Dental Problems of Dogs

image via Wikipedia

Early adulthood is a sound time to have the teeth checked to make sure that the permanent ones are aligned, not crowded too tightly together, free from disease, and not outworn by gnawing. The quantity of actual tooth decay among dogs is negligible. All the same, the dog's teeth can't repair themselves; once the enamel is worn away, they remain damaged and might need treatment or extraction.

 

Safeguard against tartar, those hard brownish deposit on one or more teeth. The least of its danger is its unsightly color; the real harm is that it threatens the life of the tooth to which it adheres. It's gravest as it pushes into the gum, breaching the membrane which is the tooth's primary brace. Having this support gone, the tooth may loosen and fall out. This condition may not be painful. On the one hand, if food morsels work down into gum cavities and break down to cause abscesses, there would be considerable distress. When tartar is discovered, take the dog to the vet, who can scrape the teeth with expertise before any harm has been done. It's likewise helpful to give some dry meal or biscuits that require chewing.

 

Bones and hard matters are, in a manner of speaking, the dog's toothbrush. Not that they really clean the teeth; they perform an even better service than that. They stimulate the blood supply as they rub all over the gums. Therefore, the gnawing of bones and the chewing of coarse, hard food aids in keeping the entire mouth healthy. That's why as the puppy matures we gradually lay off very moist foods and instead give drier, more crumbly mixtures. And then, while the second teeth are in, we give hard-baked biscuits at times.

All through out the dog's life you might keep his teeth clean by wiping them on a regular basis, using a damp cloth dipped in salt or baking soda, or with a canine toothpaste. A gentle turning motion will stimulate the gums as well as really clean the teeth. The dog used to this attention from puppyhood doesn't object. He relatively enjoys being fussed over.

 

Don't expect the dog to announce dental troubles by crying. He hurts in silence, while rubbing the affected side of his jaw along the floor or maybe pawing it. He eats gingerly, mouthing his food with his lips instead of his teeth. He may drool as well. All of which may indicate a decomposed, broken, or otherwise tender tooth, or maybe a piece of something wedged between two teeth. In any case, it signifies an uncomfortable mouth demanding professional aid.

By Tip Writer

Tips on Selecting a Veterinarian

If your dog does not have a veterinarian yet, ask the puppy's breeder or your dog-owning neighbors for recommendations. The local veterinary association can also give you the names of veterinarians in your area. You'll find conscientious and competent veterinarians conveniently located almost everyplace.

It is wise to select and get acquainted with the vet of your choice before trouble happens. Today's veterinarians are busy professionals; they don't often go to one's home. Their more complex equipment for examination and treatment is office-bound, so you should go to them.

Know if the veterinary hospital is found within a short drive of your home; determine what the office hours are, and whether it is possible to get emergency care after hours or on weekends and holidays. When inside the hospital, see if the facilities are clean, bright, and pleasant-smelling. Does the vet handle your dog diligently? Is he or she willing to talk about problems, treatments, and fees? Are the staff courteous and cheerful and, most important, tolerant to animals?

The important point is to search professional assistance before an ailment is advanced and the treatment unnecessarily hard or expensive. Don't forget that, like everything else these days, the cost of animal care has multiplied considerably. Some large cities have pet clinics for those not able to pay normal fees. Your local human organization can guide you to these.

 

© 2011 TW

Tips on Dog Exercise in Urban Areas

image credit

How much and what types of exercises does an adult dog need? Only a few dogs get adequate amounts of exercise. In urban areas, and in busy suburbs, dogs should be exercised on leash, and this takes time. It's time well spent, nonetheless, for exercise is an excellent conditioner. The constant pace of controlled leash-walking is more beneficial than the occasional dashing hither and yon of the yard-confined dog. Moreover, even in a sizable yard, a dog can be as slothful as he wishes.

 

Whenever possible, walk your dog on leash two times every day as far as he will go without appearing tired. Two or three trips along the block each day are more beneficial than three miles on Sundays only, for dogs become accustomed to exercise just as we do. The walk should be as long as the dog's legs—meaning, one city block for the short-legged dog equals many for the long-legged one. If you're uncertain about the distance your dog can walk, begin with a few blocks, then bit by bit increase the distance each day. In addition to leash-walking, your dog must be exercised and played with constantly in his yard, or he can be taken for a free run in woods and fields.

