Author: Kim Marie Labak

An archive of Pet Columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns.

Part of maintaining oral health is monitoring our pet's mouth for abnormal growth and tumors. Oral tumors are not easily detected by pet owners since they are inside the mouth and since pets can't tell you when they have discomfort in their mouth.

During a pet's annual health wellness examination, a veterinarian performs an oral and dental examination, but in the time between visits, regular home dental care can help an owner identify oral and dental diseases, including oral tumors.

According to Dr. Bill Krug, veterinary dental and oral surgery resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, oral tumors can range from benign overgrowth of gum tissue to rapidly growing, malignant forms of cancer.

In a condition called gingival hyperplasia in dogs, the gums overgrow around the teeth. This can interfere with chewing and eating, and can predispose the teeth to infection. Dogs can also get benign tumors of the periodontal ligament which holds a tooth place. These tumors usually appear as a lump around a tooth, at the gumline.

Other tumors of the periodontal ligament are technically benign in that they don't metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body, "but these can be locally invasive if left untreated," explains Krug. "They can invade soft tissue and bone, push teeth out of place and lead to serious complications, such as the loss of the jaw bone, jaw fractures, and an inability to eat."

"Even though benign oral tumors can't spread to other parts of body like malignant tumors, they can impinge on quality of life by interfering with eating and other normal oral activities, such as chewing and playing."

For these benign conditions, surgical removal of the abnormal tissue can prevent serious complications.

Three types of malignant tumors are most commonly seen in dogs. Squamous cell carcinomas and fibrosarcomas are relatively slow to grow and spread, so early detection and surgical removal can potentially eliminate the risk of metastasis.

Melanomas, although benign when on external, haired skin of dogs, are malignant when in the mouth. Malignant melanomas grow quickly and can spread rapidly to the lungs and lymph nodes. They also can be surgically removed, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be used to slow the development of this cancer in other parts of the body.

In cats, the most common oral tumor is the squamous cell carcinoma. To be controlled, these tumors have to be caught very early since cats' mouth and jaws are so small that surgical resection can quickly become unfeasable.

Dr. Krug points out that surgical removal of tumors does not affect pets as drastically as humans. "Animals are not concerned about impairing their speech or facial appearance, so loss of some teeth or even part of the jaw may not be a big ordeal for a pet. In fact, after these surgeries, most owners are usually happy about their pet's appearance once the hair regrows."

Animals may take time to adjust to eating after surgery, but often do well if much of their discomfort is relieved.

Krug also points out that chemotherapy and radiation therapy for malignant tumors is used less aggressively in animals than in humans. "Our goal with these therapies is different than in human medicine; we are not aiming to completely cure the cancer, but to improve the quality of the animal's life."

"Early detection is key," says Krug, and oral tumors are just one more reason to start a home dental care regiment for your pet that includes examination of the mouth. "Even if you can't brush the teeth," says Krug, "just looking inside the mouth regularly can help detect oral tumors."

If your pet won't let you brush its teeth, you can still sneak a peek inside its mouth while petting or playing; a pet may open its mouth when you pet its face or dangle a toy.  Getting familiar with the normal appearance of the gums and skin in the mouth will help you identify abnormalities along the gumline, under the tongue, on the roof of the mouth, and back toward the throat and tonsils.

Other signs that an animal may have an abnormal growth in the mouth include a foul odor from the mouth, trouble chewing, excessive salivation, coughing, and vomiting, but examining the mouth regularly can usually catch a tumor before these signs appear.

For more information on oral tumors and home dental care for your pet, consult your veterinarian.

And for information on keeping your dog's teeth and gums healthy so you can avoid tumors and other oral health problems before they start, click here for dog teeth cleaning the easy way!

Yes, it really is possible to keep your dog's teeth and gums in tip top condition all the time, just by adding a supplement to your dog's drinking water. -Dog Dental Care and  Dog Dental Health – Click Here.

