Its shame that most dog owners dont realize that dental hygiene is as important for their dogs as it is for themselves. Teeth that have been neglected are subject to several types of mouth disease just like their human friends.
We know that if we don’t brush our teeth, plague will build up and eventually cause tooth decay. The same thing happens to dogs. When plaque builds up and hardens, it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates, it can work its way under the gums and cause painful infections and gum disease. This goes on in the mouths of dogs just as it does in people. You brush your teeth every day, probably three times, but your dog depends upon you for his dental hygiene.
Veterinarians recommend that dog owners brush their dogs teeth at least twice a week to keep the buildup of tartar at a minimum. So how do you brush his teeth? Remember your dogs taste and smell are far different form our own. If you think the zesty tingle of your favorite toothpaste will do him good, forget about it. One whiff of that stuff will have hiding behind the sofa so fast you will never get him near a toothbrush again. Most pet supply stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs. A small investment in this will make the job much more pleasant for both of you.
Some people dont have the time or patience to brush their dogs teeth on a regular basis. If youre one of these, youll want to find an alternative. A dogs natural tendency to chew is a built-in dental care mechanism. Dog biscuits break into small chunks when chewed and rub against the teeth, providing a cleaning service. Biscuits are no substitute for brushing your dogs teeth but they are the next best thing.
Dogs that do not receive proper dental care and do not have access to crunchy teeth cleaning foods run the risk of several types of mouth disease. These can be as mild as gingivitis (a gum disease that results in swollen, inflamed gums) and as serious as a bacterial infection that can spread through the dogs bloodstream causing damage to vital organs. You owe it to yourself and your dog to take care of his teeth or a trip to the veterinarian may become necessary.
Dental services are available for dogs, just like they are for people. A dogs teeth can be filled, capped, and extracted if necessary, just like a humans teeth. These dental procedures can become quite costly. I picked up an old cat at the local shelter that developed dental problems from years of neglect. His teeth became infected and a couple of them had to removed for a bill of just under $600.
The best course of action, however, is to avoid the need for such services by properly caring for your dogs teeth. If you can avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort for your furry friend, you should do so. Preventative dental care for your dog can save you money and him discomfort. As side benefit, a dog with good teeth will have fresh breath too!
Tags:
Chunks,
Cleaning Service,
Dental Hygiene,
Dog Biscuits,
Dog Owners,
Dogs Teeth,
Gum Disease,
Human Friends,
Inflamed Gums,
Mouth Disease,
Natural Tendency,
Painful Infections,
Pet Supply Stores,
Proper Dental Care,
Thay,
Tooth Decay,
Toothbrush,
Toothbrushes,
Toothpaste,
Whiff
Related posts
Jul 11, 2010 | | Dogs
Clean teeth and gums are very important of the overall health of your dog. Here are some information on the most common dental problems of dogs and ways in treating them.
Dog’s common dental problems
- Periodontitis
It is very common among dogs to have gum disease. At the age of two or three, many dogs have either periodontitis or gingivitis.
The most common dental problem for canines is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. This results to a film characterized by milky-white on the dog’s teeth as well as the gums. When this film gets combined with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, and very hard to remove.
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, happens when gum tissue suffers from an inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening, bone less, and ultimately, loss of teeth.
- Tooth fractures
Tooth fractures occur when dogs chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves. The fractures result to infection inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease.
How to prevent dental problems
Your dog can fight off these dental problems by removing the plaque before it actually develops as tartar. How to do it? The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your dog in a mechanical fashion. The brushing would reduce much of the bacteria presence in the mouth, not to mention making your dog’s breath smell sweeter. Make it a habit of brushing your teeth on a daily basis.
Toothpaste. There are toothpaste products made especially for dogs. Brush your pet’s teeth using dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is specifically designed for humans to spit the paste washings out. Dogs cannot do that, so pick a dog toothpaste that is safe enough for dogs to swallow.
Toothbrush. Using a toothbrush in its teeth would take some time for the dog to get used to. Let your dog be acquainted and get used to this is by putting some garlic salt, mix the salt with water, and dip the solution in an old toothbrush. Hold the old brush, and let your pet taste and chew it. Your dog will start to realize that chewing a toothbrush is and tastes good. Make it a habit a few times, until it feels comfortable brushing with it.
