Oral Care Advice

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.

Several new owners of Labradors are not use to the fact that these cute little puppies have a natural tendency to nip and bite at our hands and arms. As a matter of fact, these little guys will put anything in their mouths that can actually fit. Unfortunately, some new dog owners mistake this behavior as simply biting and unfairly scold and yell at the animal. You have to understand that Labs are genetically designed to have an oral obsession, particularly for retrieving.

Your dog has to be trained with positive reinforcement not to mouth and bite at people’s limbs. A perfect example is to look at a Labrador puppy the same as a piranha, but with fur. They run around with their mouths open and hunting down anything to put in it, something, anything, whatever they can discover.

When labs get older they have a tendency to begin grabbing onto people arms and clothing. This kind of behavior should be considered wrong and should be stopped before it develops into an act of domination. As you probably have heard before, training a Lab not to grab onto your arms and clothes with its mouth needs to be carefully instituted. You can never totally stop your Lab from putting things in its mouth but you can certainly teach him to make better choices.

Your Dog Cold Have Health Issues Due To Mouthing Stuff

Another perfect example to describe the oral obsession of a Labrador Retriever is to think of them as vacuum cleaners. Oft times they accidentally suck up and swallow objects which can lead to health problems, especially if they get a hold of products that have poisons in them.

Labs have been known to swallow toys, tennis balls, small stones, socks, rawhide, bicycle seats, and even knives! Basically anything that can actually fit in their mouths and down its throat is fair game to the motivated Labrador Retriever. It is a good idea to de-fluff your pillows, remove sofa cushions, and discard any loose toys or items around your home that could cause harm if swallowed.

I once came home from work and discovered that one of my wooden dresser drawers completely removed from the entire unit. The front panel was ripped off and my clothes were everywhere. As I was straightening up the mess I discovered that there was small pieces of wood chips all over the room and the front panel was nowhere to be found. As you can probably imagine, my lab chewed up and ate the entire front panel, even the metallic handle was missing. I’m so glad that he did not suffer any internal damages and the handle passed through his system without harm.

The perfect solution when it comes to raising a lab while minimizing personal damages to both your house and your dog is to dog-proof anything and everything you can find. Supervision also plays a big role in training your dog not to chew up certain things. As a dog owner, you have to have plenty of time to invest into your Lab which will prove to be time well spent as you watch your dog grow into a well-mannered adult dog.

It’s often been said that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. That’s never been proven, but the fact remains that dogs put their mouths places humans would never dare to (or be able to, for that matter). Dogs don’t think twice about sifting through garbage, digging in the yard and licking themselves wherever they can reach. They also use their mouths to carry toys as well as dirty “treasures” from the yard. With their mouths working overtime, good dental care for dogs should be a priority for any dog owner.

A dog’s teeth can be a good indication of overall health. But as important as good dental hygiene is for dogs, many dog owners overlook it. Just like in humans, it’s important to practice routine oral maintenance on your dog. Not only can it help its teeth stay healthy now, but it can also protect against more serious issues later.

If bacteria are allowed to grow in a dog’s mouth, plaque can accumulate on the teeth. If it’s not addressed, it can escalate to more serious concerns. Since a dog’s mouth is used to play and eat, among other things, it’s important to keep it in top shape. The best way to do this is through maintenance and prevention.

Believe it or not, most dogs three years of age and older have some form of gum disease. If a dog’s teeth are neglected, plaque can form, setting the stage for advanced oral diseases. Plaque can bind with minerals in a dog’s saliva and create tartar, which attaches to the teeth and can cause irritation to the gums, or gingivitis. Left untreated, tartar can get under the gum line and dissolve the bones that hold the teeth in place, causing the teeth to become loose and possibly fall out. Periodontal disease, as it’s called, is treatable, but once your dog’s teeth fall out, there’s little to be done. The best line of defense is regular brushing and check-ups.