Tags: dog mouth health, dog oral health, dog oral tumor, dog teeth, dog teeth cleaning, dog teeth health

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

A dog is a man's best friend. Dog information is a must. Your dog will remain the most loyal friend you will ever have, but his life depends on you in more ways than you might realize. Seldom, however, will he ever complain if you mistreat him. But what if you were killing your dog every day without even knowing it: by the food you are feeding him.

If you are feeding your dog commercial dog food, you may have heard of some horror stories related to commercial dog food. The fact is, you are not alone. More and more dog owners have been concerned about the quality of commercial dog food and the health benefits (of lack of health benefits) they really bring. Sadly, some commercial dog food contains harmful ingredients that are not really safe for consumption.

Chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT, along with ethoxyquin, are found in some dog foods and are not even safe for consumption by dogs. They can cause your dog to become more prone to certain infections or other problems. Only the right dog information will help you to protect your beloved dog.

Because commercially manufactured pet food is not as healthful as was previously thought, an increasing number of masters are preparing meals for their pets that are just like their own meals, in other words, foods edible by people. Home-made dog food and Lifes Abundance dog food are certainly excellent options in place of the standard canned and boxed foods available in the supermarket. The former are more nutritional and contain less fat, so that your canine companion can take off any extra pounds put on due to those high calorie commercial dog foods.

Pet owners who would like to keep their dogs healthier and more active should consider making their own homemade food. In addition to it being more affordable than what you can buy commercially, dogs whose diet consists mainly of homemade food often have silkier coats and require fewer visits to the vet.

One of the ways to show love and appreciation for your dog is by making homemade dog treats. Although you can buy different types of treats in supermarkets and pet stores, they won't be as good as something you can make from scratch. You'll know your recipe was a success when your dog begs for more!

Food is where we get the nutrients we need to keep us healthy and full of energy, so you should have proper dog information. Nowadays you can also find dog food online. Like humans, dogs need nutrients to be healthy all the time. Dogs should be fed with the best quality dog food and not just any commercial food available.

Food is the source of the nutrients that we get to maintain our health and full energy, so you've got to have the right dog information. These days you could also find dog food online. Dogs must be fed with the finest quality dog food, not just any kind of commercial dog food there is. Since commercial dog food are not as beneficial as previously believed, more and more dog owners are beginning to feed their dogs the food they prepare themselves. Homemade dog food and Lifes Abundance dog food surely are some of the best alternatives to commercial dog food.

- Melinda Smith

none

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Most dog owners have a common question in their mind. What is the best rated dog treats? Every dog owner tries to ensure best possible care for their dog. Many commercial foods are available in the market. But almost all experts suggest that homemade food is better for a dog's perfect growth. In any event, owners need to be knowledgeable about their dog's diet.

After you look at the marketplace, you will find that there are two general categories of dog food: raw and dry. A number of professionals lean toward the raw alternative. Raw food has been demonstrated to provide all of the necessary vitamins and minerals for your canine companion. The name "raw" comes from the fact no artificial ingredients are added.

It is important to have both meats and vegetables in a proper raw dog food mixture. Dogs love meat but don't be swayed to give too much meat to your pet. Carrots, broccoli, and yams are wonderful sources of fibers and should be considered when adding the all important vegetables to your dog's diet. For perfect growth and prevention of diseases don't forget the vegetables!

Most pet owners today feed dry food to their dogs. This is more convenient for people living busy lives. It's just easier to pour it from a bag than spoon it from a can. But not all dog food is created alike, and some may not have the natural ingredients that you want for your pet.

So if you decide to feed dry dog food to pets, you have to be very careful. Check the ingredients in the food by reading the label. Make sure there is no preservative or artificial color in the food. These things may be harmful for dogs and adversely affect their health well into the future.