Finger brush. You could also use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. A finger brush is a good alternative, although nothing could replace the good ol’ toothbrush. The finger brush just fits onto one’s fingertip and can let you brush the dog’s teeth without the dog knowing it. Well, at least almost. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your dog’s teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gumline’s margin as effectively compared with regular toothbrush.
Professional cleaning. If you don’t want to do the cleaning by yourself, you could take your dog to a veterinarian and have its teeth professionally cleaned. A good veterinarian will take additional measures in ensuring your dog’s clean teeth by anesthetizing your dog, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gumline areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling finish.
Home checkup. Try to make it a regular habit of checking the teeth of your dog for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, check promptly with the veterinarian.
Home safety. Of course, cleaning your dog’s teeth does not mean you should disregard other areas of concern. Tough substances, such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves should be removed from areas where your dog could see. Buy your dog chewing toys that are safer like rubber-made toys. You could also provide bones that are soft enough for your dog to chew.
Mouthwash. There are some products in the market that deal very well in helping to kill the bacteria in your dog’s mouth and could actually help heal damaged gum tissues. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian on the best products in the market.
Dental problems do not only happen to humans. Dogs also have dental issues as well. It is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.
Tags:
Breath Smell,
Broken Tooth,
Brushing Your Teeth,
Canines,
Cow Hooves,
Daily Basis,
Dental Problem,
Dental Problems,
Dogs Teeth,
Endodontic Disease,
Food Debris,
Gum Disease,
Gum Tissue,
Hard Rocks,
Milky White,
Mucus,
Periodontal Disease,
Saliva,
Teeth And Gums,
Toothpaste
Related posts
Jul 07, 2010 | | Dogs
Every week there is one date I faithfully keep: ablutions time with my dogs. I dont know why we started calling it that probably when I was completely and totally addicted to Regency Romance novels. According to Websters Dictionary, ablutions is a washing of the body, especially as a religious ceremony.
We dont actually do a full-body dog wash every week Im told that less frequent bathing is better for a dogs skin and fur and its not really a ritual. We do trim nails, brush fur and teeth, clean ears, and wash faces. Because of the breeds we have; Brussels Griffons, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, skin folds, beards and mustaches, and wrinkles get special attention.
Its down to a routine in our house; it doesnt take much more than about 15 minutes per dog, once you catch them. One person holds the dog. The other ablutes.And the benefits are vast. The dogs seem happier, they smell good, and we have the chance to check each one for anything that doesnt seem quite right.
Contrary to popular belief clean, healthy dogs really shouldnt smell. Dog breath may be an indicator that the dogs teeth need cleaning. There are many products available to care for dogs teeth, but a start can be made with just a damp washcloth or gauze. Special toothpastes made just for dogs are readily available. Human toothpaste isnt a good idea it can be too harsh and dogs tend to dislike both the foaming action and the taste of products made for people.
Your nose is an invaluable tool in assessing your dogs health. Any odor from a dogs ears may be a sign of infection. But we know that cleaning ears can be a challenge. We use a solution available from the veterinarian. Its inexpensive and helps wash away any dirt or wax. Getting it into the dogs ears is where the problem arises in our house. Even after four years of this weekly routine, our Boston Terrier struggles mightily to see what were doing. No matter how hard we try, we cant seem to convince her that no one can see inside her own ears!
Keeping a dogs nails trimmed is another part of the routine that can be challenging. Many people are wary of cutting the nails too close and hurting the dog by nicking the blood vessel. Some people avoid the problem by using a hand-held sanding device but a light touch is essential. Power tools are exactly that powerful. Its better to do too little than risk hurting the dog. Most groomers and veterinarians will trim nails for a nominal fee. If youre hesitant about trimming your dogs nails yourself, its well worth the monthly visit to have a professional do the job. Even if you dont trim nails yourself, take a look at your dogs feet. See if their pads have any calluses or cracks or any abnormalities.
