Owning dogs, in particular taking care of the basenji, is a specialty of humans across the world. Some historians speculate dogs were domesticated sometime between 12,000 and twenty five thousand years ago—and that dogs evolved from wolves. Since then, we have selectively bred more than four hundred different breeds, ranging in size from four-pound teacup poodles all the way up to Irish wolfhounds, whose 3-ft stature has earned them the distinction of tallest dog. But the most popular dogs are the non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mixed-breeds. The basenji is another favorite pick with canine owners. Some owners are unaware, however, of many important basenji care tips.
Health care cost for your basenji
The yearly budget for taking care of the basenji—including everything from food, to doctor bills, toys and license—could range between $420 and $780. This does not even count capital expenses for sterilization operations, dog collar and a leash, carrier and a dog crate. Note: Be positive you have all of your items before you bring your basenji home.
Basic basenji Care
How To Feed the basenji
- basenji puppies between 8 and twelve weeks need four bowls of food a day.
- Feed basenji pups three to 6 months old three meals every day.
- Feed puppies 6 months old to 1 year 2 bowls of food daily.
- When the basenji makes his or her first birthday, 1 meal every 24 hours is usually adequate.
- Sometimes adult basenjis, however, eat 2 smaller meals. It is your responsibility to learn your basenji’s eating schedule.
Top-quality dry dogfood provides balanced nutrition for full-grown basenjis and can mix with broth, water, or canned food. Your basenji may love cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables, and cooked eggs, but these dishes should not total more than 10 pct of his daily food. basenji puppies ought to be fed excellent-quality, name brand puppy food. You should try to cut down on “people food”, however, because it can result in mineral and vitamin imbalances, bone and teeth concerns, and may result in some extremely finicky food choices as well as obesity. Clean, potable water should be available only, and make sure to wash food and water dishes very often.
basenji Care Tips: Make sure your basenji gets plenty of daily physical activity
basenjis need some exercise in order to stay healthy, recharge their brains, and maintain good health. Exercise also seems to help basenjis avoid boredom, which would often lead to destructive behavior. Getting out would curb most of your basenji’s desires to dig, chase, herd, chew and retrieve. Activity needs can vary based on your basenji’s age and his or her level of health—but ten minutes in the backyard and a couple of walks around the block every day probably won’t be enough. If your basenji is a 6 to 18 month adolescent, his requirements will be a little higher.
basenji Grooming
Frequent brushing will help keep your basenji clean and reduce shedding. Check for ticks and fleas every day during the summer or other warm weather. Most basenjis don’t need to be bathed more than a few times during the year. Before giving him a bath, cut out or comb any and all mats from the basenji’s hair. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to the soap.
Handling Your basenji
Pups are obviously easier to handle. To carry the basenji pup, put 1 hand beneath the dog’s chest, either with your forearm or your other hand supporting the hind legs and rear. Don’t attempt to grab or lift your puppy by his or her front legs, tail or nape. When you need to pick up a larger, full-grown basenji, pick it up from underneath, bracing his chest with one of your arms and rear end with your other.
How to House your basenji
Your basenji needs a comfortable quiet spot to be able to sleep apart from all the breezes and off the floor or ground. You may wish to buy a dog bed, or make one out of a wooden box. Place a clean blanket, sheet, comforter, or pillow inside the bed. Wash the basenji’s bed covering frequently. If your basenji will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make certain she has plenty of cool water and shade in the summer, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it’s cold.
Licensing and Identification for basenjis
Your community has licensing rules to heed. You should attach the license to your basenji’s collar. The license, together with an ID tag, could help you recover your basenji should he go missing.
basenji Behavior Facts
Thoughts on Training Your basenji
A well-mannered, companion basenji is a pleasure to raise. However, when left untrained, your dog will most likely be a big pain. Teaching your basenji the fundamentals—”Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Leave it”—will strengthen your relationship with both the basenji and your relatives. If you have a puppy, begin teaching him the appropriate behavior asap! Use snacks as recognition and incentive. Pups can start obedience courses when they are adequately vaccinated. Call the community SPCA or humane society for information on obedience classes. Invariably you should keep your basenji on a leash in public, even as a puppy. Just be positive your doggie will come back to you whenever you say so. An aggressive or disobedient basenji should not play with others.