 

Do not feed straightaway before or after exercise. When it's really hot, walk your dog just in the cool of the evening or early morning. Don't expect him to hold his own on icy sidewalks, for he slips easily. If you get caught in a shower, towel him dry when he gets in, and when returning home from a tramp in the woods, check out his feet for mudballs, thorns, or blisters and his coat for burrs and ticks.

© 2011 TW

Dogs Eye Injury First Aid Tips

No doubt first aid training can truly equip you with an adequate measure of knowledge on how to employ the strategies and lifesaving methods. In any given emergency situation, there's a respective remedy that comes on. First aid is always essential because it is effective in alleviating the pain or suffering of the victim and it will also increase the chances of saving lives. But then, first aid isn't just applied to human beings.

Much like people, dogs also face distressful situations. They break their bones during play, they get injured, they choke on other small things, they meet accidents on the road, and they are sometimes exposed to electrical shocks. All these and more comprise the list of accidents amongst dogs. Now if you are a dog owner, you must know how to tend to your pet each time it is necessary. After all, he's your best friend and your protector... READ MORE>>>



Copyright © 2011 Athena Goodlight

Brief Guide to Dog Surgery

Dog surgery pertains to any canine veterinary operation. It ranges from minor surgery, which usually only requires a few stitches, to major surgery, which involves medical solutions to multiple body organs.

One of the most common types of dog surgery is cataract surgery. Just like humans, dogs are also subject to complications in vision and blindness. A dog with cataracts gradually loses its eyesight. A palpable symptom of canine cataract is change in color of the dog's pupils. The eyes develop small spots that are either blue or gray in color. In terms of movement, a dog with cataracts tends to look lethargic. It walks uncomfortably and easily bumps into things.

The solution to cataracts is of course, a surgery. During a cataract surgery, the veterinarian removes the lens of the dog and replaces them with artificial substitutes. Cataracts in dogs are caused by consistent exposure of eyes to foreign objects. Just like in humans, the chances to have cataracts among dogs also depend on their genetics.

Read more: Brief Guide to Dog Surgery

The Advantages Of The Microchip For Your Pets

Every pet owner wants to keep his or her beloved cat or dog as safe as possible. You do everything you can do make sure your pet is well cared for and healthy. If you have an indoor pet, you may not think that keeping identification tags is important, but it is. What if your fuzzy feline accidentally slips out of the door at night and you search to no avail? What do you do, especially if your dog or cat has no identification? Placing a collar with an identification tag is important, but collars sometimes become lost. When you consider the fact that many animal shelters only keep dogs and cats for seven days, you want to make sure that your pet is properly identified. That is where the microchip comes in handy. The microchip is the newest way to identify lost pets and helps ensure that your lost pooch or feline finds his or her way back home.

The technology of the microchip has become so popular that most animal clinics and animal shelters have the ability to scan a cat or dog for microchip identification. If you opt for the microchip, you should know that it is a painless procedure for your pet. Your vet will insert a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice directly under your pet’s skin using a hypodermic needle. The microchip is usually placed behind the neck. The microchip contains special digital number that has been entered on a national microchip database. That information will give the person your contact information. When you pet is lost, a veterinarian or animal shelter can use a special scanner to retrieve the microchip information. It is that easy.

Pet owners love the idea of the microchip because it is permanent. You cannot remove the microchip and unlike a collar or tags, it cannot be lost or destroyed. This is one of the best features of pet microchip, especially for cats. If you place a collar on a cat, more than likely it will be a breakaway collar. If your cat climbs a tree, or is caught on something, the collar breaks off. If your cat does not have a microchip, it will be very difficult to identify your cat if it is found.

There are a few important things to remember about pet microchips. First, if your pet gets lost, you should never just sit back and wait for a call, even if your pet has a microchip. Not all veterinarians and shelters are equipped with this technology. You need to take the time to call around and place “lost pet” flyers around your neighborhood. In addition, you need to make sure you take the time to update your contact information should you move. It does little to no good to have your pet implanted with the microchip if the information on the national database is incorrect. Your veterinarian can give you information on how to update this information.


It is important to get your pet implanted with the microchip at a young age. Puppies can have the microchip at age six weeks. Even small breeds of dogs can handle this procedure. Kittens can also undergo this procedure at six weeks. The insertion of the microchip is not painful and feels like a regular vaccination shot. You can have your pet implanted with the microchip at your veterinarian office and can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for this service.