Lastly, a good brushing, in addition to taking care of any tangles, or mats in the fur, will make your dog look and feel terrific. Youll distribute the natural oils that keep fur healthy and remove any dead fur that may have accumulated. By paying attention during brushing we discovered a growth on our Brussels Griffon we would not have discovered. A visit to the vet and a couple of stitches later, what might have been a major health issue later was disposed of with very little fuss. As with humans, early detection is the key for dogs.
Our weekly ablutions may not be as much fun as playing ball in the yard, but it is time well-spent with our beloved pets. Getting them used to the routine may take some patience but theyre well worth the effort.
Tags:
Beards And Mustaches,
Boston Terrier,
Boston Terriers,
Brussels Griffons,
Cleaning Ears,
Contrary To Popular Belief,
Dogs Ears,
Dogs Health,
Dogs Teeth,
French Bulldogs,
Gauze,
Healthy Dogs,
Invaluable Tool,
Regency Romance Novels,
Religious Ceremony,
Skin Folds,
Smelly Dogs,
Toothpastes,
Washcloth,
Websters Dictionary
Related posts
Jun 27, 2010 | | Dogs
Generally speaking, a dog over the age of 8 is considered “old”. Depending on the breed, your dog’s lifespan will be anywhere from 7 to 17 years. A dog’s “middle age” is usually from age 4 to 8, anything after that is a bonus and your dog is in “old age”. Start your dog’s “senior” years off by having a vet exam once yearly, so that you can keep pace with any condition that might develop. None of this article is intended to replace good veterinary care, which is your best insurance that your dog will live to a ripe old age.
All through life keep your dog at its optimum weight and do not allow it to become fat. Obesity is the biggest cause of other major health concerns in the dog, such as kidney and liver malfunction, diabetes and arthritis. Don’t give too many treats – this will add pounds! If you do treat your dog a lot, give it pieces of its own kibble and deduct that amount from the amount you feed. Do not “self-feed”, this can lead to digestive problems. Feed twice daily or once daily and pick the food up that is not eaten. This is also the best way to regulate the amount your are feeding your dog.
Old dogs sometimes lose their teeth – you can ensure they eat their food by adding water to the kibble and pre-soaking it. Remember however that this will lead to more plaque on the teeth, and brushing the dogs teeth daily will help to take care of this problem.
Access to fresh water is absolutely necessary. Always be sure that your dog has plenty of fresh water available, and as it gets older make sure, too, that your dog can get up and get to the water. If not, then take the water to the dog!
Walk your older dog as much as possible. Even if it doesn’t walk too well, a short walk daily will keep its circulation going and provide some stimulation from the environment, besides which it gives the dog some quality time to be with you. Walking stimulates the blood circulation and keeps the heart muscles stronger.
Old dogs, even if they have had perfect joints often develop arthritis. Arthritis will be compounded by obesity… the BEST way to prevent this particular condition is to keep your dog skinny! A good way to prevent the severity of arthritis is to feed a food that is labelled “Senior” as most of these foods have the right combination of nutrients to prevent obesity, including chondroitin and sulfate. You can also find supplements which will contain these beneficial elements.
Old dogs do not move as easily. They may not be able to get up and move to a shady place if they are outdoors in the hot sun, and likewise to a warm place if they are outdoors in the cold. The best place to keep your old dog is inside. If you can’t do this, provide shelter and be sure to check in extreme weather conditions that your dog is protected from the elements or can get to protection. Wherever they are, the older dog suffers more from joint pain, and good bedding is important to provide comfort. Keep a good supply of old quilts and rugs for bedding, and wash these frequently to prevent flea infestation. If the dog is outdoors, provide clean straw, and change it regularly.
Old dogs generally do not see as well so make sure that you don’t introduce new or dangerous articles into the environment where your dog generally moves. If you do, then be sure to “introduce” the old dog to this new element, whether it be clothesline poles or new couches. Sometimes the old dog can’t see this new item and will stumble into it.
Old dogs also need extra coat care. Since they spend most of their time lying down, it is possible that the underbelly can get inflammations or a matted coat. Check often that the dog is clean and free from mats. If your old dog no longer wants to be brushed, and this is often true of longer coated dogs, then shave the parts of the body that become the most matted, (under the tail, the belly, under the elbows, etc.).