A blend of uncooked ingredients makes for a healthier dog diet. It should contain lots of protein plus a smaller amount of carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats. You should not actually heat the mixture, since you can destroy nutrients by heating. However, you may pour in some fairly warm water to take the chill off. Such homemade dog food is superior for your pet. One crucial fact is that a proper dietary regimen includes both home-cooked raw meats and veggies as well. This kind of diet is nutritious and assists with bone growth, reproductive ability, and so forth.

An appropriate diet is the most essential element in caring for your dog. Making a dog food comparison, homemade dog treats are regarded as the ideal food for canines. Dog treats made from scratch are not just less costly than processed dog food, in addition they provide numerous advantages to wellness. Inexplicably, processed, store-bought food is increasingly popular, yet we ought not make compromises when it comes to our dog's wellness.

Although commercial dog foods are available, most people think homemade dog food is better for a dog's health and growth. However, if you make your own dog food, you need to be knowledgeable about the essential nutrients in a dog's diet. A proper raw dog food is a mixture of meat, fiber and starch. A proper diet is the most important factor in dog's care. Thus, in a dog food comparison, homemade dog treats is considered as best rated dog food. This is not only cheaper than commercial dog food, but it also offers a lot of health benefits.

- Melinda Smith

none

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

With so many choices it can be hard to pick a pet food from the supermarket shelves. They all claim to be better for your pet in some way. The one type that is most likely to live up to its claims is natural balance dog food. You want to make the right choice of natural dog food for your pet so that it will live a long and healthy life. Make sure you read the label of any natural dog food you consider for your pet, since some of them are meant for a particular dog breed.

All natural dog foods are a good source of minerals, including manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium. Vitamins and minerals form an essential part of a diet for any dog. Also important are the many types of vegetable, particularly the green and orange varieties. Feeding your dog with natural dog food can be looked on as almost akin to taking out an insurance policy.

The perfect all-natural pet food has absolutely no harmful additives and is also high in both protein and fiber. Some major brands do make "natural" foods, but it's a good idea to consult your dog's veterinarian before you alter his or her diet, to avoid any possible negative repercussions and to eliminate any of your own concerns on the subject.

Homemade pet food is increasing in popularity for a few reasons. One of the main reasons for the dramatic switch from commercial store-bought dog food to home made dog food is the recent contaminated dog food scare. The safety of commercial dog food has pet owners everywhere nervous about store-bought dog food. This reason alone has caused thousands of dog owners to take charge of their pet's diet and begin making their dog food for them for peace of mind and to know exactly what their dog is getting.

Homemade pet food presents many advantages to a dog. First, if the dog has a choice between homemade or commercial dog food, most dogs pick the homemade food. Additionally, home made food is more nutritious for a dog, it tastes better and is more fulfilling to a dog. Aside from being an enjoyable eating experience, wellness dog food provides many health benefits to a dog, too.

Home made dog food is beneficial to dogs and can improve pet health when it is used consistently. Dogs fed this type of food have a healthier digestive tract, better breath, less gas and improved stool formation. They also tend to have beautiful silky coats, healthy skin and increased energy.

Choosing a pet food can be a challenge. There are so many dog foods which make so many assertions. Homemade food is increasing in popularity for a few reasons. One of the main reasons for the dramatic switch from commercial store-bought dog food to home made dog food recipes is the relatively recent contaminated dog food scare. The massive 2007 pet food recalls have caused thousands of dog owners to take charge of their pet's diet. Given a choice between homemade or commercial food most dogs pick the homemade food. Aside from being an enjoyable eating experience, lovingly prepared homemade food for your dog provides many health benefits, too.

- Melinda Smith

Tags: home made dog food, home made dog food recipe, home made dog food recipes, homemade pet food, natural dog food, natural dog foods, natural pet food, wellness dog food

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Dog your dog get nervous when there's a thunderstorm?

Perhaps fireworks cause terror in your dog? Some dogs are not bothered by unusual noises at all, while others can shiver and shake and cower in corners, and generally behave like real sooks. And the sad thing is that we can't explain to the dog that there's nothing to be afraid of.

