You may notice a new layout to our home page. Even though he is cursing me for the extra work, it is all thanks to our wonderful, beloved web designer, Jesse. Thank you, Jesse! We love you!
I thought we might take a branch in direction this blog is going to talk about practical, useful tips to keeping your Great Dane happy and healthy. So from now on, aside from regular "What's Happening" blurbs about the on goings of the rescue, I will also offer you free advice on how to reduce your medical costs, train your Dane, get free stuff, and lots more things you REALLY wanna know.
DISCLAIMER! I AM NOT A LICENCED VETERINARIAN AND I AM NOT LICENCED TO GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE! You should consult your veterinarian before trying ANY of our proposed alternatives and always follow their advice. Please do your own research, just as I have. We have hundreds of dogs experience under our belts, and have never killed one yet, but your pet may be an exception! This advice is only intended for Great Danes. Following this advice for any other breed or mix can be fatal!
To start us off, let's talk about worms. Icky, right? Well, imagine how your dog feels! Worms, or intestinal parasites, can be transmitted to your dog in a variety of ways, and can also be transmitted to you and your family. Dogs that lick or sniff grass where another dog had pooped (within the last 6 years!), licks or sniffs an infected dog's butt, dogs that chew and eat fleas, or puppies nursing from an infected mother can all acquire worms or other infections. Worms such as hookworms and roundworms are especially likely to be acquired by humans. Hookworms can infect your body from the soles of your bare feet!
So what can you do?
Routine and regular dewormings of you dog can seriously lower your risk, and your dogs risk of acquiring a serious parasite infection. Most vets will recommend deworming your dog every six months, but you can safely deworm your dog every month, especially if you have a bad case of worms or chronic worm problem, as most rescuers and multiple dog owners can.
But what's the cost?
Recently, we paid 34.95 for three boxes of Panacur C. Remember, this is a rescue discounted price, and your cost may be higher.
Each box contains 3 packets of 4 grams of powdered Fenbendazole. The dosage for one 120lb Dane is 12 grams per day for three days, or one box a day.
Now, compare that to a visit to the local Tractor Supply or Co-Op, and purchasing Safe-Guard for horses. This is a tube of the drug Fenbendazole in paste form. This tube, purchased for approx 7.00, treats up to 1100lbs of horse. That means, you can dose your 120lb Dane approx 9 times. That's three months of dewormer for 7.00 VS three months of dewormer for 104.85.
Amazed? So was I. And Fenbendazole is one of the safest dewormers around, meaning if you fudge a little in either direction, your dog should be safe.
The Tractor Supply can be a WEALTH of possibilities for low cost, over the counter drugs to help keep your dog safe and healthy. Next time, we will discuss low cost vaccinations for your Dane.
Stay tuned!
Today's featured dog is Diesel! Diesel is a comical, playful 2yr old black male. He is super funny! Diesel is a bit under socialized, and is not a fan of anyone attempting to take him by the collar. Therefor, he can be challenging to leash, but he prefers to be a homebody anyway. Diesel likes the couch, bed, and any other soft spot where you are. Visit us here for more information on adopting Diesel!
