GOOFY GRINS NEED DENTAL CARE,TOO
KAREN RUDOLPH DHURRIE
FOR THE CALGARY HERALD
Their grins may be a bit goofier, but animal teeth require the same kind of care that human teeth do.
Keeping your dogs and cats smiling is best done through preventive care and maintenance.
Number one on the list? Once Daily, brush their teeth - there are 42 in dogs and 30 in cats.
"It allows the mechanical removal of plaque,which is layers upon layers of bacteria forming a community on the teeth. But keep in mind even if we do well with our own teeth, brushing and flossing , we still have to see a dentist,"
says DR.Terrie Faber, a veterinary dentist at Woodlands Veterinary Hospital and Animal Dental Centre.
Faber recommends using a soft child-sized or pet-specific toothbrush, and a toothpaste formulated for dogs and cats - They're usually meat or fish-flavored to encourage pets to accept the brushes.
To brush, lift your pet's lips, and brush gently around the outsides of the teeth.
Inside surfaces are fine left alone, Faber says,because about 80 per cent of plaque on their teeth is found on the outsides.
"The biggest mistake people make is trying to open the mouth and get in; they will fight it if you try and crank open their mouths," Faber says.
Occasionally,Faber will see carious lesions in dogs, but more common is a painful problem seen in cats called tooth resorption.
Tooth resorption stars with loss of dentin at, or below,the gum line that can eventually spread into the tooth and pulp canal,which contains blood vessels and nerves. Once started, the condition will always advance,so these teeth need to be extracted.
Little dog show more periodontal disease than a big dogs,because their teeth are larger in comparison to their jaws. Bacteria that from plaque get under a small dog's gums more quickly and can eat away at the tissue attaching the tooth to the bone.
Broken teeth are another common problem in dogs. Faber sees this often as a result of catching rocks and chewing bones.
Just as in people,broken teeth in a pet can expose the pulp, and the tooth can die and abscess,fester and spread,so a root canal or extraction is required to prevent the worst-case scenario.
The tricky part of dental disease is detecting it.
Most pets won't display any outward symptoms of oral pain.
A few may appear irritable or aggressive,have a change in appetite or difficulty chewing,and may react when their jaws are touched.
Smelly breath can also indicate problems.
"They don't show it. If you're wild and a pack animal,and you feel not-so-great,what happens to you if you mope around? You'll be pushed down in the pack hierarchy. Their instinct tells them they have to act normal,"Faber says.
"If this was you or I, we would be hysterical. Pets deal with it by not showing signs."
Pets should have a dental exam twice a year, and clearings as recommended by the vet.
Dental X-ray should also be done, because dogs and cats have most of their tooth structure under the gum line, and problems like abscesses can often only be diagnosed via X-ray.
As for diet,you can purchase food for pets aimed at keeping teeth healthier. Specially formulated dry food can help scrape the teeth when chewed, and there are chew toys and treats that might also help, but these should be used in addition to brushing, says Faber.
2009-06-09
Dog Coat and Dog Fur Maintenance
This article is about how to maintain your dogs coat and fur to keep on top of health problems.
Author: John Williams Dog Training
Your dog’s fur is a very important aspect of your dogs life, keeping it clean and in good shape is a good way to keep your dog happy, healthy, and clean. If you don’t keep your dogs fur in good shape it will only be a mater of time before tangles and knots appear in your dog’s coat picking up insects, pests, and causing discomfort for your dog.
Different dogs have different types of fur and with so many cross breeds and different looking dogs, naming all the different types of fur would be impossible. There are many different types of dog fur, some will look after themselves more than others but the general rule is that a longer dog coat will normally tangle and know easier than others.
To maintain your dog’s fur and keep it looking as it should, lots of grooming may be needed so this should be taken into account when buying a new dog. But grooming does not need to be a chore you have to do for your dog because grooming is proven to be a great bonding between owner and dog and creates trust and comfort for your dog making them a lot easier to train.
Step one is to get a good comb for your dog ensuring that there are no sharp edges and that your dog is comfortable with you using it without hurting him/her. Your vet or local pet shop many be able to help you and give you advice with choosing the correct comb but this will be a deciding point in whether your dog will enjoy you doing it or not.
After you have chosen your comb, grooming should happen often and you should do it thoroughly each time, ensuring all knots and angles are removed, if you haven’t yet combed your dog’s fur then it may be difficult to start so do a bit at a time to ensure you don’t discourage your dog and make them not like the grooming process.
After the initial combing, the more often you groom your dog the easier it will be, leaving it for long periods of time is not advised because this means it is more likely to hurt your dog when it eventually does get done. If your dog is finding it tough going then maybe a dog bath is needed to make it easier to detangle and add to your dog furs health.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-coat-and-dog-fur-maintenance-256044.html
About the Author:For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training
Author: John Williams Dog Training
Your dog’s fur is a very important aspect of your dogs life, keeping it clean and in good shape is a good way to keep your dog happy, healthy, and clean. If you don’t keep your dogs fur in good shape it will only be a mater of time before tangles and knots appear in your dog’s coat picking up insects, pests, and causing discomfort for your dog.
Different dogs have different types of fur and with so many cross breeds and different looking dogs, naming all the different types of fur would be impossible. There are many different types of dog fur, some will look after themselves more than others but the general rule is that a longer dog coat will normally tangle and know easier than others.
To maintain your dog’s fur and keep it looking as it should, lots of grooming may be needed so this should be taken into account when buying a new dog. But grooming does not need to be a chore you have to do for your dog because grooming is proven to be a great bonding between owner and dog and creates trust and comfort for your dog making them a lot easier to train.