But I suppose it's like phobias with people. I confess – I'm terrified of spiders. I know they can't hurt me (the non-poisonous ones, anyway), and I know they're a fraction of my size so I could beat them in any fight! But nevertheless, I become a blithering idiot if I even see a spider anywhere near me. It's a totally irrational fear.

The same with dogs who are afraid of loud noises, I suppose.

My Rottweiler, Kara, is one of those dogs afflicted by an irrational fear of thunder, fireworks, and any sudden, loud noise.

It's a bit embarrassing, really – you'd expect a Rottweiler to be fearless. But mine's a pussy when it comes to this sort of thing!

One New Year's Eve when I was away, Kara dug her way under the house and escaped (due to being terrified of the fireworks which were going off).

My neighbors had to pick her up from the pound the following morning. Apparently the dog catchers are out in force on New Year's Eve because they round up many dogs and impound them! A nice little revenue booster for the local authorities. From memory it cost about $100 to get her back.

So what causes a dog to jump a 6 foot fence or burrow their way out under the house when you thought it was impenetrable?  It's anxiety. Dog anxiety.

And there are things you can do for it.

I've found that peppermint oil applied to the pads of her paws has some calming effect.

And a natural stress remedy also works very nicely.

Anxiety in dogs can be caused by any number of things – illness, travel, thunderstorms, death in the family, separation, or they may develop unexplained phobic or neurotic behaviour, or barking or other antisocial behaviour.

If you can identify the cause of the anxiety, then the best solution to the problem is to remove the cause.

This is not always possible, though. If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety every time you leave the house, and you work full time outside the home, you've got a problem! I suppose you could give up work and stay home with your dog, but sometimes we need to be a little realistic!

For this particular problem there are a number of things you can do to alleviate your dog's anxiety when you leave – many people have found that playing soothing music while they're out works wonders.

Mozart? – that certainly used to calm my hyperactive son down a little, so Mozart would be my personal first choice, but there are many soothing classical and new age, or even some light rock or jazz music might work – try out whatever you have in your CD collection for starters.

Another wonderful idea I read about recently is making a tape recording of your own voice and playing that on a continuous play while you're gone.

And there are certain homeopathic and herbal remedies which really do calm your dog. So those may well assist with your dog's separation anxiety.

Some years ago, before I became interested in natural remedies for dogs – actually it was following the fireworks incident I mentioned earlier – Kara became quite determined to continue escaping, for some reason.

I suppose once she realized she could get out, she just kept on trying. It became a behavioral issue – a compulsion, even.

Ever heard of a dog with obsessive compulsive disorder? (Just kidding, but it really was becoming a serious problem). She was even destroying part of my house in her determination to try to get through the thick wooden boards I had put up to prevent further escapes.

So I took her to the vet, as I was at a complete loss to know what to do with her. She was prescribed an anti-anxiety medication. This made Kara quite dopey, and seemed to take some of her personality away somehow. In other words, I suppose she appeared drugged. I didn't like it at all.

Now I know that there are much more pleasant, all natural anxiety treatments for dogs, which have no nasty side effects. And they really do work just as well as the drugs.

Tags: anti anxiety medication for dog, calm dog, dog afraid of fireworks, dog afraid of thunderstorm, dog anxiety, dog anxiety medication, dog anxiety remedy, dog anxiety treatment, dog calming, dog fears, dog nerotic behavior, dog neurosis, dog phobia, dog separation anxiety, dog stress remedy, dog stress treatment, how to calm dog, nervous dog, separation anxiety in dog

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

As if your teenager complaining about a pimple is not enough, now your beloved pooch is rubbing his face across your carpet. Upon closer examination, you find that the two teenagers (the adolescent dog and human) are both suffering from the same thing: acne. There are certain breeds of dogs that are susceptible to the skin problem. Normally, the acne is more bothersome than anything, but sometimes treatment is necessary. Once your veterinarian confirms the presence of acne, you can find products to help your dog have clear skin.

