Owning dogs, in particular providing care for the pyrenean mastiff, is a specialty of humans across the globe. Zoologists believe that dogs were domesticated between twelve thousand and 25,000 years ago—and that canines evolved from wolves. Since those days, people have selectively bred more than four hundred breeds, ranging in size from four-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, whose three-foot stature earns them the distinction of tallest dog. However, the most preferred dogs are non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mixed-breeds. The pyrenean mastiff is also a favorite pick among canine owners. Many owners are misinformed, however, of some of the most crucial pyrenean mastiff care tips.
Typical cost of care for the pyrenean mastiff
The yearly cost of caring for the pyrenean mastiff—to include food and treats, to vet bills, toys and license—could vary between $420 and seven hundred eighty dollars. This is not even accounting for capital costs for spay/neuter procedures, dog collar and leash, carrier and a crate. Note: Be sure you have all your items before getting your pyrenean mastiff home.
Basic pyrenean mastiff Care
pyrenean mastiff Feeding Outline
- pyrenean mastiff puppies between eight and twelve weeks need four meals daily.
- Feed pyrenean mastiff pups 3 to 6 months old 3 meals in a day.
- Feed pups six months old to one year old two meals in a 24 hour period.
- When your pyrenean mastiff reaches his 1st birthday, 1 bowl every 24 hours is sufficient.
- Some pyrenean mastiffs might do better with two lighter servings. It’s your responsibility to learn your pyrenean mastiff’s eating habits.
High-quality dry food ensures a well-rounded diet for grown pyrenean mastiffs and may be mixed with water, canned food, or broth. Your pyrenean mastiff may also be fond of fruits and vegetables, cottage cheese, and cooked eggs, but these should be less than 10 pct of his or her daily nutrition. pyrenean mastiff puppies must be fed top-quality, name brand puppy food. You should cut down on “table food”, though, because it can cause mineral and vitamin deficiencies, bone and teeth problems, and may create some very finicky food choices as well as obesity. Give fresh, potable water always, and make certain to wash food and water dishes very regularly.
pyrenean mastiff Care Tips: Make sure your pyrenean mastiff does plenty of daily physical activity
pyrenean mastiffs need some daily physical activity to stay healthy, recharge their minds, and remain in good health. Daily activity also really helps pyrenean mastiffs avoid boredom, which would often lead to difficult behavior. Exercise will cure many of your pyrenean mastiff’s instinctual urges to retrieve, dig, chew, chase and herd. Activity needs are dependent on your pyrenean mastiff’s level of health and his age—but just a walk around the block every day and 10 minutes in the backyard probably will not be enough. If your pyrenean mastiff is a six to 18 month adolescent, his requirements will probably be much higher.
Grooming tips for pyrenean mastiffs
Regular brushing will help reduce shedding and keep your pyrenean mastiff clean. Inspect for ticks and fleas daily during the summer or other warm weather. Sometimes pyrenean mastiffs don’t need to be bathed more than a few times per year. Prior to a bath, comb or cut out any and all mats from the pyrenean mastiff’s coat. Rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to the soap.
How to Handle Your pyrenean mastiff
Puppies are clearly easier to handle. To carry your pyrenean mastiff pup, take one of your hands and place it beneath your dog’s chest, either with the forearm or other hand supporting her back legs and rear. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy by his forelegs, nape or tail. When you have to lift a bigger, full-grown pyrenean mastiff, lift from underneath, holding her chest with one arm and rump with the other arm.
Housing your pyrenean mastiff
pyrenean mastiffs need a warm peaceful spot in order to rest apart from all drafts and away from the ground. You might wish to think about purchasing a doggie bed, or make one from a wood box. Place a clean sheet, blanket, comforter, or pillow in the bed for cushion. Wash your pyrenean mastiff’s bed covering frequently. If your pyrenean mastiff will be outdoors often, be certain she has shade and plenty of cool water in the summer, and a warm, dry, covered area in the cold.
pyrenean mastiff Licensing and Identification
Your town has licensing regulations to heed. Be sure to connect the license to your pyrenean mastiff’s collar. This, along with an identification tattoo or tag, will most likely help secure your pyrenean mastiff’s return if he happens to go missing.
Information on pyrenean mastiff Behavior
Training pyrenean mastiffs
A well-behaved, companion pyrenean mastiff is truly a blessing to raise. However, untrained, your dog can possibly be a big pain. Teaching your pyrenean mastiff the standards—”Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, and “Leave it”—will improve the relationship with both your dog as well as the company. If you’re the owner of a puppy, start training him on manners quickly! Use a snack as recognition and incentive. Puppies can join obedience class when they are adequately immunized. Contact the community SPCA or humane society for details on obedience classes. Invariably you should walk your pyrenean mastiff on a leash in public, even as a puppy. Just be positive your dog will come back to you every time you tell him to. A disobedient or aggressive pyrenean mastiff cannot play with people.
The Health of Your pyrenean mastiff
Your pyrenean mastiff should visit the veterinarian for a thorough exam, vaccinations and heartworm assessment every single year, and as soon as possible if she is sick or hurt.
pyrenean mastiff Oral Health
Although we may object to our pyrenean mastiff’s foul breath, it’s important to be aware of what it may indicate. Foul-smelling breath is a symptom that your pyrenean mastiff is in need of an oral screening. Plaque , which is brought on by bacteria creates a terrible smell that demands treatment by a professional. After a professional oral cleaning, the gums and teeth may be maintained by feeding a special diet focused on dental health, eliminating table food, and regular brushing. Your vet can supply you with additional advice on minimizing periodontal disease and stinky breath. You should clean your pyrenean mastiff’s teeth with a doggie toothpaste or a homemade paste made of baking soda and water twice weekly. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon stocking stretched over your finger. Periodontal disease,which is an infection between the teeth and gums, often affects pyrenean mastiffs. Often, teeth loss takes place as a result of periodontal disease. Disease can sometimes also propagate to the rest of your pyrenean mastiff’s body. The doctor will usually clean the pyrenean mastiff’s teeth while performing his routine health screening.