Step one is to get a good comb for your dog ensuring that there are no sharp edges and that your dog is comfortable with you using it without hurting him/her. Your vet or local pet shop many be able to help you and give you advice with choosing the correct comb but this will be a deciding point in whether your dog will enjoy you doing it or not.
After you have chosen your comb, grooming should happen often and you should do it thoroughly each time, ensuring all knots and angles are removed, if you haven’t yet combed your dog’s fur then it may be difficult to start so do a bit at a time to ensure you don’t discourage your dog and make them not like the grooming process.
After the initial combing, the more often you groom your dog the easier it will be, leaving it for long periods of time is not advised because this means it is more likely to hurt your dog when it eventually does get done. If your dog is finding it tough going then maybe a dog bath is needed to make it easier to detangle and add to your dog furs health.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-coat-and-dog-fur-maintenance-256044.html
About the Author:For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training
2009-06-05
8 Signs of a Healthy Puppy
Are you looking for a happy and healthy puppy? Make sure you find what you're looking for by following these simple guidelines to determine whether or not the puppy you're looking at is healthy.
8 Signs of a Healthy Puppy
Author: Michael Schwartz
Thousands of people across the world acquire a new puppy every single day! Unfortunately for those who are paying for one of these puppies, not all of them are completely healthy. We hope the list below will help you in determining whether or not the little puppy you are looking at is in good health. Of course, this list is not all-inclusive and is not meant to replace the advice of your Veterinarian.
We are simply providing this information as a starting point when you are actively searching for a new and healthy puppy. Spend a few moments with the puppy and look for the signs below.
1 EYES: A puppies eyes should look clear and shiny. There should be no signs of cloudiness or discharge from the eyes.
2. EARS: Do the pup's ears look and smell clean? The inside of the ear should not look red or inflamed. Any odor or brown discharge could signal an infection.
3. NOSE: It should be slightly moist to the touch, but there should not be excessive discharge. The puppy should not be sneezing or sniffling persistently.
4. SKIN AND COAT: The puppy's coat should be soft and shiny, without flakes or excessive shedding. Watch out for patches or missing hair, redness, bumps or sores. The pup should have a pleasant smell. Check for parasites, such as fleas or ticks.
5. REAR END: It should be free from debris and fecal matter.
6. ABDOMEN: You should be able to feel the puppy's ribs, but the ribs shouldn't poke out. The tummy can be round, but not swollen or potbellied.
7. KENNEL AND BEDDING AREA : This should be a relatively tidy area. Watch out for signs of diarrhea or vomiting.
8. BEHAVIOR: A healthy puppy may be sleepy, but not lethargic. A healthy puppy will be playful at times, not isolated in a corner. You should see occasional bursts of energy and interaction with littermates. When it's mealtime, a healthy puppy will take an interest in its chow.
Healthy puppies have clear, bright eyes that are free from discharge Again, this is just a short list of things to watch out for when you are searching for your new puppy. You should always have your new pet checked out (as soon as possible) by a Veterinarian and proceed as per their recommendations.
One more thing, all reputable breeders should offer to take back a pet that is deemed unhealthy by a professional Veterinarian.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/8-signs-of-a-healthy-puppy-338140.html
About the Author:
If you are looking for a happy and healthy miniature schnauzer puppy , make sure to visit Lonestar Farms Miniature Schnauzers. Their well-socialized and beautiful puppies are always healthy and adorable. They are all sold with a full 2 year health guarantee. They always have Top Quality Miniature Schnauzers for sale .
8 Signs of a Healthy Puppy
Author: Michael Schwartz
Thousands of people across the world acquire a new puppy every single day! Unfortunately for those who are paying for one of these puppies, not all of them are completely healthy. We hope the list below will help you in determining whether or not the little puppy you are looking at is in good health. Of course, this list is not all-inclusive and is not meant to replace the advice of your Veterinarian.
We are simply providing this information as a starting point when you are actively searching for a new and healthy puppy. Spend a few moments with the puppy and look for the signs below.
1 EYES: A puppies eyes should look clear and shiny. There should be no signs of cloudiness or discharge from the eyes.
2. EARS: Do the pup's ears look and smell clean? The inside of the ear should not look red or inflamed. Any odor or brown discharge could signal an infection.
3. NOSE: It should be slightly moist to the touch, but there should not be excessive discharge. The puppy should not be sneezing or sniffling persistently.
4. SKIN AND COAT: The puppy's coat should be soft and shiny, without flakes or excessive shedding. Watch out for patches or missing hair, redness, bumps or sores. The pup should have a pleasant smell. Check for parasites, such as fleas or ticks.
5. REAR END: It should be free from debris and fecal matter.
6. ABDOMEN: You should be able to feel the puppy's ribs, but the ribs shouldn't poke out. The tummy can be round, but not swollen or potbellied.
7. KENNEL AND BEDDING AREA : This should be a relatively tidy area. Watch out for signs of diarrhea or vomiting.
8. BEHAVIOR: A healthy puppy may be sleepy, but not lethargic. A healthy puppy will be playful at times, not isolated in a corner. You should see occasional bursts of energy and interaction with littermates. When it's mealtime, a healthy puppy will take an interest in its chow.
Healthy puppies have clear, bright eyes that are free from discharge Again, this is just a short list of things to watch out for when you are searching for your new puppy. You should always have your new pet checked out (as soon as possible) by a Veterinarian and proceed as per their recommendations.
One more thing, all reputable breeders should offer to take back a pet that is deemed unhealthy by a professional Veterinarian.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/8-signs-of-a-healthy-puppy-338140.html
About the Author:
If you are looking for a happy and healthy miniature schnauzer puppy , make sure to visit Lonestar Farms Miniature Schnauzers. Their well-socialized and beautiful puppies are always healthy and adorable. They are all sold with a full 2 year health guarantee. They always have Top Quality Miniature Schnauzers for sale .
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