There are a handful of breeds that seem to develop acne more than others. Why these breeds are more susceptible to the skin problem is still unknown. These normally short-haired breeds include Rottweilers, Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, English Bulldogs, and Boxers. In most cases, acne develops during the pup’s teenage years. Adolescence for a pooch occurs between six and eighteen months of age. Acne also develops during this time; although, the development of acne normally occurs between five and eight months of age. As with humans, many dogs grow out of the skin condition; as they get older, the acne subsides. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience a lifelong fight with acne, and never outgrow the bothersome skin problem.

You may be wondering how a dog can get acne. The causes of acne are still being researched. Many experts attribute it to food allergies, chemical allergies (plastic food bowls have been known to irritate the skin), or other skin problems. The way a pooch develops acne is very similar to how humans develop it. Pieces, or plugs, of sebum and keratin obstruct the hair follicles. Sebum is a substance that makes the hair oily, providing defense against bacteria. Keratin is a protein that makes up the hair and nails. When these two substances block the hair follicle, a blackhead occurs. These blackheads are most noticeable around the dog’s mouth, chin, and muzzle. Sometimes, the blockage may have a closer resemblance to a red pimple instead of a blackhead.

Blackheads are normally not a problem unless they rupture and cause a secondary bacterial infection. If the dog appears to be uncomfortable and is constantly trying to scratch the area where the blackheads are located, then an infection may be developing. In cases like this, the dog needs to visit the veterinarian to get an antibiotic prescription. The antibiotic can fight against the infection.

If your pet has acne, then you may want to seek the help of a veterinarian even if rupturing hasn’t occurred. The vet can often diagnose the problem by observing the skin, but sometimes a biopsy will be required. From the biopsy, the vet can determine if the dog is suffering from acne or from another skin problem. A visit to the vet can also rule out other causes, including allergies. In extreme cases, an acne medication may be prescribed to clear the problem. As mentioned before, if an infection is present, the vet will prescribe an antibiotic to clear the bacteria. The vet may also prescribe a topical treatment or steroid injection to reduce the itching and swelling caused by scabs.

At home, there are products you can use to help rid your pooch of acne. But, if the acne isn’t bothersome to your dog, then rethink at-home treatment. The products you use may irritate the dog’s skin, causing an itchier problem for your pet. Ask your veterinarian for specific acne products. More than likely, he will suggest a shampoo or cleaning agent that contains benzoyl peroxide. The frequency in which you use the product should also be outlined by your veterinarian

Poor teenagers; both humans and dogs suffer from dreaded acne. Lucky for dogs, the presence of the acne is not too bothersome, unless infection occurs. If your pet seems to be suffering from the condition, then take him to the veterinarian. The vet can rule out any other causes, and get your pet started on a treatment regime. If infection is present, your pooch may have to take antibiotics for several weeks. In most cases, the acne is not serious and your dog won’t even know it’s there. However, you may choose to treat the acne with products prescribed by your veterinarian.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring this months dog car seats and dog houses.

Tags: acne in dogs, adolescent dogs, allergies, Bulldog, Doberman, dog acne, English Bulldog, Pinschers, Rottweiler, skin problems

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Does Your Pet Suffer from Frequent Urinary Tract Infections?

When it comes to your pet’s health, natural remedies are usually a good place to start.

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, two sphincter muscles and a urethra. These organs, tubes and muscles filter out excess fluids and waste products from the bloodstream, which is then expelled as urine.

Correctly formulated herbal remedies can support balance and harmony in the bladder and urinary tract – and are safe for dogs and cats.

Natural remedy to promote urinary health and integrity - all without side effects!

UTI-Free:

Read what others experienced when they used UTI-Free for their pets!

“I found your product online and thought to give it a try. I am happy to report (my cat) Blue has (responded well) since taking your UTI-Free for pets. I just ordered another bottle. Thank you on behalf of our …comfortable, happy cat. And by the way, if you have a pet like ours that will not let you sprinkle the product directly on their tongue as suggested, we mix each of Blue's doses in one tablespoon of wet food and it worked like a charm. Thanks again!”