As your dog grows older, the best rule of thumb is to pay attention to details. Such things as irregular breathing, episodes of panting, episodes of crying or whining, weakness in the rear legs…all these things should be reported to your vet. Keep abreast of any changes and give your dog as much good home care and vet care as you can and it will live longer and remain happier.
Tags:
17 Years,
Best Insurance,
Blood Circulation,
Digestive Problems,
Dogs Teeth,
Fresh Water,
Heart Muscles,
Joints,
Kibble,
Lifespan,
Liver Malfunction,
Major Health Concerns,
Middle Age,
Old Dogs,
Optimum Weight,
Pet Care,
Plaque,
Quality Time,
Self Feed,
Veterinary Care
Related posts
Jun 05, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog bad breath a silent killer! I can just here it now. This is not an exaggeration, and for that matter cats too. Just imagine a condition that affects you furry friends, but most pet owners often neglect to even look for it.
Im talking specifically in this article about bad breath in dogs, however it can just as easily be applied to cats as well.
After doing alittle research on this topic of bad breath in dogs, I found that a very high percentage of dogs at a certain age have periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is condition in the mouth that over time and without attention to it, break down all the supporting gums and bone that hold the teeth in place.
No not a very pretty picture at all, and it also causes loss of the canines teeth. The bacteria that cause this type of condition not only causes the above mentioned, the bacteria can get loose from the teeth and enter in the dogs bloodstream.
Causing damage to the vital organs in the dogs body such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, and liver. With those kind of damaging results, its no wonder its dubbed the “Silent Killer Of Pets”.
As periodontal disease progresses it is marked by bad breath in your dog.
But Wait..
The good news is that this can be prevented. Good oral hygiene for your pets can become as regular a routine, as your daily brushing and flossing.
1. Regular trips to veterinarian.
This may seem pretty obvious, but is often neglected by many pet owners. Really it is the only way to know exactly where you stand in regard to your dogs health today
2. What your dog eats
Monitor what you feed your dog, can dog food(soft)has been reported as giving dogs plaque, that leads to tartar at very high percentages.
Dry dog food is much better for your dog, in that it wears away tartar build up.
3. Brush your dogs teeth regularly
This is a no-brainer if you have a dog, and want to prevent a serious condition like periodontal disease.
If you find it hard to brush your dogs teeth…
Use a product such as Oxyfresh Pet Oral Care to keep dogs breath fresher, and inhibit gum disease. It is added to your dogs drinking water, and because its odorless and tasteless, your dog doesn’t even know its there.
Makers of this product reports they are selling this stuff in the goobs. Which means that it obviously works!
Your dogs health is a very serious matter if you truly love your dog, so be sure to give it the best care you can. Its no question these tips work to eliminate gum disease for your dog, will you?
Tags:
Bacteria,
Bloodstream,
Brainer,
Certain Age,
Dog Bad Breath,
Dogs Health,
Dogs Teeth,
Dry Dog Food,
Exaggeration,
Good Oral Hygiene,
Gums,
Kidneys,
Lungs,
Percentages,
Periodontal Disease,
Pet Owners,
Plaque,
Silent Killer,
Veterinarian,
Vital Organs
Related posts
May 05, 2010 | | Dogs
If only we could get our pets to brush their teeth regularly! Well you know that can’t happen . . . but we can help our dogs take care of their teeth and gums. They don’t, of course, realize how important dental care is to their health (and maybe you didn’t realize it either).
Following are some facts about dental problems that may either be causing your dog discomfort right now or might soon affect your dog’s health; we’ll also give you some tips on treating those problems.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a gum disease that occurs when gum tissue becomes inflamed. If not treated, gingivitis will lead to periodontitis (described below); if it is not treated, gingivitis will cause your dog to start loosing teeth.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that attacks not only the gums but also the bones that underlie the gums. Commonly called periodontal disease, this is the most common dental problem for dogs. Even relatively young dogs may have Periodontitis or the earlier-stage gum disease, gingivitis.
