Scottish Deerhound, known as the "most perfect creature created by God," is gentle and friendly in nature, with high athletic agility and keen senses. It can hunt deer weighing more than 100 kilograms. Its head and muzzle are conical, similar to the Greyhound, so it is also called the Rough Greyhound.
Originally bred in Scotland for deer hunting, it has a tall stature and rough and thick fur that allows it to withstand various harsh climates. Today, with the decrease in hunting activities, it is mainly kept as a companion dog by families and is widely loved by them.
The Scottish Deerhound has a long history, and its name was easily confused with other breeds, leading to disputes over whether it shares the same ancestors as the Irish Wolfhound.
Throughout history, the Deerhound has been highly respected. During the knight era, it was warmly welcomed and many esteemed individuals wanted to own one. Only those of higher status than an earl were allowed to own one. However, as the large beasts that were hunted became less common in southern England and Scotland, the more delicate and smooth Greyhound gradually replaced the Scottish Deerhound. The highland areas of Scotland, where there were still abundant wild deer, became the last refuge for this breed. But due to regulations set by the local chiefs, it became difficult to find a Deerhound of pure bloodline in the southern region of Forfarshire. By 1769, the number of this breed reached an all-time low and it became almost impossible to find such a perfect creature. It wasn't until around 1825 when Archibald and Duncan McNeill initiated a restoration movement for this breed and succeeded, that the Deerhound regained its noble status. However, during the First World War, the decline of the Deerhounds' homeland once again hindered their development, and the number of Deerhounds remained very scarce.
Although Scottish Deerhounds have many advantages and are known as the most perfect creatures, they are not suitable for raising in crowded cities due to their large size and need for a lot of space and exercise. Raising Scottish Deerhounds also requires daily grooming, which is not suitable for busy people.
1, Dog Infectious Diseases
Common infectious diseases that dogs are prone to include canine distemper, canine coronavirus, etc. Common clinical manifestations include: fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, bloody stools, purulent eye discharge, dry nose, cracked paws, etc.
Generally, this type of infectious and fatal diseases are more common in dogs during the weaning period or around 1 year of age. Puppies are more susceptible, with a lower cure rate and prone to leave sequelae.
How to prevent:
When bringing a dog home, it is recommended for the caregiver to choose a formal way to select the dog, give the dog vaccinations on time, and regularly disinfect the house. Do not take the dog out for a walk until it has completed all vaccinations and avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs. Do not allow others to touch the dog's mouth and nose casually.
2, Dog Skin Diseases
Because dogs often go out for walks, they may accidentally contract various skin diseases. If a dog is infected with mites, bacteria, or fungi while outside, it may be difficult to cure for a long time, so all caregivers must pay attention. Clinical manifestations of dog skin diseases include greasy skin, peeling, erythema, itching, papules, ulcers, suppuration, hair loss, scabs, etc.
How to prevent:
In daily care, it is necessary to keep the dog's living environment clean and tidy, avoid dark and damp places, and regularly disinfect the dog's living environment. Perform internal and external deworming for the dog, use special dog shampoo, regularly groom the dog's fur, and supplement with vitamins and fish oil.
3, Dog Parasites
Common parasites in dogs include roundworms, heartworms, ticks, fleas, etc., which often cause skin diseases and intestinal diseases in dogs. They may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, affecting the quality of life and physical development of the dogs. Generally, dogs with parasites are often weak and listless.
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How to prevent:
When feeding, caregivers need to be cautious and try not to feed dogs unsterilized raw meat or unknown meat sources. Internal deworming should be done once every 3 months, external deworming should be done once a month, and when going out, prevent dogs from eating and licking randomly or going into grassy areas. When returning home, be sure to check carefully.
1. After weaning, puppies should eat less and more frequently, preferably four times a day. After three months, they should be fed once in the morning, afternoon, and evening. After six months, they only need to be fed twice a day, in the morning and evening. When the dog reaches adulthood, it can eat only one meal a day, as long as it is full. The specific amount of food should be determined based on the size of the dog, and it should not be overfed, as this can lead to obesity and increase gastrointestinal burden.
2. You can give the dog some large bones from pigs or cows every week. The calcium in the bones can be absorbed by the dog, which can strengthen their teeth and clean their oral cavity. However, be careful not to feed them chicken or duck bones, as the small bones can easily scratch the stomach or intestinal mucosa, which may lead to traumatic enteritis.
3. Although chicken bones should not be fed, chicken bone soup is rich in collagen, which can promote the development of puppies' bones and also has a hematopoietic effect. You can give the dog some chicken soup in moderation.
1. Do not bathe frequently
When bathing a dog, it should not be done too frequently. The frequency of bathing depends on the dog's hygiene condition. In hot weather, it can be bathed one or two extra times, and in winter, it can be reduced by one or two times. However, the total number of baths should not exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!
2. Brush regularly
Dogs shed hair almost every day, especially in spring and autumn when seasonal shedding is more severe. To promote good hair growth, regular brushing is important. Pet owners can use special pet combs to help dogs remove naturally shed hair and prevent tangles. Brushing once in the morning and once in the evening for about 5 minutes each time is sufficient.
3. Sunbathe
Sunbathing is beneficial for the growth of a dog's fur. In addition to making the fur more glossy, letting the dog sunbathe can also help with sterilization. During sunbathing, pet owners can let their dogs exercise a bit, which can improve the dog's physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and help grow healthier fur.
4. Deworming
Poor fur condition is closely related to parasites. Parasites consume a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body, depriving it of nutrition. Therefore, regular deworming is necessary. It is recommended to do both internal and external deworming. Deworming medicines can cause significant harm to a dog's stomach and intestines, so it is advisable to feed probiotics along with deworming to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Pay attention to diet
To ensure a dog has a shiny coat, it is necessary to establish a good foundation of nutrition and pay attention to daily diet. On the one hand, feed the dog with nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a suitable and nutritious dog food that meets the dog's needs. On the other hand, provide the dog with an appropriate amount of lean meat, cooked egg yolks, and vegetable oil.
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