—Ann, FL USA

What is UTI-Free?

UTI-Free is a selected combination of herbal and homeopathic ingredients specially formulated to safely and effectively promote harmony, health and balance in the bladder and urinary tract. The remedy is easy to administer to pets without any fuss.

Guaranteeing quality, effectiveness & safety

Pets Alive Remedies use a superior set of standards and processes when creating all of their natural products. They combine high-quality raw ingredients, that are laboratory-tested, with good manufacturing practices.

Their Full Spectrum Approach uses the Whole Spectrum manufacturing method to guarantee that their products are of the highest quality, safety and effectiveness.

UTI-Free contains no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, is suitable for lacto-vegetarians, is not tested on animals, and backed by a One-Year Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee.

UTI-Free

Buy Risk-Free NOW! Guaranteed quality, safety and effectiveness of all of  products. Review the one-year unconditional money-back guarantee. Retail Price: $43.95 Your Price: $34.95

Does UTI-Free really work?

Both customer testimonials and an extremely high reorder rate indicate that UTI-Free is very effective. In fact, it has literally been sold to thousands of customers in virtually every country around the world with tremendous success!

How long has UTI-Free been on the market?

UTI-Free was created by our Clinical Psychologist – in conjunction with our expert team of homeopaths and naturopaths – who has been providing them to her clients, with great success, for more than ten years.

"Your UTI-Free and Digestive Support herbal medicines have really helped my dog."

“Thank you so much for making your wonderful products. Your UTI-Free and Digestive Support herbal medicines have really helped my dog. Now she can get back to doing what she does best, playing and barking! Again, thank you so very much!!”

—Christie

"I am totally amazed!"

“I am totally amazed! We went to a holistic vet and I found this product. He told us it was safe to try it for our five year old bloodhound mix. Thank you so much for helping my sweet girl!”

—Paula, Oregon

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can play an important role in promoting the health and balance of your dog’s urinary tract and a holistic approach is the best way of contributing towards your pet’s general health.

In the wild, animals instinctively seek out plants that will help to support health in various body systems. It therefore makes sense that as owners, we can help our domestic pets by making herbal and other natural supplements available to them.

How can UTI-Free help your pet?

Use UTI-Free to:

• Naturally soothe and support the bladder and urinary tract
• Maintain urinary tract and bladder health
• Support the healthy flow of urine
• Promote immune system functioning to keep pets healthy and free of infection

Retail Price: $43.95

Your Price: $34.95

Does this sound too good to be true?

It isn't… We can prove it!

Pets Alive Remedies are so certain that you will be completely satisfied with their UTI-Free that they offer a One-Year unconditional money-back guarantee*.

Simply try UTI-Free for at least 30 days. If you are not completely satisfied – for any reason – return the product within 1 year for a complete refund (less shipping fees).

"She’s been using UTI-Free for 3 weeks now and she is more active; almost like a kitten, and her urine flow seems healthy."

“I began to do research ……and it all began with the dry food. I changed her diet to wet food, but I knew she needed something more. She’s been using UTI-Free for 3 weeks now and she is more active; almost like a kitten, and her urine flow seems healthy. I strongly recommend it.”

—Josette, NY

"…what a wonderful product that absolutely works well and quickly!"

“This is in regard to UTI-FREE, what a wonderful product that absolutely works well and quickly! I mixed the stuff up with a tiny amount of cranberry juice, took a syringe without the needle and shot it in her mouth. It was not such a chore and I think she actually enjoyed it. Boo and I thank you so very much. So glad I found you guys, and I'm next to try your thyroid remedy.”

—Johanna Kilian

UTI-Free is a very effective natural remedy for complete urinary tract wellness and has a very high success rate!

UTI-Free contains no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, is suitable for lacto-vegetarians, is not tested on animals, and backed by a One-Year Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee.