Home care is important, but it’s also critical to have your dog’s teeth examined regularly by a professional. A simple visual exam can be done in an office visit, but more comprehensive care, such as x-rays and tartar removal, has to be done while the dog is under sedation. It’s safer for both the dog and the medical staff, and it gives the vet an opportunity to do a more thorough exam. Some vets even specialize in dental care for dogs, so it’s worthwhile to investigate your options.

It may take time before your dog is comfortable having its teeth cleaned. If you use a toothbrush, be sure to get your pet familiar with it, so he’s more likely to allow you to use it. A toothbrush allows you to reach teeth more effectively, but a finger brush may be easier to maneuver. Just be sure it fits well, so it won’t fall off in your dog’s mouth. Find a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste is made to be spit out, while a dog will swallow it, so don’t use human products, just to be on the safe side. Many dog toothpastes have added flavors that are attractive to dogs, such as beef, chicken or vanilla.

While brushing your dog’s teeth, take this opportunity to examine its mouth for any signs of disease. Bad breath (that which is out of the ordinary for your dog), yellowing or crust at the gum line, swelling, or pain when you touch your dog’s gums should be noted. These could be signs of infection and should be addressed immediately. Not doing so could result in tooth loss for your dog.

Another important consideration for healthy teeth is your dog’s toys. Excessive chewing on hard surfaces can lead to a dog’s teeth being damaged. If this occurs, bacteria can get into the tooth and cause infection. Bones can splinter and lodge between teeth, rocks can break teeth and toys can cause bleeding gums if a dog chews too aggressively. Be sure to monitor your dog during play time, and only give it toys that are appropriate for your pet’s size and activity level.

Your dog’s food and treats can be a good tool for treating plaque. Dry food can help attack plaque, while there are dog treats on the market that are especially formulated to address the issue of plaque and oral care.

Dental care for dogs consists of relatively simple maintenance. Following these tips can keep your dog healthy for a lifetime.

Bella loves to be treated to a special doggy delicacy every now and then and I love indulging her with such pleasures. Anyone who has ever owned a dog has a pretty good idea what their favorite pooch likes to snack on. Now days we have an infinite amount of choices when it comes to treating members of our pet family. Treats come in all different flavors, shapes, sizes, colors, and consistencies. But we need to keep in mind, for every great dog treat currently on the market; there are also those that are not so good. If you’re one of those pet owners who love to spoil your special canine friend, you’ll want to be aware of some treats that can be potentially harmful to your pet.

Rawhide Chews: What dog doesn’t love to chew on a good rawhide? Rawhides do a terrific job of keeping your pet occupied and keeping their teeth sparkling white and clean. However, rawhides can be a potentially dangerous treat. Rawhides that originate outside of the United States may be preserved with arsenic-based chemicals that can be ingested by your pet. Use caution when shopping for rawhide chews and make certain any rawhide you purchase has been processed in the United States where this preservative is prohibited.  If you are unable to determine where a treat originated– do not buy it! In addition, you want to make sure the rawhides you purchase are the appropriate size for your pet. A smaller breed dog requires a smaller sized treat and a larger breed dog should start with a chew appropriate for its size, as well. Always remember that your pet requires supervision while consuming rawhides to help prevent accidental choking.

Bones: Bones are fragile, splinter easily and do not disintegrate well in a dog’s digestive track. This means your pet may have to pass them through his stool. Undigested bones can lead to a serious impaction and/or constipation requiring a trip to the veterinarian. Bones can also be a choking hazard and can cause possible intestinal bleeding. If a bone shard breaks off; it can pierce the intestinal wall and pass through the abdominal cavity causing hemorrhaging of the intestinal wall and peritonitis (an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity). Symptoms of possible damage to the intestinal tract include vomiting, rectal bleeding, discharge from the rectum, diarrhea, straining to defecate, and extreme sensitivity to palpation of the abdomen. If your dog has ingested bones recently and shows any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Xylitol sweetened treats: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products, including sugar-free gum and mints, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, oral-care products, and baked goods. It can be purchased in a granulated form for baking or as a sweetener for cereals and beverages. The ASPCA APCC has had reports of some dogs developing elevated liver enzyme activity within 12 to 24 hours after Xylitol ingestion. Several of these dogs developed acute liver failure subsequent to Xylitol exposure. As few as a couple breath mints containing Xylitol is enough to kill a small dog. I read a story awhile back about a pug that ingested a couple breath mints out of their owner’s purse.  The poor little thing ended up in acute liver distress. Be very cautious about keeping any products that may can this sweetener out of the range of your curious pet.