Imagine a year or two of buildup on your dogs teeth — buildup of plaque, food particles and bacteria. If your dog has gum disease you may not have to imagine it, you will probably be able to see a near-white substance coating the teeth and gums — that’s the result of the bacteria.
Tooth fractures: Dogs love to gnaw on things like bones and when they do they might develop small breaks -fractures of their teeth. Endodontic disease is the name for infections that develop inside these fractures.
Preventing the problems mentioned above is as simple as keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Clean teeth means less bacteria and less bacteria means less disease . . . and the extra bonus of no more ‘doggie-breath.’
Brushing your dog’s teeth. The best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean is by brushing them every day. That may sound like an impossible task but its really not. Over time, if you approach it slowly and lovingly, your dog will accept tooth brushing as an enjoyable daily activity.
Important: If you think that your dog has gum disease or fractured teeth take the dog to a vet to have the condition treated and cleared up before you try brushing the teeth yourself. If the dog has diseased gums, any attempt at tooth brushing may be painful and from then on the dog will associate tooth brushing with pain.
Ideally, you should start brushing a dogs teeth when its a puppy. As a puppy this will be more of a game than a threat and, over time, it will turn into an activity the puppy loves.
If your dog is older and has healthy looking teeth and gums, introduce it to a tooth brush by coating an old toothbrush with something the dog likes to taste; one suggestion is a paste made out of garlic salt and water. Let the dog lick it and even chew on it for just a second. The next day, the dog will recognize the tooth brush in your hand and come running over for another treat. Gradually work your way into brushing it’s teeth like that, day-by-day.
Eventually you’ll need to get a toothbrush and toothpaste that is made specifically for pets; you’ll find both in any good pet supply store. It is especially important to find toothpaste that is made for pets; don’t try to use toothpaste made for people. Human toothpaste isn’t intended for ingestion and since your dog can’t ’spit it out’ you need to get a toothpaste that won’t make the dog sick when some amount is swallowed.
There are two types of pet toothbrushes, one looks like a human toothbrush that is designed to brush a small child’s teeth and the other is a finger brush. A finger brush looks like a large thimble with a pad or bristles mounted on it. Both types of toothbrush are fairly inexpensive so you may want to purchase one of each and see which one works best for you. Either way, as long as the toothpaste tastes good to your dog, it won’t mind you ‘messing around’ in it’s mouth and, eventually, it will even look forward to the daily ritual.
Have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to or you can’t brush your dogs teeth yourself, take it to a veterinarian and have the vet give the dog’s teeth a professional cleaning. The vet will sedate your dog and do all the necessary scraping and cleaning of the teeth while the dog is sleeping.
Give your dog a checkup. Its a great idea to give your dog’s mouth a regular checkup. You’ll be looking for any broken, chipped or cracked teeth or any signs that the gums are not healthy. If you see any problems, get the dog to a veterinarian as soon as you can.
Protect your dog’s teeth. Sometimes dogs need to be protected from themselves. A dog will chew on anything and the really hard things like some bones, rocks and other very hard items may eventually crack or break the dog’s teeth. Get rid of the hard stuff and buy your dog some softer chew toys.
Buy some mouthwash for your dog. Nope! Not kidding! There are mouthwash products for dogs and just ignore that mental picture of trying to get your dog to gargle. You just add some of the mouthwash to your dog’s water dish and the mouthwash will not only improve your dog’s breath, it will keep the do’s teeth clean and free of tarter.
As you can see, dogs have dental problems that are very similar to human dental problems and they benefit from dental care just like we do. For all the products suggested here for your dog’s dental care, ask your veterinarian for his or her recommendations on the best products to use. Your vet is your dog’s doctor and should be trusted like you trust your own doctor.
Tags:
Bacteria,
Bones,
Brushing Teeth,
Dental Care,
Dental Problem,
Dental Problems,
Dog Teeth,
Doggie Breath,
Dogs Teeth,
Food Particles,
Fractures,
Gingivitis,
Gum Disease,
Gum Tissue,
Impossible Task,
Loosing Teeth,
Periodontal Disease,
Periodontitis,
Plaque,
Teeth And Gums
Related posts
May 05, 2010 | | Dogs
Pit Bull owners who love their pets obviously want to do what is best for them. They want them to have the best care possible and be happy. Part of providing the best care comes with providing the best nutrition. All of the different types of dog food produced can make deciding what is best difficult for owners. There are many selections that are very healthy and nutritional, while others are very unhealthy with little to no nutritional value. The most nutritional foods seem to be those offered by the larger companies, in part, because they routinely test for food quality and nutritional worth.
