Owning dogs, in particular providing care for the kuvasz, is old hat for people across the globe. Some zoologists say dogs were domesticated sometime between 12,000 and twenty five thousand years ago—and that dogs evolved from wolves. Since those days, humans have selectively bred more than four hundred breeds, which range in size from four-pound teacup poodles to Irish wolfhounds, who have earned the title of the tallest canine. But the most preferred pooches are the non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mixed-breeds. The kuvasz is another popular choice with canine owners. Many owners are oblivious, however, of many of the most critical kuvasz care tips.
General cost of care for the kuvasz
The annual cost of rearing the kuvasz—including meals, to veterinary care, toys and license—can range between four hundred twenty and $780. This figure doesn’t include capital costs for sterilization operations, dog collar and a leash, a dog carrier and a doggie crate. Note: Be positive you have all your items before you bring your kuvasz home for the 1st time.
Typical kuvasz Care
Feeding your kuvasz
- kuvasz pups between 8 and twelve weeks old need 4 bowls of food a day.
- kuvasz pups 3 to 6 months old should be fed three meals in a twenty-four hour period.
- Feed pups 6 months to 1 year old two bowls of food each day.
- By the time the kuvasz makes his or her 1st birthday, 1 feeding daily is sufficient.
- Some kuvaszs, however, prefer two lighter bowls. It is your job to adapt to your kuvasz’s eating schedule.
High-quality dry dogfood ensures a balanced diet for grown kuvaszs and can mix with canned food, broth, or water. Your kuvasz may be fond of cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits and vegetables, but these foods should be less than 10 pct of her daily food allowance. kuvasz pups should be fed a high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Try to cut down on “table food”, though, since it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, tooth and bone problems, and may result in some very picky eating habits as well as obesity. Give fresh, potable water always, and make sure to clean food and water bowls very often.
kuvasz Care Tips: Make sure your kuvasz does plenty of daily exercise
kuvaszs need some exercise to burn calories, recharge their brains, and maintain their health. Physical activity also really helps kuvaszs fight boredom, which can lead to naughty behavior. Outside playtime can quell many of your kuvasz’s desires to chew, dig, chase, retrieve and herd. Exercise needs depend on your kuvasz’s level of health and his age—but ten minutes in the backyard and just a couple of walks down the street every day probably won’t suffice. If your kuvasz is a six to 18 month adolescent, his requirements will probably be much higher.
Grooming tips for kuvaszs
You can help keep your kuvasz clean and reduce shedding with brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Sometimes kuvaszs don’t need to be bathed more than a few times during the year. Prior to the bath, comb or cut out all mats from the kuvasz’s hair. Carefully rinse all soap from the coat, or dirt will stick to the soap.
kuvasz Handling
Puppies, as opposed to adults, are clearly easier to manage. When carrying the kuvasz puppy, put 1 of your hands under your dog’s chest, either with your forearm or your other hand supporting his hind legs and rear. Never attempt to grab or lift your puppy by his or her forelegs, tail or nape. When you have to lift a larger, full-grown kuvasz, lift from underneath, bracing her chest with 1 of your arms and rear end with your other.
kuvasz housing
kuvaszs need a comfy quiet location to be able to relax apart from all the breezes and off the ground. You may wish to purchase a dog bed, or make one out of a wood box. Place a clean comforter, sheet, or pillow in the bed for cushioning. Wash your kuvasz’s bed covering frequently. If your kuvasz will be outdoors frequently, make sure he has access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a dry, covered, warm shelter during the winter.
kuvasz Identification
Your town has licensing regulations to heed. Be certain you attach the license to your kuvasz’s collar. This, along with an ID tattoo, will most likely help you recover your kuvasz if she happens to go missing.
Info on kuvasz Behavior
About Training Your kuvasz
A well-behaved, companion kuvasz is a blessing to own. However, untrained, your dog will most likely be nothing but trouble. Teaching your kuvasz the basics—”Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, and “Leave it”—will improve the relationship with both the dog and the family. If you’re the owner of a pup, start training her on the right responses asap! Doggie snacks can be used as incentive and recognition. Pups can join obedience class when they have been adequately immunized. Call the local SPCA or humane society for information about obedience courses. It is best to keep your kuvasz on a leash when, even while a puppy. Be sure your dog will come back to you when you say. An aggressive or disobedient kuvasz shouldn’t play with other people.
Knowing Your kuvasz’s Health
kuvaszs should visit the veterinarian for a thorough diagnosis, innoculations and a heartworm blood examination every year, and ASAP when she is sick or hurt.
Your kuvasz’s Oral Health
While many of us might simply dislike our kuvasz’s bad breath, it’s important to be aware of what it might be a sign of. Bad breath is a symptom that your kuvasz needs a dental screening. Plaque due to unhealthy bacteria brings a terrible smell that can only be cured by treatment by a professional. After a professional oral cleaning, the teeth and gums can be maintained in a healthy state by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your vet can provide you with additional info for reducing dental diseases and stinky breath. You can brush your kuvasz’s teeth using a dog paste or a simple baking soda and water paste twice weekly. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger. Periodontal disease,which is an infection between the teeth and gums, sometimes affects kuvaszs. This dreadful condition will sometimes lead to loss of teeth as well as cause infection to his body. The doctor will usually brush your kuvasz’s teeth in her typical health evaluation.
