HEALTH AND HYGIENE

VETERINARIAN

Choose your veterinarian with care.  He or she should be someone that you know will be willing to listen, discuss all treatments  and is readily available to you.  Keep accurate records.  Your dog’s well-being is dependent upon your attentiveness.  The Bouvier  is very stoic so be certain to note any changes in attitude, activity, food consumption or waste.

HEALTH

Yearly immunization boosters must be given for distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, coronavirus, parainfluenza and rabies.  Heartworm  disease is documented in all parts of the country.  It is a parasite borne by mosquitoes that attacks the heart and result in a  tortuous death.  It is imperative that your dog is given a heartworm preventative and should be given on a monthly basis year round.

HYGIENE

Health and hygiene include establishing good habits of keeping teeth clean, hair out of ears, nails short, coat and skin clean and  in good condition.  Weight should be carefully watched.  Stool sample should be checked annually.

WARNING

Bouviers have been known to be particularly sensitive to anesthesia and may have adverse reactions.  Make sure your veterinarian  understands this.  Bouviers are very prone to heat exhaustion.  Plan trips in the car during warm weather carefully.  Always carry  water with you.