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Find Your Perfect Puppy at Conley's Big Bone Boerboels Breeder
Feeding and Nutrition for Boerboels
A well-balanced diet is essential for the health and longevity of your Boerboel. Their large size means they have specific nutritional needs to support their growth, muscle development, and overall well-being.
Diet Recommendations:
- High-Quality Proteins: Boerboels require protein-rich diets to maintain muscle mass. Look for dog foods that list meat, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, as the first ingredient.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support joint health and promote a shiny coat. These can be found in fish oils and flaxseed.
- Balanced Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide Boerboels with the energy they need. Choose dog foods with wholesome grains like brown rice or sweet potatoes.
Portion Control: Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause joint problems, especially in large breeds like Boerboels. Follow portion guidelines according to your dog's age, weight, and activity level.
Puppy Nutrition: Boerboel puppies grow rapidly and need a diet formulated for large-breed puppies. It’s essential to avoid overfeeding to prevent rapid growth, which can contribute to joint issues later in life.
2. Exercise and Activity Needs
Boerboels are an active and intelligent breed that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. While they enjoy lounging around the house, they are naturally athletic dogs that need a good deal of exercise to stay fit.
Exercise Guidelines:
- Daily Walks: Boerboels should get at least 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise daily. This can include walks, runs, or time playing in a fenced yard.
- Mental Stimulation: Boerboels are intelligent and benefit from mental challenges like puzzle toys or training exercises. Engaging their minds helps prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
- Avoid Overexertion in Puppies: Over-exercising a Boerboel puppy can be harmful to their growing joints. Keep activity levels moderate and avoid high-impact activities until they are fully grown.
3. Grooming and Maintenance
Boerboels have short, smooth coats that are relatively low-maintenance, but regular grooming is still essential for their overall health and comfort.
Grooming Tips:
- Brushing: Boerboels shed moderately, so a weekly brushing will help remove loose fur and keep their coat healthy. Use a rubber grooming brush or bristle brush to distribute natural oils and keep their coat shiny.
- Bathing: Bathing should be done as needed, typically every few months, or when your dog is particularly dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo that won’t strip away the natural oils from their coat.
- Ear Cleaning: Check their ears weekly for signs of infection, wax buildup, or dirt. Clean their ears with a vet-approved ear cleaning solution to prevent infections.
- Nail Trimming: Keep their nails trimmed to avoid overgrowth, which can lead to discomfort or injury. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
- Dental Care: Boerboels can be prone to dental issues, so regular brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste is essential. Dental chews and toys can also help keep their teeth clean.
4. Maintaining a Healthly Boerboel
- Regular Vet Visits: Ensure that your Boerboel gets regular health checkups, vaccinations, and screenings for common breed-specific conditions.
- Hip and Elbow Screening: Vet screening is essential to ensure dog is less likely to inherit hip or elbow dysplasia.
- Healthy Weight Management: Obesity can exacerbate joint and heart problems, so it’s essential to keep your Boerboel at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise.
5. Parasite Control
Fleas, ticks, and worms are common issues for dogs, especially in warm climates like Florida. Preventive care is essential for protecting your Boerboel from these pests.
- Flea and Tick Prevention: Use vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives, such as topical treatments, oral medications, or collars. Check your dog regularly for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors.
- Heartworm Prevention: Heartworm is a serious issue in many areas of the U.S., including Florida. Monthly heartworm prevention medication is essential to protect your Boerboel from this potentially deadly parasite.
- Routine Deworming: Regular deworming is crucial, especially in puppies. Talk to your vet about the appropriate deworming schedule for your dog.
6. Vaccinations and Vet Care
Keeping up with your Boerboel’s vaccinations and vet visits is essential to their long-term health. Follow your vet’s recommended vaccination schedule, which typically includes shots for:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
7. Senior Boerboel Care
As your Boerboel ages, their care needs will change. They may require lower-impact exercises, specialized diets for joint health, and more frequent vet checkups to monitor for age-related conditions.
- Joint Support: Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help support aging joints. Ask your vet about incorporating these into your dog’s routine.
- Comfortable Living Spaces: Provide soft bedding and minimize the need for your Boerboel to navigate stairs as they age.
At Conley’s Big Bone Boerboels, we are committed to the health and well-being of all our dogs. If you ever have any questions about your Boerboel’s health or care, feel free to reach out to us for advice and recommendations!