Greenies: Greenies are advertised as a tasty treat to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. However, you need to be aware that “greenies” can cause serious health issues in your pet. At the 2005 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACIVM) meeting, there was discussion among internal medicine specialists about Greenies® causing esophageal obstructions that were difficult to relieve. Complications reported include small intestinal obstructions; stricture, ulceration and perforation. Greenies are also associated with tooth fractures in dogs. Young puppies or dogs who “scarf” their food should not be given this treat since consuming the item quickly may cause large chunks to lodge in the throat. If your dog eats these treats, be aware of potential vomiting, lethargy, trouble swallowing, and difficulty breathing.  If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten this treat, seek medical attention immediately.

Chocolate: Although chocolate is a favorite threat for most humans, it is not an advisable treat to share with your pooch. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine, and this substance is toxic to dogs. Theobrimine is part of the xanthnine compound, which is the same family that contains caffeine. A toxic dose will vary from dog to dog, depending on a number of factors such as the weight of the dog and his or her metabolism level. The good news is that it generally takes quite a substantial amount of chocolate to do the dog any harm. In general, the toxic level of theobromine is between 100 and 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is important, of course, to keep in mind that dogs will vary in their sensitivity to the compound, so it is still important to keep any and all chocolate in the house out of Fido’s reach. Pet owners concerned that their dog has swallowed a toxic amount of chocolate should be on the lookout for the clinical signs of chocolate toxicity. This signs include excitability, irritability, increased heart rate, diarrhea, increased urination, muscle tremors and vomiting.

Thankfully, there are lots of healthy and delicious dog treats readily available for pet owners. Some safe and handy alternatives to pet store treats include fresh carrots, apples, canned pumpkin or plain popcorn and these items can be conveniently picked up on your next trip to the market. To satisfy your pup’s need to chew; consider a synthetic bone like a Nylabone. Nylabones are a good alternative to meat bones or rawhides because they are easily digestible and come in many terrific flavors. Remember to read the ingredient and warning labels on any treat you feed your dog and supervise them while they are eating. By following this simple advice you’re beloved pooch should lead a life full of safe, tasty treats (and terrific belly rubs)!

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog’s reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it.

Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous.

While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity.

This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog’s reach.

Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog.

Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well.

Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures.

When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category.

Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma.

You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil’s ivy, aloe, and ivy.

Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them.

Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such things.

As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.

We all know that brushing and flossing is a must if we want to keep all our teeth in our old age. Of course we want to take good care of our teeth and mouths because we desire pearly white teeth that are aesthetically appealing. However, we realize the importance of dental hygiene; we need to take care of our teeth so we don’t succumb to disease that could have been prevented by simply brushing and flossing multiple times each day.

So, what about our dogs? They have teeth too, and they need dental care just like us. Though they don’t mind if their teeth aren’t the perfect shade of white, they probably do care if their mouth is poorly taken care of and if they suffer later on in life as a result from lack of attention. Like humans, dogs can have plaque, cavities, gingivitis, and tartar. Though you can take your pet to the local groomer to get their teeth cleaned, you can do it at home. Here’s how to take care of your pet’s teeth easily and effectively.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease and inflammation is by daily brushing your dog’s teeth. Of course, you will want to begin slowly and entice your dog with treats and praise to encourage him or her to allow you to brush their teeth. This takes time, and effort, but it is well worth it.