Out of all the different types of food available, dry food tends to be the least pricey. Many owners prefer dry food because they have several dogs and it costs significantly less to feed them. The quality and nutrition of dry food varies dependent on the manufacturer. One advantage to dry food is that it can be purchased in large quantities and stored for quite some time, allowing the owner to avoid trips to the store. Being able to store the food also helps the wallet, if you purchase it in bulk when it is on sale. Dry food also is easier to prepare for your dog, as all you do is pour it into a bowl. It also doesnt smell bad, which is a plus for owners of indoor dogs. Storing dry foods for long periods of time may affect the nutritional worth of the food.
The semi-moist dog foods are usually made up of about twenty five percent water and meat products, making them very popular with most dogs, however, they are not very good for the dogs teeth as they tend to be very high in sugar content. They are also high in preservatives and additives, which most owners would prefer to avoid. Semi moist food is usually the most expensive food to purchase. As with the dry food, it all varies with each manufacturer; ingredients, nutrition, quality, taste, are all different from brand to brand.
Canned foods win the popularity bonus hands down. Canned foods offer a full meal in one can, which is often convenient for pet owners. They usually are made from animal by products, and contain more moisture than other dog foods. They often contain the least preservatives, and are the easiest food for dogs to digest. Purchasing canned food can be expensive, especially if your dog eats a lot, or if you have several to feed.
As with buying any food, it is always recommended to read the labels, so that you know what the ingredients are. You dont have to buy the most expensive food for it to be nutritional; you just need to be a smart shopper. It is important not to feed your Pit Bull too much, and to make sure he gets a lot of exercise. If you are still confused about the type of food that would be best, your veterinarian should be able to help.
Tags:
Bull Terrier,
Canned Foods,
Different Types Of Food,
Dog Food,
Dog Foods,
Dogs Teeth,
Dry Food,
Food Quality,
Indoor Dogs,
Larger Companies,
Long Periods Of Time,
Meat Products,
Nutritional Value,
Pit Bull Terrier,
Preservatives,
Quality Taste,
Quite Some Time,
Several Dogs,
Sugar Content,
Types Of Food
Related posts
Mar 18, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog Dental Heath Care For Your American Pit Bull Terrier
One of the most often overlooked areas in care of Pit Bulls involves dental health. It is important not only in caring for his teeth, but in also protecting his overall well being. Being able to chew food properly affects digestion, which can lead to all kinds of health problems for your Pit Bull. Learning how to care for your Pit Bulls dental health needs at home can save you a lot of out of pocket expense over your Pit Bulls lifetime.
Believe it or not, you should try to brush your dogs teeth at least once everyday. Just like you, your Pit Bull will have plaque and tartar that can destroy his teeth or lead to gum disease. It could result in your Pit Bull losing his teeth, or developing an infection.
If you havent already developed a dental hygiene routine for your Pit Bull, you may need to take it slow and easy to get him used to the idea. Begin by getting him used to you holding him and looking inside his mouth. If you have an older Pit Bull, just holding the dog long enough to look in his mouth may be a challenge at first. Once you get him comfortable with you holding him and looking inside his mouth, start lifting up his lips and moving his tongue around so you can actually see his teeth. These first couple steps may take your Pit Bull some time to get used to, so be patient.
Once he is comfortable with you messing with his mouth, see your veterinarian to get a toothpaste recommended for him. Start by using the toothpaste on your finger for a few days, to get him used to the taste and feeling of you rubbing his teeth. Your Pit Bull will probably enjoy this, especially if he gets flavored toothpaste. He will definitely love the extra attention.
Eventually, your Pit Bull will let you brush his teeth, which will help protect his teeth and health. Dental problems in Pit Bulls can be very painful for them, and can often be hard to treat successfully.
