Tips to take care of your farm dog

Arslan Hassan looks at how farmers can provide their farm dogs with the basic necessities, as well as some added extras that will help you raise and keep a happy and healthy canine.

- Arslan Hassan

FAST FACTS

• Dogs are an asset on the farm, and provide protection, companionship and labour. 
• All dogs must have access to food, water and shelter.
• Farmers must ensure that their dogs have work times and downtimes.

If you’re a farmer, you know that dogs are more than just stay-at-home pets. They can be a true asset to your farm, as dogs can enhance the security of your farm, managing and herding livestock or tracking lost or injured farm animals. As such, dogs can enhance the efficiency of your farm.

But there are some things you should bear in mind regarding the care of your farm dogs.

FOOD AND MEALTIMES

A balanced and nutritious diet is always necessary. This helps keep health issues at bay. Ensure your dog gets all the proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats essential for weight gain and maintenance and growth.

Find a brand of food that offers human-grade, organic food. If you’re willing to cook food for them, it is also a good option as it increases the amount of digestible protein. It is a good idea to make a bone broth and give it to your dogs regularly, as this will help improve digestion and strengthen bones and joints.

It is important that you keep track of your dog’s mealtimes, as this will indicate if there are potential health problems. For example, if your dog usually eats in the morning but is no longer doing so, it may be an indication of impending illness.