When you brush your dog’s teeth, you will most likely want to use a finger toothbrush or a simple kid-sized toothbrush. These are gentle, yet they allow the tartar and plaque to loosen up on the teeth and be flushed out. Also, you will need to make sure you use special doggie toothpaste. You can either get this at your personal veterinary office or at your local pet supply store. When you apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush, be sure to get the paste deep into the brush; if it just sits on top it will quickly come off in your pet’s mouth and be ineffective. Be sure to brush your dog’s teeth at a 45-degree angle, because this helps ensure that every tooth gets properly cleaned, and this makes it more comfortable for you as well.

Other ways that you can help your pet remain in good oral health is to feed them dry food instead of wet food. The crunchy chow works to gently scrub teeth as the food is chewed. Also, there are many, many special treat products available that claim to help clean teeth; though these do help, they certainly are not as effective as actually brushing each day. Chew toys are another way to help keep up good dental health. Chew toys with rubber prongs or ones that are textured certainly help gently rub off plaque from the teeth and are good choices for your pet’s oral health.

Just like humans, dental health is important to dogs. Dogs can suffer from periodontal disease, gingivitis, tartar and plaque. There are doggie toothbrushes, toothpaste, chew toys, food, and treats that help keep your pet’s mouth happy and healthy. Help your dog, and keep their mouth and teeth squeaky clean! the biting!

Have you ever come across a case where your dog is having awfully bad breath? So awful that you wish you do not own a dog? If it is the case, then it is time to take you pet to the veterinary. Like human, healthy dogs do not have smelly breath. According to a finding by the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs show some signs of gum disease by age three, a full grown dog. This shows the lack of oral hygiene in people having dogs at home.

Why dental care?

Lack of dental care can cause severe dental diseases in dogs, which can prove fatal. After dog finishes his meal, minute food particles remain inside his mouth. These food particles, and bacteria accumulate on the surface of the tooth causing plaque. Continuous formation of plaque can cause tartar (or calculus) to form, and the gums get swollen up and become red color. This stage is called gingivitis. If the tartar is not removed, it accumulates up under the gums, and this slowly separates gums from teeth. This encourages more bacteria. This stage is called “periodontal” disease. The dog has awfully bad breath (halitosis) at this time, and it is necessary to see your veterinary.

Worse, the bacteria in mouth pass to intestine with food, and can cause heart, liver or kidney failure in dogs. The bacteria in mouth can go to the heart through the blood stream. These bacteria cause valve failure in heart, and your pet will get severely ill. Diseases of mouth are very painful for the dog, and being a dog lover you would certainly not want your dog to suffer this torture. It is therefore important that you practice oral hygiene for your dog, and protect him from severe diseases.

Symptoms of dental diseases

Bad breath is arguably the most common symptom of dental disease; there are many other ways to find out that your dog has a dental problem. Open the mouth of your dog, and check the teeth. If they are yellow colored, and have brown deposits on them, it indicates dental problem. Check if the dog gums are red and look swollen. More over, if the dog is unable to eat food, or cries in pain while eating, it means that there is severe dental problem with the dog.

Prevention and cure

You might already be wondering what could be the remedy. Well “Prevention is better than cure”. The best thing is to regularly brush your dog’s teeth. It is your first line of defense against plaque, and tartar. Regular brushing keeps teeth healthy, and stops bad breath. Start brushing teeth from the time your pet is young. This will make him accustomed to your finger, and the taste of paste. Later you can start using toothbrushes.

There are also a number of commercially available dog-foods approved by vets, and these can be provided sometimes to your dog. These foods are made such that your dog chews them well, and in the process, the plaque and tartar gets removed.

In case of gingivitis, and “periodontal” disease the vets give anesthesia to the dog, and mechanically remove the tartar. Scaling is often done to remove the tartar that is accumulated under the gums. Once this is done the teeth are polished so that it is difficult for bacterial to develop on the teeth. After treatment, you need to regularly brush dog’s teeth, feed hard food, and regular checkup is necessary.

It is therefore very necessary that you regularly brush your dog’s teeth just like taking care of our own and our baby’s, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Dental care is very important for the well being of your dog.

Owners of dogs should place greater emphasis on the prevention of dental diseases in their pets. Dental disorders have been found to bear a strong connection to other systemic disorders in dogs. That is why, today, dental care gets top priority.