Save even more! Take advantage of the Buy 2 Get 1 Free discount!All at NO RISK to you! Order Today. Ships Today! Please note that all orders are shipped the same day if placed by 3 PM EST Monday thru Friday.

Retail Price: $43.95 Your Price: $34.95 Retail Price: $131.85 Your Price: $69.90

advertisement

Tags: canine urinary problems, canine urinary tract infection, cat urinary problems, dog herbal remedy, dog homeopathic remedy, dog urinary infections, dog urinary tract infection, holistic dog care, holistic dog health, how to treat canine urinary infection, natural remedy, natural remedy for canine urinary tract infection, natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs, pet urinary problems, symptoms of urinary infection in dogs, urinary problems in dogs, urinary tract infection in cats, urinary tract infection in dog, urinary tract infection in dogs, urinary tract infections in dogs

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

The Great Importance of Dog Teeth Cleaning

Ideally, dog teeth cleaning should be a routine part of your pet's regular care and their teeth should be brushed on a daily basis, or at least every other day or so. Because dog teeth are just as susceptible to disease and decay as are human teeth, it's extremely important keep tartar and plaque at bay to protect your dog's precious health.

Dental Disease and Your Dog's Health

Diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums can be very painful for your pooch and because they aren't able to tell us when they have a toothache, as pet owners we must be diligent in keeping up with our dog's dental care. If left untreated, a tooth infection may develop into serious complication for your dog and affect vital organs such as their heart, liver, or kidneys.

Your dog's diet definitely has a direct effect on your dog's dental health. Choosing foods and treats that are fortified and designed to keep their teeth and gums healthy are an easy way to implement dental hygiene into your dog's life. Although professional cleaning by a veterinarian is an option, this should only be considered in extreme cases as unnecessarily having your dog anesthetized is not only expensive, but it also puts undue stress on your pet.

Cleaning Your Dog's Teeth

Even if your dog is no longer a puppy you can train them to accept having their teeth brushed with some patience and perseverance. Both dogs and puppies alike can be acclimated to having the toothbrush in their mouths simply by starting out using your finger and a dab of peanut butter.

As your pet licks your finger and the peanut butter, begin rubbing the teeth and gums while offering plenty of praise. After a day or so of this, or as soon as your dog begins accepting this new process, use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and do the same thing as above. Rub the gauze around the teeth and gums using a circular motion as you would with the toothbrush. Once they are used to this, it's time to introduce them to the real thing.

Never use toothpaste intended for humans on your dog as ingredients such as baking soda will upset their stomach. Also, dog toothpaste is specially formulated for their teeth and will have an appealing smell and taste to help make the process a bit easier. Start out by letting your dog lick a dollop of toothpaste off of the brush first, then use more to finally start brushing.

Lift the sides of your dog's gums so you can access their upper teeth, aptly called the canines, and hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle for the best results. This allows you to clean the gum line as well as the teeth to keep the gums equally as healthy. Brushing two to three teeth at a time, brush in a circular motion anywhere from eight to ten times or so in order to get each area clean. A dog's upper back teeth tend to be the most susceptible to decay and periodontal disease, so if anything, focus your efforts there first.

Dog teeth cleaning should always be a happy, positive event. However, you will want to remain upbeat, but also low-key to keep your dog on the same wavelength and from becoming overly excited. Usually no more than one minute or so is long enough before your dog loses interest, but after practicing for a bit, you'll find that that's all it takes to keep your dog's teeth clean, keeping them happy and healthy.

Tags: dog oral health, dog teeth, dog teeth cleaning, periodontal disease in dog

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Dog Heart Murmur Symptoms

In most homes, the dog is not just a pet but also a part of the family. As a member of the family, its health is very important to us. Whenever our furry friend is not feeling well, it can be a cause for major concern. One thing that is particularly distressing for a pet owner is to find your pet has an irregular heartbeat or heart murmur. Heart murmurs can be benign or an indicator of more serious issue.