The Health of Your basenji
Your basenji should visit the vet for a full exam, immunizations and a heartworm blood assessment each and every year, and ASAP if he is sick or injured.
basenji Dental Health
Although we might simply dislike our basenji’s halitosis, we must be aware of what it may represent. Foul breath is a sign that your basenji needs a dental examination. Plaque , which is brought on by bacteria brings a terrible stench that can only be freshened with the help of a professional. Once your basenji has had a cleaning done by a professional, the mouth may be maintained in a healthy state by brushing regularly, feeding a special diet focused on dental health, and eliminating table food. Your veterinarian can show you more information on reducing periodontal disease and halitosis. You should clean the basenji’s teeth with a doggie toothpaste or a simple baking soda and water paste a couple of times a week. You can brush them with a piece of nylon pantyhose wrapped around the finger, a gauze pad, or a child’s soft toothbrush. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, sometimes affects basenjis. Frequently, loss of teeth occurs due to gum infection. Disease will sometimes also spread to other areas of your basenji’s body. Your vet will usually clean the basenji’s teeth in his typical health exam.
basenjis with Bad Breath
While the foul odors caused by dental disease might not be too serious if found early enough, some halitosis may also indicate more serious, long-term issues. A sweet, fruity smell may frequently be a sign of diabetes, while diseases of the liver or intestines may cause foul breath. If your basenji’s breath smells of ammonia or urine, kidney disease may be the cause. Set an appointment with a veterinarian whenever your basenji has halitosis along with other signs of disease like excessive urinating or drinking, depression or lethargy, weight loss, nausea, or decreased appetite.
basenji Flea and Tick Issues
During the summer, it’s crucial for you to perform daily, regular inspections of your basenji for ticks and fleas. Use a flea comb to remove and find fleas. There are numerous new methods of flea and tick reduction. Get advice from your veterinarian about her options.
Heartworm problems in basenjis
The heartworm is a parasite that lives in the heart and passes from an infested dog to your basenji by way of mosquitoes. Several basenjis die annualy from heartworm infections. It’s critical you ensure your basenji has a blood screening for worms each year during the spring. It’s also wise to give your basenji a monthly tablet in mosquito season to help you protect him from heartworms. If you ever travel in a warmer-than-usual region with your basenji in winter, he needs to be on the preventive medicine during the trip. In some more moderate regions, veterinarians advise preemptive worm medication throughout the year.
Toxins and Medicines
Never, ever give your basenji medication that hasn’t been prescribed by a veterinarian. For example, are you aware that 1 ibuprofen pill will most likely cause stomach ulcers in basenjis? Keep rat poison and other rodenticides away from your basenji. Be sure to notify your basenji’s veterinarian when you have cause to think your basenji has consumed a poisonous substance. You can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for 24 hr. help.
basenji Sterilization Procedures
It is recommended that male basenjis should be neutered – the extraction of the testicles – and females spayed – the extraction of the uterus and ovaries – by six months old. You usually will greatly diminish your female basenji’s breast cancer risk by spaying before adulthood. Spaying also eliminates the possibility of a sick uterus, a traumatic problem in older females that demands surgery and intensive medical care. Neutering males eliminates the risk of testicular diseases, certain aggressive behavior and some hernias.
basenji Vaccinating
- The combination vaccine (also known as the “5-in-1 shot”) should be given to your basenji at 2, three, and four months old and then once annually. This innoculation immunizes your puppy from hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and distemper. The basenji must be vaccinated for at least the first four months of her life.
- If you have an uninnoculated basenji older than four or 5 months, he must have a series of 2 innoculations given 2 to 3 weeks apart, followed by a yearly immunization.
- Your basenji pup’s socialization should coincide with his innoculation program. Many vets advise that new owners bring their basenji pups to socialization courses, beginning at 8 or 9 weeks of age. They should have already received their first innoculations by then.
Regulations are so different between different areas, that it’s best to contact your neighborhood doctor about rabies vaccination information. For instance, NYC laws state that pets older than 3 months be innoculated for rabies. The original rabies vaccine must be followed by a subsequent innoculation the next year, and then every three years after that. There are several vaccines, many of which are effective for your basenji. There are others that are not, however. Your vet can tell you about them. Also, if your basenji gets sick because she is not immunized, do not give the innoculation until the dog has made a full recovery.
Roundworms in basenjis
basenjis are often exposed to worms and possible infestation—especially in rural areas. Tiny eggs made by hookworms are passed in an infected dog’s feces. Most pups, even from healthy mothers in good homes, carry hookworms or roundworms. The key to treatment is early detection. This will maximize the possibility that the treatment is highly effective against the parasite your basenji has. A dewormer that eradicates roundworms, for example, won’t kill tapeworms. Your basenji’s doctor can best identify the culprit—and decide the best medicine.
Miscellaneous basenji Care Tips
Checklist of basenji Supplies
- Premium-quality dog food and treats specifically for basenjis and similarly-sized dogs
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- As many safe toys as you can provide, especially chewable
- Comb and brush for grooming, including a flea comb
- Collar with license and ID tag
- Quality leash
- Dog carrier (for pups)
- Training crate
- Box or dog bed with blanket or towel
- Doggie or child’s toothbrush
The no-no list
The following items should never be fed to basenjis:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocoloate or any food with caffeine
- Grapes or raisins
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Onions, chives & garlic
- Poultry bones
- Salt and salty foods
- Tomato leaves, unripe fruit and stems
- Yeast dough
Final Thoughts
Unless you are at home, or in a fenced-in, secured area, always keep your basenji on a leash. Whenever your basenji goes number two on your neighbor’s lawn, her sidewalk or any other public spot, please take care of it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about basenjis
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