Daily Care of Your Dog’s Teeth

Dogs should not be given highly alkaline or acidic food in order to prevent damage to their teeth.

The development of new teeth makes the animal bite anything that catches its fancy. If a dog does not get a bone or something resembling a bone to bite on early in its life, there is a higher risk of it developing dental disorders later in life. Therefore, dog owners should give their pets something to bite on during this crucial stage in their lives.

The teeth of hunting dogs need to be taken care of more than any other breed in order to avoid dental complications in furture. Get a good brush for your dog’s teeth. You need to, however, invest time, energy, and a lot of patience to use a brush on your dog.

Nip Dental Disorders in the Bud

Antibiotic treatment has to given right in the initial stages of a dental infection. Otherwise, it might lead to infection of specific areas. In worse conditions, the infection might spread to areas such as the pharyngeal region, the mucous membrane in the oral cavity and so on.

If the dog has bleeding in the oral region, it should be examined carefully for any dental disorders. Usually puppies, and at times, even adult dogs suffer from dental injuries. As a preventive measure, they should be immediately attended to. Otherwise, the animal might develop secondary bacterial infection.

In many countries, centers for disease control and prevention are now formulating guidelines to prevent dental disorders in dogs. Take you dog for regular oral examination. A little bit of care goes a long way in nipping any dental disorder in the bud.

Scratching, licking and shaking are some of the ways dogs keep their coats clean and somewhat free of debris. Dogs take care of some of their grooming needs on their own, but still need a helping hand from their owners. A good brushing performed by you will keep her fur clean and free from painfully matted hair. Taking the time to groom your dog on a regular basis has its own rewards; it strengthens your bond with your dog and allows you to notice health problems before they become serious. Look carefully for signs of skin irritations, lumps, painful spots or signs of fleas.

If you find your dog won’t sit still for an ear-to-tail going over, do one task each day until he is used to it, give him a treat at the end of the session. Each time you work with him, increase the length of time you brush him.

Hair – Regular brushing and grooming will remove loose and matted hair to help keep your dog’s skin free of disease and parasite. Long-haired dogs generally need to be groomed daily while short-haired breeds can get away with a weekly grooming. Fine-toothed dog combs are used for soft, thin or silky coats whereas medium-toothed combs are used for normal coats. If you dog has very heavy or thick coat, use a wide-toothed comb. Bristle brushes are good for dogs with long coats and grooming mitts are good for short-haired breeds. When brushing your dog, run your hands through his fur down to the skin to look for plant debris and fleas. If you notice any dark specks on the skin, they are most probably fleas. The specks are flea droppings. A very obvious amount of droppings indicates a flea infestation that should be treated immediately. When brushing the hair on and around the tail, look for rice-like debris. These are usually a sign that your dog has worms. If this happens, take your dog to your veterinarian to determine the type of worm it is and get the proper medication. Remember to choose a time when your dog is calm and you have enough time to ensure a pleasant grooming session. Get your puppy accustomed to grooming early by handling your puppy often and touching its ears and paws, be gentle and keep reassuring your puppy.

Ears – You do not have to perform grooming tasks everyday. Ears should be checked weekly – inspect your dog’s ears by looking inside them and if you spot coffee-ground-like specks, your dog may have ear mites. Ear mites are contagious and can cause severe inflammation in your dog’s ears. They are susceptible to many medications, including pyrethrins, rotenone, fibronil, thiabendazole and ivermectins. It is necessary to treat for at least 3 to 4 weeks in most instances to be sure to kill the adult mites and any eggs that may hatch later. You can quite easily obtain over-the-counter products for treating ear mites. However there are numerous causes of ear infection in dogs and it is best to have your veterinarian thoroughly examine your dog’s ears to determine whether the infection is caused by ear mites or other irritations before deciding on the best course of medication.

