimal bandage and splint care for your dog at home as well as possible complications that will require veterinary attention.
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There is a wide range of non-pharmaceutical products designed to improve a pet's behavior. There is little oversight for many of these products which means that any given product may not work for your pet. Ask your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter product for your pet. The label “natural” does not guarantee a product is safe to use in dogs and cats.
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There are numerous products on the market that have been designed to help prevent undesirable behavior in dogs. Leashes, harnesses, and head halters are needed to keep pets under control, especially when outdoors.
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Bergamascos are easygoing, balanced, and observant, and tend to bond strongly with their owners. They are patient and tolerant with children, making them excellent family guardians and companions.
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Depending on the size and breed of the dog, heats (estrus) can begin as early as four months old and can occur as frequently as every four months. Spaying a dog either through ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy. Spaying also negates false pregnancies and pyometra and reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Drugs that regulate the heat cycle are not approved for use in the US or Canada.
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When traveling, you may need to board your pet at a kennel or veterinary clinic if friends, neighbors, or pet sitters are not an option. Ask for references to find a boarding facility and be sure to visit it before agreeing to have your pet stay there. A short stay before a longer trip can help your pet to settle in more easily. Be sure to leave emergency contact info for you and your veterinarian with the boarding facility.
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Weight-conscious people are familiar with BMI (Body Mass Index) as a yardstick to identify ideal weight in humans. Pet owners are also focused on the weight of their pets. Luckily, there is a way to measure the body condition of our furry friends, too. The pet version of BMI is called BCS (Body Condition Score) and it is a quantitative, yet subjective, method for evaluating body fat. It may seem more complicated than the human scale because, although people come in lots of different shapes and sizes, the pet world has a bigger variety of both—especially the canine portion of the pet population. Think: Chihuahua vs. Bulldog vs. Great Dane.