Owning dogs, especially taking care of the akbash, is old hat for humans across the world. Some experts believe dogs were domesticated sometime between twelve thousand and 25,000 years ago—and that all canines evolved from the wolf. Since then, humans have selectively bred more than four hundred breeds, which vary in size from four-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, who have earned the title of tallest pooch. But the most widespread pooches are the non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mutts. The akbash is another favorite pick among dog owners. Many owners are uninformed, however, of many crucial akbash care tips.
Cost of care for the akbash
The yearly budget for taking care of the akbash—which includes everything from nutrition, to veterinary care, toys and license—could vary between four hundred twenty and seven hundred eighty dollars. This is not even considering capital expenses for sterilization procedures, collar and leash, dog carrier and crate. Tip: Make sure you have procured all the required items before you bring your akbash home for the first time.
Typical akbash Care
akbash Feeding Schedule
- akbash pups between eight and 12 weeks old need 4 meals a day.
- akbash pups 3 to 6 months old should be fed three meals in a 24 hour period.
- Feed pups six months old to one year 2 times every 24 hours.
- By the time the akbash reaches his or her 1st birthday, 1 feeding in a day is typically sufficient.
- Some adult akbashs, however, do better with 2 smaller meals. It’s your duty to adapt to your akbash’s eating schedule.
Excellent-quality dry dog food provides balanced nutrition to adult akbashs and can mix with canned food, water, or broth. Your akbash may also like cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits and vegetables, but these should be less than 10 pct of her daily food. akbash pups must be given high-quality, name brand puppy food. You should cut down on “table food”, though, since it can result in mineral and vitamin deficiencies, tooth and bone concerns, and might create extremely picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, potable water should be made exclusively, and be sure to clean water and food bowls very often.
akbash Care Tips: Your akbash needs physical activity daily
akbashs need exercise in order to burn calories, recharge their minds, and maintain good health. Exercise also really helps akbashs avoid boredom, which often leads to destructive behavior. Getting out and about can satisfy many of your akbash’s desires to chew, dig, chase, retrieve and herd. Activity needs can vary based on your akbash’s age and his or her level of health—but 10 minutes in back of the house and merely a couple of walks down the street every day probably won’t suffice. If your akbash is a 6 to 18 month adolescent, his requirements will probably be a little more.
Grooming tips for akbashs
Regular brushing will help keep your akbash clean and reduce shedding. Inspect for ticks and fleas daily during warm weather. Many akbashs don’t need to be bathed more than a few times a year. Prior to a bath, comb or cut out any and all mats from the akbash’s hair. Rinse all soap out of the coat, or dirt will stick to the soap.
akbash Handling
Pups are clearly easier to manage. To carry your akbash pup, take 1 hand and put it under your dog’s chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting her back legs and rump. Don’t ever try to lift or grab your pup by her forelegs, nape or tail. When you have to lift a larger, full-grown akbash, lift from underneath, holding her chest with 1 of your arms and rear end with the other arm.
How to House the akbash
akbashs need a comfortable peaceful spot in order to sleep away from all the drafts and off the ground or floor. You may wish to purchase a doggie bed, or feel like making one from a wood box. Place a clean comforter, blanket, sheet, or pillow in the bed. Wash the akbash’s bed covering frequently. If the akbash will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure he has access to plenty of cool water and covering in the summer, and a covered, dry, warm shelter in the cold.
akbash Licensing
Your town has licensing rules to follow. You should attach the license to the akbash’s collar. The license, along with an identification tattoo or tag, will most likely help secure your akbash’s return if he happens to go missing.
Information on akbash Temperament
Training your akbash
A well-mannered, companion akbash is a blessing to raise. However, left untrained, your dog can be a headache. Teaching your akbash the fundamentals—”Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, and “Leave it”—improves the relationship both with your akbash as well as your visitors. If you’re the owner of a pup, begin teaching him or her the appropriate behavior quickly! Use treats as recognition and incentive. Pups should join obedience classes when they are adequately vaccinated. Call your local humane society or SPCA for training classes. It is wise to walk your akbash leashed while 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 akbash should not play with others.
About your akbash’s Health
Your akbash should visit the veterinarian for a complete examination, immunizations and a heartworm blood test each year, and ASAP if he is hurt or ill.
Knowing Your akbash’s Dental Health
Although we might object to our akbash’s halitosis, it’s important to be aware of what it may be telling us. Bad breath usually means that your akbash needs an oral examination. Dental plaque , which is caused by bacteria results in a foul smell that can only be freshened with treatment by a professional. Once your akbash has had a professional dental cleaning, her gums and teeth may be kept up by brushing regularly, feeding a special diet focused on dental health, and eliminating table food. Your vet can give you other info on eradicating oral disease and stinky breath. You can use a baking soda and water paste or a dog toothpaste once or twice per week to brush your akbash’s teeth. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon stocking stretched over your finger. Sometimes akbashs have periodontal disease, another term for gum disease. This painful disease can sometimes lead to loss of teeth and also spread infection to the body. The doctor usually will brush the akbash’s teeth while performing his typical health evaluation.
