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THE ST.BERNARD “INSTRUCTIONS” 1.After the purchase
Dear friends of the St. Bernard, You just purchased a St. Bernard puppy and we congratulate you. You now have the most beautiful, the most loyal and the most gentile companion. Now it is up to you to have him become the most thankful and happy friend. Allow us to remind you of some essential elements for his well being. If you have any further questions or problems don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our Club Committee Members or your veterinarian. PEDIGREE The breeder of your puppy must give you his pedigree. Make sure that the pedigree is signed by his breeder. Send the original pedigree to the following address: Livre des Origines Suisses 3002
BERNE to
register the change of ownership.
When you receive the returned document, you will be the legal
owner. Just
make sure that you make copies of the pedigree for future use. Your
St. Bernard puppy has either an electronic marker or a tattoo and his LOS
number. EDUCATION Upon
reaching adulthood, the St. Bernard dog possesses a force and power that permits
him to show up his owner in public if he
is not controlled. This is why it is important to start training him as soon as
possible. You
can reach this objective by joining a recognized training club. OBLIGATION Before
presenting your dog to the breeding selection, you dog must be X-rayed for the
hip and elbow dysplasia. In
Switzerland, only the animal hospital at Bern and Zurich are authorized to issue
the certificate. DISEASES In
addition to the pedigree, the breeder must also give you the vaccination
certificate with the first vaccine against distemper, parvovirose, leptospirose
and hepatitis already administered. A
booster will be necessary within 3 weeks after receiving the puppy. Don’t
forget it! Afterwards,
a booster will be necessary every year. RABIES The
vaccination of rabies is not obligatory in most of Switzerland, except in some
cantons, for example Geneva where the vaccine is required after the puppy
reaches five months, with a booster every two years. If
you travel with your dog across a border, in most cases, the rabies vaccine will
be required already by the age of three months and will need a yearly booster. Since
some country have different regulations, consult your veterinarian ahead before
planing your trip. DE-WORMING Your
breeder should have de-wormed your puppy already several times. You will have to
continue the process once a month until he is six months old. After that, you
should de-worm him at least twice a year. EARS Regularly
check his ears for dirt or smell. You can use a veterinarian product to clean
the ears. If
a bad smell persists, consult a veterinarian. HOUSING A dog house is not absolutely necessary, but can be useful. But what is certainly necessary is a big enough place, where he can lie comfortably, protected from the sun, the cold and the drafts. Don’t forget that your puppy had the warmth of is mother up to now and that you have to help him being independent. If you have a garden, you should allow him to go outside as much as possible, but you should still walk him regularly ( on the leach and without pushing the distance ). To avoid accident, don’ forget to fence up the place. If
you live in a apartment, you will have to go out with at least 3 times a day and
for 2 hours in total. IMPORTANT To
go up or down the stairs and to get in or out of the car, you have to carry your
puppy. If don’t do so, he may develop muscles or bones injuries that could
irreversible.
The easiest food today is the dry food. When you first get your puppy, you shouldn’t change the breeder’s choice of food. Most breeders will give you a small sample to start with. Any drastic change may give your puppy diarrhea. Later, if you want, changes are possible. If you want to cook his food, mix meat with rice, pasta, and vegetables, you may have to add some vitamins from time to time with a good calcium-phosphor proportion ( ask your vet). If you want to give can food, mix also some rice or pasta with it. Don’t forget to always have enough fresh water disposable. Don’t give your puppy any milk, or he may develop diarrhea. Give your dog some hard objects to chew, that will clean his teeth., such as real bones and use only big pieces like knee joints or femurs. Don’t use little pieces of bone that are breakable and can injure your dog. * * * OUVRAGES
CONSEILLES: LUQUET
Dr. Vét. Maurice, Le Saint-Bernard,
origine - caractéristiques - standard - élevage - alimentation - soins,
Editions de Vecchi Paris 1983. 240 pages. MARQUIS
Marcel, Grand Saint-Bernard, chiens... |
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