Dogs are valuable members of the workforce at many livestock operations and their only pay is good food and occasional praise.
Many feedlot operators believe a cattle dog can do the work of at least one full-time employee and some dogs have even saved a cow-calf operator in the spring from an overprotective cow.
Because dogs spend much of their time outside with more exposure to potential dangers such as infectious organisms and wildlife, it is a sound investment to vaccinate them against common infectious diseases.
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Distemper and parvo viruses are a constant threat and with exposure to people, stray dogs, coyotes and wolves, contracting these diseases is possible.
Vaccines give strong protection if administered at the proper time by a veterinarian.
Another common disease, rabies, is transmitted primarily by bats in Alberta and by skunks, raccoons and foxes in other parts of the country.
This potentially fatal disease can be transmitted to humans and to other farm animals such as cattle and horses so vaccination is a worthwhile consideration.
Once immunity is established in dogs, a vaccination for rabies has to be conducted only every three years, so a small-term investment provides long-term gain.
It is also good to have documented protection for rabies in the event that an overzealous cattle dog, sheep dog or guard dog bites someone.
Exposure to internal and external parasites is more common in working dogs than house pets.
Fleas are rare in many parts of Western Canada but when fleainfestations occur, it is most common in outdoor working dogs.
Fleas typically live in and around a dog’s bedding area and jump on and off their hosts.
In addition to treating the dog, the bedding area must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to ensure good control.
There are several products that do an excellent job of controlling fleas and other parasites in one treatment. When using these products, follow the protocol recommended by a veterinarian in your area.
Heartworm is present in parts of Canada so some areas need to take precautions against this parasite.
Winnipeg and the Okanagan Valley are two hot spots for heartworms in Western Canada.
Most parasiticides can safely be dispensed over the counter as long as the weight of the dog to be treated is known.
If you don’t plan to breed your dog, spaying and neutering avoids health issues from prostate problems in males, pyometras (pus filled uterus), and mammary cancers in females and a multitude of other health problems intact dogs contract generally later in life.
Given the nature of their work, herding dogs are more susceptible to trauma.
Be it a kick from a cow during herding or a cut from a barbed wire fence while chasing coyotes away, injuries are inevitable.
Bone and tendon injuries are also common in working dogs.
Just like people, working dogs may need time off to convalesce from injuries.
Ideally, most injuries would be prevented. With modern cattle processing facilities, dogs may not be required for close up handling in tight, enclosed spaces.
In these situations, livestock are more likely to get excited or frantic and this is when the majority of injuries from kicks, charging and trampling occur.
Mostly, cattle dogs are excellent for herding and saving the producer steps and time.
Regardless of how your dog is being used, treat it as you would treat yourself or your co-workers – don’t put it unnecessarily in harm’s way.
In most cases, working dogs are physically fit because of the exercise they get. Naturally, a canine’s diet consists of meat protein.
Farm dogs scavenge this protein by eating such things as placenta at calving season, testicles at castration time and bones from the remains of dead animals or the offal from butchering.
These constitute free nutritive supplements available on the farm.I have always said farm dogs never look healthier than at calving season.
They are getting lots of exercise and fresh animal protein in the form of the cow’s placenta.
Working dogs burn lots of calories so their regular diet should consist of a high-end dog food.
To some breeds, like border collies, it can be offered free choice to allow them to keep weight on.
Regardless of the breed, dogs can develop problems with joints and bones, rough hair coats and other preventable conditions when their nutritional needs are not met.
A little care is like an insurance policy that protects a companion and valuable member of the team from disease and injury.
Roy Lewis is a veterinarian practising in Westlock, Alta.