Halitosis (bad breath) in akbashs
Although the foul odors brought on by periodontal disease may not be very serious if found early, some halitosis may be indicative of serious, long-term issues. Diseases of the liver or intestines sometimes also cause halitosis, whereas a fruity, even pleasant smell can be indicative of diabetes. If your akbash’s breath smells like ammonia or urine, kidney disease may be the reason. If ever you find your akbash has bad breath accompanied by other indications of disease, such as loss of appetite, nausea, loss of weight, moodiness, including depression, increasing urination or drinking, set up a trip to the doctor.
akbash Flea and Tick Issues
Daily, regular inspections of your akbash for ticks and fleas during the summer are important. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are several new techniques of tick elimination. Talk with your akbash’s doctor about her or his recommendations.
akbashs With Heartworm Issues
The heartworm is a parasite that resides in the heart and passes from an infested dog to your akbash by way of mosquitoes. Heartworm infestations are deadly. Your akbash should have a blood test for heartworms each and every spring—this is important for detecting infestations from the prior year. A monthly pill given during mosquito season will protect your akbash. Your akbash should be on heartworm medication throughout a winter trip to a warmer climate. There are some locations, usually the regions with warmer temperatures, where the vets recommend heartworm pills be used continually.
Medicines and Toxins
If you’re contemplating giving your akbash tablets that was not prescribed for him by his vet, don’t. As little as one ibuprofen tablet is known to cause stomach ulcers in akbashs. Make sure your akbash is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. Make sure you immediately call your akbash’s vet if you have reason to believe your akbash has eaten poison. You may also notify the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for twenty-four hour help.
akbashs: Neutering and Spaying
Female akbashs should be spayed—the extraction of the uterus and ovaries—and males neutered—extraction of the testicles—by 6 months old. You usually will greatly reduce your female’s breast cancer risk by spaying prior to adulthood. The chance of an infected uterus, which is also a serious condition that impacts older females, will also be removed by spaying when young. Testicular cancer, prostate diseases, certain aggressive behavior and some hernias are all preventable by neutering male akbashs.
akbash Shots
- The combo vaccine (also known as the “5-in-1 shot”) ought to be given to your akbash at two, 3, and 4 months of age and then once per year. This vaccine protects your puppy from parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and distemper. The akbash must be innoculated for at least the first 4 months of her life.
- If you have the rare akbash who has not been vaccinated and is older than 4 or 5 months, he must have a set of 2 immunizations two or three weeks apart, followed by a yearly innoculation.
- Your akbash puppy’s socialization should coincide with his innoculation program. Most vets recommend that new owners take their akbash pups to socialization classes, as early as eight to nine weeks old. They should have already received their first vaccinations by this point.
Statutes vary so much around the country, that it’s best to call your community doctor about rabies vaccination details. For example, in NYC, the rule states that all pets older than three months must be vaccinated for rabies. The first rabies shot must be followed up by another shot the following year, and then every 3 years. There are several immunizations, many of which are appropriate for your akbash. Others, however, are not. Ask your akbash’s vet for his recommendation. Also, if your akbash gets ill because she is not innoculated, do not administer the immunization until the dog has made a full recovery.
Roundworms in akbashs
akbashs are often exposed to worms and possible infestation—even in urban areas. Microscopic eggs created by hookworms and roundworms are transmitted through an infested akbash’s stool. Most pups, even from healthy mothers in good homes, carry intestinal worms. An accurate, early detection is the secret to effective treatment. This will make certain that the medication is successful against the worms your akbash has. A dewormer that eradicates roundworms, for example, will not kill tapeworms. Your doctor can best define the culprit—and prescribe the right medicine.
Miscellaneous akbash Care Tips
Checklist of akbash Supplies
- Excellent-quality dog food and snacks specifically designed for akbashs and similarly-sized dogs
- Food dish
- Water dish
- As many safe toys as you can provide, especially chewable
- Comb & brush for grooming, including a flea comb
- Collar with license and identification tag
- Quality leash
- Carrier (for pups)
- Training crate
- Dog bed or box with sheet or towel
- Child’s toothbrush
The no-no list
The following items should never be fed to akbashs:
- Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
- Coffee, tea, or chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
- Onions, garlic or chives
- Chicken, turkey, or any other poultry bones
- Salt & salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems or unripe fruit
- Yeast dough
Final Thoughts
Unless you are at home, or in a fenced-in, secured area, always keep your akbash on a leash. And please, when your akbash defecates on your neighbor’s lawn, clean it up! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about akbashs
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