Especially compared with fancier breeds boasting longer, more complex fur, the Black Mouth Cur doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance in the coat department. There’s no need for a weekly bath; just keep an eye on how clean your furry friend is getting, and put it in the tub whenever necessary. (Black Mouth Curs, like some other breeds of dog, are susceptible to dry skin if bathed too often — more bathing can sometimes be a bigger problem than less bathing).
Of course, being an extremely outdoors dog, this is a breed that will attract dirt and debris as it rolls around in parks and woods. For this reason, you may find yourself needing to brush your dog’s coat several times a month, and especially often during the months when it sheds its hair more quickly.
Needless to say, you should be making sure your dog’s ears are squeaky clean, its teeth are brushed regularly, and its nails are trimmed neatly.
Black Mouth Cur health risks
Like all dogs, Black Mouth Curs can develop health issues during their life. As a larger breed, they are prone to some hereditary health problems. Common issues for a Black Mouth Cur can include:
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Skin conditions
Elbow dysplasia
You might not immediately think of dogs as having elbows but elbow dysplasia affects some breeds including the Black Mouth Cur. It refers to arthritis of the elbow joint and will reveal itself in swollen joints, soreness after resting, or lameness in the front legs.
While the condition is generally considered to be genetic, Black Mouth Curs may be susceptible because their high-protein diet could be a contributing factor. If you’re concerned, call your vet to discuss a healthy path forward.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an issue that’s often diagnosed more frequently in larger dogs. It’s a term that means the ball and socket of both hip joints are malformed in some way, causing the head of the dog’s femur to grind in the socket of the joint, not glide smoothly. It can be caused by malnutrition, injury or weight gain and will be noticeable as a result of your dog not moving smoothly, not jumping, or having lameness in the hind legs.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions and allergies in dogs are generally quite easy to spot. The Black Mouth Cur may be more susceptible than many breeds, so be on the lookout for reddened skin, ulcers, and hair loss. Your vet will be able to prescribe medications like Benadryl to ease the problem.
Feeding a Black Mouth Cur - what’s the best diet?
This dog doesn’t need anything radically different in its diet from any other dog but because it’s so energetic and exerts so much energy, it needs to consume around 1,000 calories a day. Getting protein-rich food into its diet is important, so look for foods that contain chicken, duck, fish, lamb and turkey.
If you want guidance and reviews of a wide range of dog food, check out what our friends at Dog Food Advisor have to offer — including recommendations for best high protein dog food.