Nails – Your dog is probably wearing his nails down on the concrete if you walk your dog frequently on pavements or sidewalks. Dogs with overgrown nails tend to develop physical problems as they shift their weight when they walk to avoid discomfort. It is therefore very important to check that the nails have not grown too long. It’s good to give your dog a pedicure at least once a month. You should only remove the very end of your dog’s nails and no more. It may be very tempting to trim off all the excess but in dogs, the nerve endings and blood vessels inside the nail continue to grow as the nail grows which means long nails must be clipped little by little, over several weeks or months until the “quick” (the area of flesh under the nail) gradually recedes. If you accidentally clip too far and your dog’s nail starts to bleed, apply pressure to the tip of the nail or dip the nail in a bit of styptic powder. Keep your dog inactive for a short time to recover. You can learn the proper way to clip your dog’s nails from a standard pet care book, or your veterinarian.

Gums & Teeth – Dental problems are common in dogs. Does your dog suffer from nasty “doggie breath”? This can be a symptom of a much more serious and insidious health problem. It is estimated that 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from periodontal disease, which essentially is a serious deterioration of the gums and supporting bones of the teeth. If left unchecked, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, thus causing infection or damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart and liver. To avoid costly veterinary treatments, keep your dog’s teeth in top shape by brushing its teeth everyday. It is fine to use a child’s toothbrush, or a finger toothbrush designed for use on a dog’s teeth. Please make sure that you only use toothpaste labelled for use on pets as human toothpaste can be toxic to your dog. In addition to brushing, give your dog rawhide chews to gnaw on to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Some pet oral hygiene solution which is an odourless and tasteless solution can be added to your dog’s drinking water to promote healthy gums and eliminate bad breath, thereby fending off bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Correct and regular oral health care can effectively extend the life of your dog by 2 to 5 years.

Dental care is important responsibility for pet owners, but too many owners are not familiar with the steps to maintaining the dental hygiene of their dog. Your dogs’ mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and even though their natural defense systems are very effective, certain issues can spiral out of control if not recognized and treated.

Most diseases of the mouth start with the formation of gingivitis. This is a reddening or swelling of the gums that is often caused by a buildup of plaque and tarter on the teeth. While the initial stages of gingivitis are easy to treat, more advanced complications include tooth loss and jaw bone infections. Early warning signs of this condition include bad breath, gum bleeding, and even a change in eating patterns as a result of mouth pain.

Preventing gingivitis and the onset of more severe conditions can be done by proactively monitoring your dogs’ dental health. This starts with the type of food you feed them. It is important to include plenty of dry food in the diet. Dry food helps to eliminate plaque and tarter through the natural chewing process. Even if your dog typically eats canned food, you can integrate a dry option by mixing it with the canned products or by offering canned food at only one of their meals.

Water is another essential part of doggie dental care since it provides the fluoride used to strengthen the teeth. Tap water is actually more beneficial than bottled water because it contains a much higher level of fluoride. The average sized dog should drink between two and four cups of water a day. You can add even more benefits to drinking water by adding an oral hygiene solution to the water. These products are available at pet supply stores and are very effective at preventing problems down the road.

Beyond these simple diet tips, there are other things you can make available that will help your dog maintain a healthy mouth. There are actually toothpastes and brushes designed specifically for dogs. While it can take some time for your pet to become accustomed to the process, brushing your dogs’ teeth for a minute or two each day will help their bodies naturally breakdown the buildup of plaque and tarter.

You can also help keep your dogs’ mouth clean by purchasing the right treats and toys. Stay away from products that are soft and sticky since they can remain in your dogs’ mouth for extended periods of time. Also pay attention to ingredients like sugar that do more harm than good. Ideally, you would try a treat like carrots, which are both healthy and crunchy. There are also a number of treats made specifically to promote dental health. Just read the ingredients and make sure they do everything they advertise.

If you do run into a dental concern with your dog, the best step is to talk with your veterinarian. They will examine your dog and recommend the best treatment plan. In some cases this will include a professional cleaning. This can involve putting your dog to sleep and working extensively on their mouth. While this can procedure can be stressful for both you and your pet, starting with a clean slate will make it easier to implement a long-term dental strategy.