Heart murmurs can occur for many reasons; the first is a birth defect where the puppy is born with a mitral valve problem. The mitral valve opens to allow blood into the left ventrical during constriction and closes at the end to prevent backflow. When backflow occurs blood backs up along the whole cardiovascular system but especially the in the veins that drain the lungs. This causes edema or fluid retention in the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body. Other common causes of heart murmurs include but are not limited to muscular degeneration, parasite infestation or a hole in the heart.

Diagnosing a heart murmur may seem simple as listening to your pet’s heart beat but some murmurs are so faint there are barely perceptible. Even with a stethoscope, they may be hard to hear. If your veterinarian thinks, your pet has a murmur he may order some further tests.

EKG will most likely be the first test administered. An electrocardiogram can be helpful to determine where in the heart a murmur is located and how severe it is. In addition to the EKG a veterinarian may do chest x-rays or an ultrasound to look at the condition of the heart. Veterinarians generally prefer to use the ultrasound technology as it gives a better overall picture of the heart and its condition.

Once the heart has been thoroughly examined and the underlying cause is determined, it is time to discuss treatment options. In the case of a murmur from birth the best course of action is to wait and see if the problem corrects itself, as happens quite often. Should the cause be physical in nature like a hole in the heart then surgery will often be helpful.

Whatever course of action decided upon the condition should be continually monitored as it can develop into congestive heart failure. The failure occurs when the necessary blood does not reach the muscles leading to fatigue. In addition, the build up of fluid around the lungs will cause coughing and breathing complications or even death. At this point, you are not really treating the failure as much as monitoring it. With heart failure, you will want to be sure your pet is not over exerted or over heated and high humidity and altitude should also be avoided. Top that off with a sensible low sodium diet and you will have many more years with your beloved pet.

Tags: canine congestive heart failure, congestive heart failure in dogs, dog heart murmur symptoms

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

History has shown a variety of pets for people that include dogs, cats, guinea pigs and other sorts of animals. In today's society, there is a cultural connection to the type of person you may be based upon your pet choice. If you own a dog, you are viewed as being a dog person. This is true for other pets like cats and birds.

You and I both know that our pets are often like a member of the family. We understand the importance of eating good food to maintain our family's health, and we should extend that knowledge to the care of our dog. The same care you use in selecting quality food for you family is the same care needed to provide your dog with the best food available. Take the time to research and choose only the best. Does your dog deserve anything less?

A large industry in the 21st century is dog health. It features products like tick and flea medication, heart worn medicine and a lot of different varieties of dog food. As with everything, picking the right food requires researching the different kinds available for your breed and size of dog before making your decision.

The price of the dog food is a very important consideration in addition to the healthy selection for your dog. Certain types of food can be much more expensive than regular commercial dog food and some are considered "premium".

Your dog will be more likely to keep eating all through their life if you train them at an early age to eat a certain type of dog food. It will really lessen the chance that your dog will eat store bought dog food if you start feeding them table food that humans eat. Although, some dogs are not picky eaters what so ever and will easily adapt to any change in their diet that you expose them to.

Despite of the variety of foodstuff your dog is taking it is imperative to think about how habitually you will require purchasing food for the dog for financial plan principles. The suitable quantity of investigation early in your dogs' life will help you find out what food they need to eat to be in good physical shape, how regularly you need to buy it and how greatly it will charge. It is suggested that you discuss with a pet doctor before changing the trade name of food your dog eats to circumvent any possible illness for your dog. Though, put in mentality that the greater parts of pet doctors are not specialists in nutrition, so perform your own case study as well.

Dogs don't like change at all, and if they start eating one kind of food when they are just puppies, they will expect to eat that kind of food the rest of their lives. Dogs that eat leftover human food, for example, come to prefer it over more nutritious packaged dog food. Some dogs are not fussy, and will eat almost anything, but those dogs are less common. If you are looking for a super premium food, consider something by honest kitchen. This brand is known and recommended among the best for dog health.

- Melinda Smith

none

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!