Vintage Saint Bernard Photo

Brandykegs

Did you know that Saint Bernards 'R Special is part of Brandykegs Saint Bernards and Barrels and Bibs? 

Brandykegs Saint Bernards Website:  http://brandykegs.net
Brandykegs Saint Bernards Store:  http://brandykegs.net/store/index.html
Barrels and Bibs Blog:  http://barrelsnbibs.blogspot.com
Brandykegs Blog:  http://brandykegs.blogspot.com
Saint Bernards 'R Special Blog:  http://saintbernardsrspecial.blogspot.com


(IMPORTANT :  Brandykegs' website has a new URL; please add to your favorites http://brandykegs.net )

First Day Of Summer

First Day Of Summer

Useful Tip

Veteran breeders will tell you to keep your healthy puppy/dog away from veterinarian clinics.  The reason is quite simple and very sound advice; this is where sick animals are.  You do not want to expose your healthy puppy/dog to unhealthy environments.  There is so much out there that is contagious and you should definitely avoid that exposure. 

Veterinarian clinics are very big business; the independent veterinarian is disappearing.  Many of these clinics push teeth cleanings, and also over-vaccinate for things like parvo and bordetella; telling you that you must vaccinate every six months.  Keep in mind these clinics are businesses and businesses want and need to make a profit. 

The responsible pet owner finds themselves in a quandary; they strive to keep their pets healthy and happy.  They also vaccinate to prevent diseases.  So what do you do?  Try to approach the whole thing with some common sense.

Teeth cleaning is a big ticket item for these clinics; and if you have a large breed your charges will reflect the size of your breed as well.  Anesthesia is used for teeth cleaning; putting any dog under is dangerous; it becomes even more dangerous as your dog ages. 

We need good veterinarians to treat our dogs when they are sick, perform a surgery, do lab work for diagnosing problems, prescribe medications.  We don't need extra office visits for our healthy pets, nor vaccinations every six months when once a year is sufficient. 

(provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day From Brandykegs!

Flag Day

Flag Day

Useful Tip

Finding the right vet for your large breed dog is quite a challenge.  I recommend taking the time and do some screening.  The last thing you need is to have a veterinarian assigned to your large breed dog that specializes in miniature breeds; I point this out because it actually happened to me.  Look for examining rooms that have tables that can be lowered to the floor; allowing your large breed dog to step on the table be secured and then the table can be raised for the examination.  Scales that are located on the floor for weighing dogs is also beneficial.  Take a tour of the facility, check out the examining rooms, hospital area, boarding areas.  Find out if they do in-house lab work or it they send it out.  Can they do X-rays for large breed dogs?  Which veterinarians are taking on new clients? Try to arrange to speak with those who are available.  Learn their hours of operation; is someone available on weekends, night time, holidays?  Do they handle emergencies at their facility?  It is so very important that you find a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with their knowledge and experience levels.  You should also take in to consideration your dog's reaction to the veterinarian.  Finding the right vet for your large breed dog is worth the time to check these things out.

(provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Vintage Saint Bernard Photo

Barry Von Saulgau II

Useful Tip

Bathing your dog regularly is a good idea.  I like to use the soft squishy facial poufs to apply the shampoo to my dog's coat.  This way I don't use too much shampoo; but have plenty to create nice suds.  You should always plan to spend more time rinsing than washing.  It is important that you do not leave any soap on your dog's coat or skin.  Regular bathing of your dog allows you to observe the onset of skin irritations or tissue growths.  Things you want to take care of early before they become a bigger problem. 

(provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)