Brazil Fila

Brazil Fila, a rare Brazilian tracking dog, is a strong and powerful mastiff bred from Spanish and Portuguese mastiffs and large hunting dogs, used for guarding livestock and competitions. Brazil Fila is solid and imposing, with a frightening appearance. It is a fierce breed that is close to its owner but wary of strangers. Its large hunting dog lineage is evident in its long muzzle, droopy skin, and exceptional tracking ability. When it detects prey, it doesn't attack but instead holds the prey until the hunter arrives.

Originating from Brazil, Brazil Fila was initially used for tracking and large game hunting. Due to its large size, it was used for hunting wild boars and jaguars. At times, it was also used to capture runaway slaves. With the ability to take down a grown man, it is listed as a banned breed in many countries around the world.

Not recommended for breeding, Brazil Fila is listed as a banned breed in many countries around the world.

Toes Inflammation

Symptoms: The dog frequently licks the toes, and the toes become red and moist, with severe lameness.

Preparation: Iodine, erythromycin ointment, Elizabethan collar

Instructions: Wear the Elizabethan collar, remove the hair from the feet, wash with soapy water or wipe with iodine, then dry the inflamed area and apply erythromycin ointment between the toes once a day for one week.

Ear Mites

Symptoms: The dog scratches the ears, shakes the head, and the ears have a strong acid smell, accompanied by increased tear stains, hair loss in the ears, and dark brown secretions and earwax.

Preparation: Ear rinse, ear cleanser

Instructions: Clean the hair inside the dog's ears, pour ear rinse or Virbac ear cleanser into the ear canal, gently massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds, wait for the dog to shake out the rinse, use cotton balls to wipe off the discharged secretions, and gently clean the ear auricle and ear canal.

Skin Disease

Symptoms: The dog feels itchy, the skin becomes red and itchy, the dog scratches uncontrollably, the fur becomes dull and rough, there is more dandruff, and even patches of hair loss.

Preparation: Saline solution, topical ointment or skin spray, vitamin B

Instructions: Put the Elizabethan collar on the dog to prevent scratching and licking, trim the problem skin and surrounding hair, then rinse with saline solution to sterilize, and apply ointment or use spray, along with antibiotics and vitamin B.

Newborn period: The newborn period is when the puppy is just born, mainly relying on breast milk for survival. The body cannot regulate body temperature and needs the mother to generate heat for insulation. From 1-3 days, they have no hearing or vision and can only find the teat through weak touch. Around day 13, their eyes open, at day 15, they develop hearing, and at day 20, they start teething. From day 21-28, the mother's milk is not enough, and they need to transition from liquid to semi-solid food. This is a time when they are prone to diarrhea and constipation, so be sure to feed lactase, probiotics, or give them goat milk powder/pet milk powder. For constipation while consuming milk powder, you can feed a small amount of vegetable oil and massage the abdomen to help with bowel movements. Deworming starts at 14-28 days old.

Infancy: 1 month-2 months. The puppy's digestive system is not fully developed, so they need careful care from the owner. Generally, they should be fed at least 3 times a day, with small meals based on the puppy's condition. Soak the dog food in warm water or goat milk powder and feed it gradually. Don't overfeed, as it can cause digestion problems. Make sure to give the puppy drinking water and remember not to give them milk, as milk can cause diarrhea. You can give them probiotics every day to regulate their digestive system. During this time, the puppy has a weak resistance to viruses and bacteria, so they should not be taken outside, nor should they come into contact with colds to avoid getting sick. Immunization starts at 6-7 weeks old and ends at 3 months old. Try to bathe them after immunization. In the early stages, you can use dry powder for bathing. Teething starts at 19-28 days old, and all milk teeth are grown at 2 months old. They have a certain learning ability and can start training for potty training.

Adolescence: 3 months-6 months. At this time, the puppies can gradually transition from soaked dog food to dry dog food. Adjust their eating time slowly and make their mealtime more regular. They still eat dog food and drink water. However, during this time, their bones and muscles grow rapidly, so they need a lot of protein and calcium. Their fur gradually changes to adult fur, a critical period for hair beauty, with awkwardness. They also experience a period of dominance, attempting to establish their territory and dominate their owners. Destructive behavior increases. During this time, the puppy's body length and height develop rapidly, losing its baby fat, so they need proper exercise every day to maintain their physical development.