If by some chance you have a Pit Bull that absolutely will not let you near his mouth, let alone brush his teeth, there are some alternative ways to ensure his dental health. Your veterinarian can recommend a good dental rinse that can be added to your Pit Bulls water bowl to help rid the teeth of debris. Chew toys will also help clean the teeth and keep his bones strong and healthy. Be careful when buying chew toys for your Pit Bull to make certain the toy isnt hard enough to damage his teeth, and is large enough so he cant get choked on it.
There are some dog foods now available that are supposed to provide dental care, which actually means that the food sticks to plaque and tartar as the dog chews, therefore getting it off the teeth.
Remember, that to provide proper care for your Pit Bull, you cannot omit his dental health. By taking the time to provide dental care when your Pit Bull is a puppy, you can start ensuring his dental health in the beginning, which will save you a lot of costly vet bills as time goes by.
Tags:
American Pit Bull,
American Pit Bull Terrier,
Bull Terrier,
Couple Steps,
Dental Health,
Dental Hygiene,
Dental Problems,
Digestion,
Dogs Teeth,
Gum Disease,
Health Problems,
Heath Care,
Hygiene Routine,
Pit Bull Terrier,
Pit Bulls,
Plaque,
Pocket Expense,
Teeth Problems,
Toothpaste,
Veterinarian
Related posts
Jan 23, 2010 | | Dogs
A dog will require care, attention and a commitment to look after it during its life which could be 10-15 years or longer. The commitment required includes not only routine feeding, care and time spent with the dog but also the provision of veterinary treatment if the dog becomes ill. Written below is some thing about dog caring:
Brushing your Dogs Teeth
How to brush your dog’s teeth?
Step one is to pick an appropriate pet toothbrush. Save yourself time by not buying a child’s toothbrush which is usually too hard for dogs. The ideal dog toothbrush will have a long handle, an angled head to better fit the mouth and extra soft bristles. Another option is the finger toothbrush that fits over the tip of your finger.
Step two is to select appropriate toothpaste. The best pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help control plaque. Try to avoid toothpastes with baking soda, detergents, or salt sometimes found in human pastes. Fluoride may be incorporated to help control bacteria. Rather than placing the paste on top of the brush try to place it between the bristles. This allows the paste to spend the most time next to the teeth.
Step three is to get the brush with paste into your dog’s mouth and all the teeth brushed. Most dogs accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. If you can start when they are young, it’s quite easy, but even older pets will accept the process. Start slowly, you can use a washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same manner you will eventually be using the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for about two weeks and your dog should be familiar with the approach. Then take the pet toothbrush, soak it in warm water and start brushing daily for several days. When your dog accepts this brushing, add the pet toothpaste.
Dangerous Toys
Sticks and bones can splinter and cause choking or vomiting or they can perforate the mouth, throat or intestine. Hard bones can easily damage teeth. Instead, use hard, non-splintering chew toys to play fetch or to allow your pet to gnaw.
A chewing pet can shred soft, latex toys. If the toy includes a squeaking mechanism, the squeaker can be easily swallowed or cause choking.
Towels, socks, underwear and other similar clothing or materials can be swallowed by a rambunctious pet, causing intestinal obstruction.
Some dogs like to chew on or eat rocks-bad idea! Rocks can cause broken teeth and serious intestinal obstruction if swallowed.
Be careful if you offer your pet rawhides, as these can also cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed, and some are preserved with arsenic, which is toxic to pets.
Be aware of sharp objects that can cut skin, feet, eyes or ears.
Paint and wood preservatives can also be toxic to your feathered friend.
Exercising Your Pet
Whenever you are near a road, or wherever your dog is likely to cause a nuisance if he runs free, you should keep him on a lead. Both you and your dog will be much happier if hes well trained. Remember that not everyone is as fond of dogs as you are and you must respect their feelings. Keep your dog under control at all times. Part of your walk should take your dog over hard ground, as this will help to keep his nails short.
Don’t make the mistake of over-exercising your dog if hes still growing, as his bones arent yet strong enough to cope with the extra stress this puts on him. Little and often is the rule until your dog grows to full strength. Remember that large breeds mature later than small breeds. Ask the breeder or your vet for their advice.
