Sunday, April 24, 2011

Basic Care and Maintenance for your pup’s pearly whites

 Many people do not realize the importance of taking care of their dogs' teeth. With age, dogs, the need for dental care increases. The best way to ensure good dental hygiene of your dog is to start while they are very young.
Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important to you as a dog owner to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian will always be necessary to examine the mouths of dogs and you do not want any problems with this. The best way for you to get your dog to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you receive your puppy. Be sure to touch the lips, mouth open, and touch the teeth in a calm and relaxed for about five minutes each day until your puppy is accustomed to being handled this way. Make it a regular part of your interaction with your dog for remaining calm when you make any kind of preventive dental care.
Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dogs teeth every day. Many manufacturers make special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You never want to use human toothpaste on dogs as it can be dangerous for them. To get your dog to have his teeth brushed, you may want to start by putting a little toothpaste to dog on a cotton ball and rub on his teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he should not mind this. You can then try a finger brush, available at your office supply store or veterinary pet. Finally, especially for large breeds, you want a toothbrush ordinary dog. Regular brushing will help prevent tartar buildup and debris on the teeth of dogs.
Another way to help prevent tartar deposits on the teeth of dogs is by using rawhide chews specially formulated for dental care. Many companies manufacture these chews. One of the best available techniques is CET Most veterinarians carry CET dental products. CET chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the accumulation of bacteria. In addition, the natural wear of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy. Central European Time also allows a chewing gum containing chlorhexidine has antimicrobial properties.
Some companies also make special dishes for dental health, which may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.
Even with appropriate preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you follow through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can penetrate into the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.
A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning, however, your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with today's technology is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human medicine. A thorough review will be conducted to determine whether teeth should be pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased teeth. After that, a qualified member of staff veterinarian will perform a dental cleaning. First, they scale the teeth to remove tartar above and below the gumline. This will be done with hand instruments and equipment to both ultrasonic scaling. After that, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque to adhere to them. Most veterinarians will also be a fluoride treatment. This is to help strengthen enamel and prevent plaque formation. If teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other intensive dental work. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection.
It is very important to take care of your dogs teeth to keep them healthy and preventing infections. Always follow your veterinary advice and if you have any questions, consult your veterinarian or pet professional staff. 

Otitis Externa in Dogs reasons and factors


Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an "ear infection", is an ear condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs present to veterinarians and may affect up to 20 percent of dogs.

Infections are caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Laboratory tests can help to determine the underlying cause of the infection.

Several factors may predispose dogs to ear infections, including:


Long floppy ears

  • Abnormal ear conformation or anatomy
  • Water or hair in the ears
  • Allergies
  • Trauma
  • Tumors
  • Foreign material in the ears
  • Parasites
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Generalized skin disease


Ear infections can occur in dogs of any age breed or sex.

Dogs predisposed to otitis externa include those with genetic predispositions to abnormal ear canals, such as the Chinese shar-pei chow chows and English bulldogs; breeds with hair in the ears like poodles and terriers; dogs with pendulous pinnae such as the cocker spaniel and Springer spaniels; or outside and working dogs that are exposed to water or foreign bodies. Infections are most common in humid environments or during the summer months.

What to Watch For

Common signs of an infection include:


  • Scratching or rubbing the ears
  • Head shaking 
  • An abnormal odor or discharge from the ear
  • Pain when you manipulate the ear
  • Redness and swelling of the external ear canal
article by :

Dr. Debra Primovic www.petplace.com


Guide For Adopting An Adult Dog


Guide for the First Few Weeks:

THANK YOU FOR CARING ABOUT LIFE
It's easy for almost anyone to fall in love with a puppy or kitten. But it takes a special person or family to adopt an adult pet. You'll find there are many advantages to acquiring a mature dog. The love and companionship you'll share are only the beginning.
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET
With a puppy you may not know how large he will become, or what sort of disposition he will have. With a grown - or nearly grown - pet, what you see is what you get! However, it's important to remember that what you don't see is your new pet's past. The dog may or may not have been housebroken or trained. He has certainly learned to live in different environments. Be patient and give him time to become accustomed to your lifestyle.
HOME AT LAST
On his first day home, show him where he is to sleep, where fresh water is always available, when and where he is to be fed. If he is an indoor dog, take him outside at frequent intervals (every hour or two) so that he may relieve himself. Until he learns the new housebreaking routine you will have to be very watchful. Mistakes will happen, especially during the first few days when the dog feels strange in his new environment.
If the dog makes a mistake in the house firmly say "NO!" and take him outside instantly. You MUST catch the dog in the act if the correction is to be effective. A few minutes later is too late. Praise him every time he eliminates outside.
PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT
During the first week expect occasional problems. Your new pet doesn't know you, doesn't know why he has come here or what is expected of him. He needs to be treated with watchful kindness. Anticipate problems before they occur. Don't leave tempting items such as shoes, clothing, handbags or dinner plates within reach of the dog. Having a new pet can have quite a tidying effect on a family!
MY TIME IS YOUR TIME
Plan to spend time with your new family member. He will appreciate it and respond warmly. Long walks, periods of play, or just being together will make him feel happy and secure. Many families find that the best time to acquire a new pet is during vacation at home, when they have ample time to spend with him.
EASY DOES IT
Children are always excited about a new pet. Don't allow them to overwhelm him with attention and handling. They should be taught to play gently with him, and never to disturb him when he is sleeping or eating. Parental supervision is important.
CALL ME BY MY RIGHTFUL NAME
You've probably given your dog a new name. Use it frequently and try always to associate it with good things: affection, approval and fun.
I'M JUST NOT MYSELF TODAY
When he is first settling in, your new pet may have problems of shyness, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, crying or barking. Physical symptoms may include excessive water-drinking, frequent urination, diarrhea or a poor appetite. If any of these symptoms last for more than a few days call your veterinarian.
YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND
Be consistent. Decide on the rules and stick to them. For example, be sure you and your children understand whether or not the dog is allowed on the furniture. Does that mean all the furniture or just some of it? If you change the rules, the dog will be confused. Don't allow him to do something onetime and forbid it the next.
BASIC TRAINING
Obedience training can be very helpful to the adult dog and to you. However, it is not the same as training a puppy with no prior training.
Your dog may have learned commands other than the ones you use. take time for him to adjust to your commands.
You can train the dog yourself or take him to an obedience class with a qualified trainer. Wait until after the first week to start formal training. The training period can be a good way to create a strong bond between you and your dog. In addition, the dog can learn what you expect of him and how he can please you. Both of these things are very important to him.
MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
Most dogs adjust quickly to their new families within a week or two. Some take longer. Very few dogs are unable to adjust at all. In most cases the dog will be a well-adjusted member of the family within a month. In fact, you may find it difficult to remember a time when he wasn't part of the family.

