Oral care is important for your dog’s overall health and longevity.
Apart from tooth problems, periodontal disease can also affect general
health. Dogs have a vast network of blood vessels in their gums, and
therefore bacteria are released into the bloodstream and effect major
organs. Start dental care early to prevent disease and get your dog used
to the toothbrush!
Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a fun activity for the both of
you. If you take things slowly at the beginning and give lots of praise,
you and your dog will start looking forward to your brushing sessions.
As I already mentioned, the first thing to remember is to have fun.
Be upbeat and take things slowly. Do not overly restrain your dog. Keep
sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your dog throughout the
process.
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1. Vet check!
Have a veterinarian check your dog’s teeth before you start a
tooth-brushing program. If your pet has gum disease or damaged teeth,
the process will be painful and he will associate pain with tooth
brushing. He may even bite you.
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2. Get him used to…
Get your dog used to you looking into his mouth. After each time you do so, reward him with a treat or praise.
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3. Buy a pet dental kit.
Including toothpaste and a toothbrush, at a pet store or from your
vet. Follow the kit’s instructions for use. Research alternatives, such
as a finger toothbrush, if your dog refuses to let you brush his teeth
with a toothbrush. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
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4. Make him comfortable.
Place your dog on a comfortable surface while brushing his teeth.
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5. Keep him in place.
In general, try to use minimal restraint on your dog while brushing,
especially if it’s a puppy. However, it may be easier to handle an
especially reluctant pet by wrapping him in a towel to keep him from
scratching or trying to escape.
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6. Be gentle.
Brush your dog’s teeth with a gentle, massaging motion.
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7. Reward!
Talk to your dog in a happy voice during the process and praise your
dog at the end. Again, by making it appear to be a game, you both will
have fun doing it.
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Always aim for daily dental care for your dog, just as you aim for
daily dental care for yourself. The hardest thing about home dental care
for dogs is just getting started. Once you have done it for a while, it
just becomes part of your daily routine. If you cannot brush daily,
brushing every other day will remove the plaque before it has time to
mineralize. This will still have a positive effect on your dog’s oral
health.
I have developed a habit of brushing my dog’s teeth after I am done
brushing mine. I talk to my dog, through the procedure, praise him when
we are done, and then give him a treat to chew on. Now when he hears me
brushing my teeth, he comes into the bathroom wagging, and waits for his
turn.
Published November 20, 2010 | By admin
There is always a good possibility you will spot a dog ear infection early on because dogs will physically display extreme symptoms of discomfort and pain. The two most common visible actions a dog does to communicate their suffering are repeatedly scratching at the ear area and shaking their heads vigorously. Other obvious indications of an ear infection is present is excessive discharge from the ear canal, a really bad smelling odor coming from the ear, redness and inflammation around the infected area.
Causes of dog ear problems can be linked to a number of things. Bacteria or yeast build up and parasites called ear mites are usually the prime suspects in causing an infection, but there are other lesser-known contributors to be aware of. Not drying a dogs ears thoroughly after they have been given a bath, allowing earwax to build up, the use of cotton tips, allergic reactions to a food or medicine, and inner ear growths can also be causes of the problem.
Once you have indentified your dog is most likely suffering from an infection in the ear you should make an appointment with your local veterinarian. Letting the condition go untreated can lead to far worse medical problems for your dog that may require surgery to the ear. There is no reason that a pet should have to deal with pain and suffering when wide ranges of treatments are readily available.
Besides following the treatment plan provided by your veterinarian there are home remedies you can safely use along with the medication prescribed to your dog. Using vinegar or acetic acid as a gentle cleaning solution is proven to reduce yeast build up. Applying a few drops of regular olive oil to the ear canal can help prevent the return of ear mites, or an organic herbal mixture including mineral oil prevents bacteria from developing and spreading within the ear cavity.
Treating a dog ear infection as soon as possible makes it easier to cure and makes for a happy and healthier pet. Finding a vet in your area to seek treatment is as simple as going online. Maintaining the health of your pet is the duty of every responsible dog owner.
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A
highly stressed dog can be dangerous to approach or work with. It also
creates a difficult situation for your dog. Here are a few tips to calm
and de-stress your pooch. Taking a short walk with your dog where it can
act naturally and stop and sniff around. Dogs enjoy using their senses
to search and explore. Being together with other dogs to get acquainted,
or to take a walk, can also be relaxing for your pup.
Additionally mental stimulation is very important for your dog, in
addition to challenging your dog with training, you can also provide it
with a variety of chew toys, bones, and “food puzzles” — toys that they
have to move around to make food come out — such as the Kong Toy — can
be entertaining and relaxing for your dog.
Furthermore, stroking a dog’s ear is not just sensual for the dog,
but also has a calming effect. Take the whole flap of the ear between
your thumb and forefinger where it attaches to the head and stroke
gently down. Your pooch is sure to love it!
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