Regular and varied walks are not just essential to keep your dog fit. They also give him the chance to explore and to experience new stimuli, including meeting other dogs. This will help him develop into a contented and well-adjusted dog, and avoid developing problem behavior. Make sure you supervise your dogs exercise. Do not allow him to stray and never put him outside for the day to fend for him while youre gone.
Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy
Once you’ve brought home your new pet, you’ll want to have a long and happy life together. Here are some ways to make that happen
Eating well and getting enough exercise are as important for dogs and cats as they are for people. Unfortunately, too often pets pick up the same bad habits, and health problems, as people do. Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity related arthritis are problems that are often preventable with a good diet and regular exercise.
A high quality dry pet food is a good centerpiece for a healthy diet. If your pet is active enough to burn the calories, most dogs and cats love canned food. It can be mixed with dry food or put out separately as a treat. Some people like to leave food out all the time so that their pets can nibble when hungry while others prefer to have regular feeding times. Either way, make sure that pets always have access to clean drinking water.
To learn more about dog training and dog care visit http://www.dogownersguide.org
Tags:
Baking Soda,
Bristles,
Control Bacteria,
Control Plaque,
Dangerous Toys,
Detergents,
Dog Teeth,
Dogs Teeth,
Enzymes,
Gauze,
Gentle Manner,
Help Control,
Intestine,
Pastes,
Sticks And Bones,
Toothbrush,
Toothpaste,
Veterinary Treatment,
Warm Water,
Washcloth
Related posts
Jan 20, 2010 | | Dogs
Do You Know How To Best Look After Your Dog’s Health?
As a loving pet owner, you want your dog to live a great life. You can do this thanks to the many advances in veterinary medicine. Dogs can live longer and healthier. And, the quality of your dogs health is all about how well you and your vet work together to make it so.
Your first vet visit should be within the first ten days that you own her. In this time period, the vet will get measurements and weights for her. They will also check the blood and stool of the animal to insure there are no health concerns there. It is also important for you to get some basic education on modern pet care from your vet during that first appointment. The vet will be able to tell you how to brush the dogs teeth, how to clean his ears as well as how to clip toenails. Just ask.
The next thing that you should keep in mind is your dogs food. A well balanced diet will include foods that are good quality and in the correct amounts. Your dog needs the right nutrients to sustain a healthy lifestyle. You can always ask your vet which is the best food for your dogs as well as understanding how much to feed them. You dont have to purchase the highest priced product on the store shelves either. Some of the most costly are not even that good for your dog. There are great inexpensive choices for you as well.
You need to give your dog exercise. It helps to strengthen muscles and keeps her weight under control. It helps with the immune system of the pet as well. You may actually have to encourage your dog to be active. If a dog seems to be a couch potato type animal, you need to find a way to get them moving. Other dogs are naturally active. You should put some time each day aside for the exercise of your pet.
Your dog will need to be seen by the vet at least once per year. This will allow the vet to insure the dogs health as well as test for parasites that may be there. Blood and stool samples will be used for this. It is important to do this so that the vet can spot and treat problems before they threaten your dogs health severely. You should also mention anything different that your dog is doing during this time. For example some pets will lick paint or will eat strange substances. These are signs that something is medically wrong and you should bring it to your vets attention.
Also important during this visit is that the vaccines will be updated. This is very important to your dogs life. And, in some areas, it is required by law to have them done.
Lastly, youll need to know how to choose a vet. Do it the same way you would choose your own doctor. They should be someone that you trust and feel comfortable talking with. The vet should encourage your questions and support your needs.
Tags:
Ask Vet,
Balanced Diet,
Basic Education,
Best Food,
Couch Potato,
Dogs Ears,
Dogs Food,
Dogs Health,
Dogs Teeth,
Health Concerns,
Healthy Lifestyle,
Inexpensive Choices,
Loving Pet Owner,
Pet Care,
Pet Vet,
Stool Samples,
Store Shelves,
Vet Visit,
Vet Work,
Veterinary Medicine
Related posts
Jan 08, 2010 | | Dogs