Article By David The Dogmanhttp://www.thedogman.net

Giving Your Dog Medicine


So your poor dog is sick, but you're struggling to give him his medicine? Do not worry, there are methods available toadminister medications easier for you.

Pills

Open the mouth of your dog and place the pill on top of hertongue as far as possible. Then close her mouth and throat raceuntil the swallow. Give him a treat afterwards to ensure that the pill was swallowed. Another way is to hide the pill in somecheese or sausage. Pill divers are also very effective.

Liquids

Tilt your head up your dog, and place the neck of the bottle (asyringe will also work) plays in his pocket between his molarsand cheek. Use your fingers to seal his lips around the bottle.Then slowly pour the liquid you'll be able to administer highdoses in this way.

Valuable advice for the dog owner


Following these ten tips will guarantee you a happy, healthy relationship with any kind of pet.
1. Your pet needs to go to the vet. Start saving now. 

Each animal must be examined by a veterinarian at the time. Diseases that are caught early are often treatable, and regular veterinary examinations are your best weapon. Even the healthiest pet can have an accident, calling for immediate emergency care. Older animals can be a pain in age-related deterioration. Face it, you'll have to take your pet to the vet, sooner or later. Be prepared to pay for it! 

2. You're the man, you set the rules. 

Do not let your boss you around company. Decide on the rules and apply them consistently. Do not allow your pet to reach its goals if it goes against the rules - he'll just try even harder next time. Animals do not seem to have long memories, but they sure remember how they have their own way the last time! 

3. Animals like a boring routine. 

Animals want to know what to expect - they feel safe. Yours will be the happiest if they are fed at the same time each day, sleep in the same place at night, and can always count on you to come home at some point. They'll get by if the routine from time to time changes, but keeping their day care predictable predictable and happy. 

4. Good food and plenty of exercise is equal to a long life. 

We all know we should eat healthy foods in moderation and get plenty of exercise. The same goes for our pets. Healthy living prevents disease, and you will not see the vet more often! If a small animal is confined to a cage, give him plenty of space and things to climb and explore, to encourage exercise. Subject treated like dog biscuits or table scraps for very special occasions. 

5. Everything ends in the mouth. 

For you, it is an electrical cable, but your dog is chewing a toy. Keep in mind that your pet will chew anything, and keep dangerous objects out of reach! Encourage them to chew on toys rather than providing a lot of them, especially new ones once the elders have lost their appeal. 

6. The bacteria do not make good pets. 

A clean environment keeps everyone happy and healthy. Pets are dirty and need a lot of cleaning. On a weekly basis, brushing your dog's teeth, wash bottle of water in the gerbil, and remove the kitty litter! If you do not, you're in the bacterial and parasitic infections, tooth decay, painful, and the smell ...! 

7. Tight security saves lives. 

Keep your pet safely confined. Escape to the test all the cages and fences, walk your dog on a leash, and keep your cat indoors. The outside world is full of speeding cars, unknown animals, pesticides, and even pet thieves. Just in case, make sure all dogs and cats have strong collars with tags, or have been tattooed or chipped. 

8. There are too many homeless animals already. 

Lost pets without tags end up being shelved away when they lose their house. Even worse are the animals who never had homes to begin with. There are not enough good homes for all animals there, so your pets spayed or neutered, and does not allow them to reproduce! In America alone, four million cats and dogs are registered each year. It's much too! If you want another pet, instead of considering adoption. 

9. If in doubt, turn to nature. 

When faced with a problem animal, find out how your pet would have lived in the wild. Want to know how hot your frog tank should be? Search of his natural habitat and try to copy it. Want to keep your dogs from fighting? Learn about pack behavior in the wild. Our companion animals evolved to live in nature, and understanding their natural environment, needs and social behavior, we can help them live with us more comfortable. 

10. Everything depends on you. 

Ultimately, when you accept this animal as a pet, you have agreed to take care of him. This means food, housing, health, safety ... you are responsible for all this. It takes time and money to care for a pet properly. However, it is certainly worth! There are over 100 million homes worldwide with at least one pet, and they can not all be wrong! Take care of your pets, so you can have a long and pleasant life together.

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