Sexual maturity: 8 months-14 months. At this time, the puppy enters sexual maturity and has their first heat cycle. The first heat cycle can easily cause hormonal imbalances, leading to disorders. Continuous heat cycles, no heat cycles, or false pregnancy can result in low pregnancy rates and a high rate of difficulty in giving birth. They need to be supplemented with nutrients that promote reproduction, such as vitamin E, organic chromium, folic acid, etc. Be sure to avoid mating during their first heat cycle. Pay attention to hygiene during the heat cycle to prevent infection. If they are not going to breed, spaying can be done after the heat cycle ends.

Teenage period: 6 months-10 months, 6 months-18 months. At this time, the puppies can eat dry dog food completely, and they can also be properly fed with meat to enrich their nutrition, such as cooked beef and chicken. However, be careful not to give them chicken or duck bones, as it can lead to poor bone development. If necessary (such as malnutrition, weak body, picky eater, etc.), you can provide them with appropriate supplements. Depending on the puppy's actual situation, choose to supplement vitamins, calcium, protein, or hair care nutrients. Don't overdo it, and don't give a large amount of supplements all at once out of pity for the puppy. It's important to gradually adjust and nourish them. At this time, their bones and muscles grow rapidly, so they need a lot of protein and calcium. They are also curious and have strong cognitive abilities and lasting memories. This is the best period for learning.

Adult stage: Dogs aged 1-6 years old. Dogs are considered adults at 1 year old and have almost reached their full growth by that time. There will not be much change in their body size after that. During this stage, they can still eat dog food normally, without too many dietary restrictions. However, it is still important to supplement them with suitable nutrients, avoid feeding them chicken or duck bones, avoid salty and spicy foods, feed them cooked food instead of raw food, and avoid eating animal fats. If they catch a cold or get sick, it is important to take them to a pet hospital for treatment. Do not judge and medicate on your own, unless you are a veterinarian. You should be responsible for your beloved pet.

Elderly stage: 8-18 years old. Dogs over 8 years old are equivalent to being over 50 years old for humans and should enter the "old age" of their lives. At this stage, the dog's organ functions decline, leading to age-related diseases such as diabetes, weakened liver and kidney functions, and bone and joint diseases. They are susceptible to diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, three highs (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high blood lipids), fractures, arthritis, and other diseases. It is especially important to supplement them with calcium. You can choose to eat more soy products and cartilage or use calcium supplements available in the market. Spend more time in the sun and take walks. Pay attention to hygiene. Believe that the time you can spend with your dog will be longer.

1. Cannot bathe frequently

Giving dogs a bath, of course, cannot be too frequent. Giving dogs a bath depends on the dog's hygiene condition. In hot weather, they can be bathed one or two more times, and in winter, bathes can be reduced by one or two times. However, in general, it cannot exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!

2. Brush frequently

Dogs shed hair almost every day, especially in spring and autumn, when seasonal shedding is more severe. To promote good fur growth, brushing frequently is an important step. Pet owners can use special pet brushes to help dogs clean their naturally shed hair and prevent tangling. Brushing once in the morning and once in the evening for about five minutes each time is enough.

3. Sunbathe

Sunbathing is beneficial for the growth of a dog's fur. Besides making the fur more shiny, letting dogs sunbathe can also help kill bacteria. While sunbathing, pet owners can let dogs exercise a bit, which can help improve their physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and help grow healthier fur.

4. Deworming

Poor fur condition is closely related to parasites. Parasites absorb a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body, robbing them. Therefore, deworming is essential. It is recommended to do internal and external deworming together. Deworming medication can cause significant harm to a dog's gastrointestinal tract, so it is recommended to feed them with probiotics regularly to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Pay attention to diet

In order to have beautiful fur, dogs must have a good nutritional foundation, pay attention to daily diet. On one hand, feed dogs with nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a brand that is suitable for dogs and provides sufficient nutrients to meet their needs. On the other hand, you can also give them lean meat, cooked egg yolks, and vegetable oil in moderate amounts.