Bad pyrenean mastiff Breath
While oral disease by itself is not a serious issue if found early, the foul odors may also be indicative of more serious, long-term causes for concern. Liver or intestinal diseases sometimes also cause halitosis, and a fruity, sweet smell can frequently be a sign of diabetes. When your pyrenean mastiff’s breath smells of urine or ammonia, kidney disease is a possibility. Set an appointment with a veterinarian whenever your pyrenean mastiff has halitosis along with other signs of disease like excessive urinating or drinking, depression or lethargy, weight loss, nausea, or decreased appetite.
pyrenean mastiff Flea and Tick Issues
Daily, regular checks of your pyrenean mastiff for fleas and ticks during the summer are vital. Find fleas using a flea comb. There are numerous new technologies of flea mitigation. Speak to your pyrenean mastiff’s doctor about her or his options.
Heartworms in pyrenean mastiffs
This parasite lives in the heart and is passed from a contaminated dog to your pyrenean mastiff by way of mosquitoes. Many pyrenean mastiffs die yearly because of heartworms. It is wise to give your pyrenean mastiff a heartworm screen each and every spring—this is crucial to stop infestations from the previous year. A monthly pill given throughout the course of the warm, wet time of the year can help to protect your pyrenean mastiff. Your pyrenean mastiff should be on heartworm medication throughout a winter trip to a warmer climate. There are some areas, usually the regions with more moderate climates, where veterinarians recommend worm medication be consumed all throughout the year.
Poisions and Medicines
Don’t ever give your pyrenean mastiff medication that has not been prescribed by a vet. For example, are you aware that one ibuprofen pill can cause stomach ulcers in pyrenean mastiffs? Make sure your pyrenean mastiff is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. Make sure you contact your pyrenean mastiff’s vet when you have reason to suspect your pyrenean mastiff has consumed poison. You may also immediately call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for 24 hour help.
pyrenean mastiff Reproductive Operations
It is recommended that female pyrenean mastiffs be spayed—which is the removal of the uterus and ovaries—and males neutered—removal of the testicles—by six months old. You will usually significantly reduce your female’s breast cancer risk by spaying before adulthood. The risk of a diseased uterus, which is another serious condition that impacts older females, can also be eliminated by spaying while young. Prostate diseases, testicular cancer, certain aggressive behavior and some hernias can be prevented by neutering male pyrenean mastiffs.
pyrenean mastiff Vaccinating
- The combo vaccine (also known as the “five-in-1 shot”) needs to be given to your pyrenean mastiff at two, 3, and 4 months old and again once per year. This shot protects your puppy from hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and distemper. Your pyrenean mastiff must be immunized for at least the first four months of his life.
- If you have the rare pyrenean mastiff who has not been immunized and is older than 4 or five months, she must have a series of 2 vaccinations 2 or three weeks apart, followed by a yearly vaccination.
- pyrenean mastiff puppy vaccination and socialization should coincide. You should take your pyrenean mastiff pup to socialization courses as early as eight to 9 weeks old, as recommended by many vets. At this point, they should have already received their first immunizations.
Since laws vary around the country, call your local vet for info for rabies shots. In New York City, for instance, the rule requires any pets older than three months of age to be vaccinated for rabies. After the first innoculation, she must have a second shot the next year, and then every three years. There are a variety of innoculations, many of which are right for your pyrenean mastiff. There are others that are not, however. Ask your pyrenean mastiff’s vet for her opinion. Please note, if your pyrenean mastiff happens to get sick because he is not innoculated, the vaccination ought to be taken after your companion animal has recovered.
Intestinal Parasites in pyrenean mastiffs
pyrenean mastiffs are commonly exposed to worms and possible infestation—in all areas, both urban and rural. Eggs that carry hookworms and roundworms are transmitted through a pyrenean mastiff’s stool. Most puppies, even from healthy mothers in good homes, carry hookworms or roundworms. An accurate, early diagnosis is the secret to treatment. Early, accurate diagnosis maximizes the possibility that prescribed medicine will be highly effective against your dog’s worms. A dewormer that eliminates roundworms, for example, will not kill tapeworms. Your doctor can best figure out the culprit—and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Additional pyrenean mastiff Care Tips
Checklist of pyrenean mastiff Supplies
- Top-quality dog food and snacks specifically designed for pyrenean mastiffs and similarly-sized dogs
- Food bowl
- Water dish
- As many safe toys as you can provide, especially chewable
- Brush and comb for grooming, including flea comb
- Collar with ID tag and license
- Quality leash
- Carrier (for pups)
- Training crate
- Dog bed or box with quilt or towel
- Doggie toothbrush
The no-no list
Never, ever feed your pyrenean mastiff the following:
- Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
- Chocolate, coffee, or tea
- Raisins & grapes
- Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
- Onions, chives and garlic
- Chicken, turkey, or any other poultry bones
- Salt or salty foods
- Tomato leaves, unripe fruit & stems
- Dough
Final Thoughts
Unless you are at home, or in a fenced-in, secured spot, always keep your pyrenean mastiff on a leash. When your pyrenean mastiff goes #2 on your neighbor’s yard, the sidewalk or any other public spot, please remove it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about pyrenean mastiffs
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