Breeds with Halitosis (bad breath)
If your kuvasz has bad breath, periodontal disease may not necessarily be the only disease, as other more serious illnesses also have that symptom. Diseases of the liver or intestines sometimes also cause halitosis, whereas a pleasant, even sweet smell can be indicative of diabetes. Kidney disease might be the reason if your kuvasz’s breath smells of ammonia or urine. Set an appointment with a veterinarian whenever your kuvasz has halitosis along with other signs of disease like excessive urinating or drinking, depression or lethargy, weight loss, nausea, or decreased appetite.
kuvasz Flea and Tick Issues
When it’s warm, it’s important for you to perform regular, daily checks of your kuvasz for fleas and ticks. Use a flea comb to find fleas. There are numerous new procedures of tick management. Visit your vet about her recommendations.
Heartworm problems in kuvaszs
Your kuvasz is at risk of contracting heartworms if she is exposed to mosquitoes often. Mosquitoes carry heartworms from dog to dog. Many kuvaszs die yearly from heartworm infestations. It is wise to make sure your kuvasz has a heartworm screen every single spring—this is critical to catch infections from the previous year. It is also good to give your kuvasz a monthly pill throughout mosquito season to protect him from heartworms. If ever you travel south with your kuvasz in winter, she must be on the preventive medicine during the trip. In some milder regions, veterinarians advise preemptive worm medication year round.
Poisons and Medications
Remember to never give your kuvasz medication that hasn’t been prescribed by her veterinarian. Just one ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in kuvaszs. Make sure your kuvasz is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. If you have reason to suspect your pooch has consumed a poisonous substance, notify your veterinarian or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 twenty-four hours a day for help.
kuvasz Reproductive Operations
It is recommended that female kuvaszs be spayed—which is the extraction of the uterus and ovaries—and males neutered—extraction of the testicles—by six months of age. You usually will greatly diminish your female’s breast cancer risk by spaying before maturity. The possibility of a diseased uterus, which is also a serious affliction that impacts more mature females, will be removed by spaying when young. Neutering males helps prevent testicular and prostate diseases, certain types of aggressions and some hernias.
Vaccinating your kuvasz
- The combination vaccine (also known as a “5-in-one shot”) must be given to your kuvasz at 2, 3, and 4 months old and then once per year. This immunization protects your kuvasz puppy from hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and distemper. Your kuvasz must be immunized for at least the first 4 months of her life.
- If your kuvasz has not been immunized and is older than 4 months, he will need to be given 2 immunizations as soon as possible, 2 to three weeks apart. Then you must innoculate every year.
- Your kuvasz puppy’s socialization should coincide with her vaccination program. Many vets advise that new owners bring their kuvasz puppies to socialization courses, as early as eight to nine weeks of age. At this point, they should have received at least their first series of vaccines.
Because regulations vary between different areas, call a community veterinarian to get info for rabies immunization. In NYC, for instance, the rule requires any pets older than 3 months of age to be vaccinated for rabies. After the initial vaccination, you must have a second shot the next year, and then every 3 years. There are several innoculations, many of which are right for your kuvasz. Others, however, are not. Your vet can give you his advice. Please be aware, if your kuvasz gets ill because she is not innoculated, the shot should be given after your companion animal is back to health.
Hookworms in kuvaszs
kuvaszs are commonly exposed to worms—especially in rural areas. Eggs that carry hookworms and roundworms are transmitted through a dog’s stool. Most puppies, from all environments, even those with healthy mothers, carry roundworms or hookworms. The secret to treatment is correct diagnosis. This will ensure that the medication is successful against the parasite your kuvasz has. A dewormer that eradicates hookworms, for example, can’t kill tapeworms. Your kuvasz’s doctor can best figure out the culprit—and assign the best medication.
Additional kuvasz Care Tips
Checklist of kuvasz Supplies
- Excellent-quality dog food and treats designed for kuvaszs and similarly-sized dogs
- Food bowl
- Water dish
- As many safe toys as you can provide, especially chewable
- Brush and comb for grooming, including a flea comb
- Collar with identification tag and license
- Leash
- Dog carrier (for pups)
- Training crate
- Box or dog bed with comforter or towel
- Child’s toothbrush
Warnings to be Heeded
The following items should never be fed to kuvaszs:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caffeinated foods, like coffee, tea or chocolate
- Raisins and grapes
- Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
- Onions, garlic & chives
- Poultry bones
- Salt or salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
- Dough
The “Bottom” Line
Unless you are at home, or in a fenced-in, secured location, keep your kuvasz on a leash at all times. When your kuvasz goes number 2 on your neighbor’s yard, the sidewalk or any other public space, please dispose of it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about kuvaszs
Was this post helpful? If so, please take a minute to Tweet and Share below on Facebook. I would also love to know your thoughts so leave me a comment 🙂
Follow