The most common statement I see online regarding Great Pyrenees is "they are working dogs, they should be on a farm working". While this can be true for many Pyrenees, we want to start off with this: not all Pyrenees are working dogs.
That said, we do suspect the majority of Pyrenees in North America are 'on the job'.
When we think of a working Pyr, concerns for their safety from the predators they are are to protect against worries us most. However, also ensuring they have access to adequate food and shelter worries us -- and this is not because we do not think people care for them, but that we know farm life never goes as planned (if the sheep can get out, they will, if the pipe can burst it will, if the roads flood or get snowed over, they will, etc.). But, these are all visible, identifiable concerns. What we want to talk about today is not always able to be seen with the naked eye.
Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) play a vital role in protecting their flock from predators, but they are not immune to their own set of health risks. Dermatological issues and pests can be a significant concern for LGDs, impacting their overall well-being and effectiveness as guardians. Skin problems such as demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, and fleas can cause intense itching, discomfort, and even secondary infections (all these are easily gained when they come into contact with canids such as coyotes or wolves), while internal parasites like heartworms and hookworms can lead to anemia and other systemic problems (kindly spread through mosquitoes and even when they snack on field mice). To mitigate these risks, it's essential to implement regular parasite control measures, such as monthly topical treatments and flea preventatives (which brand suits you best is a trial and error of what are the pests in your area susceptible to and not resistant), and monitor your LGD's skin health closely. Additionally, maintaining a clean living environment, providing regular grooming, and ensuring access to nutritious food and fresh water can help keep your LGD healthy and happy -- and just because they are working dogs does NOT mean it is okay for them to have overgrown nails. They do not use their nails like cats, trim the nails!
By taking proactive steps to protect your LGD from dermatological issues and pests, you can ensure they remain effective guardians of your livestock while also enjoying a long and healthy life.
Don't learn the hard way like we did that mange is easily spread for instance ;)
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