Have you ever considered brushing your dog’s teeth? It may sound crazy at first, but when you think about it, why wouldn’t you brush your dog’s teeth? You brush your own teeth every day. If you don’t brush your teeth, your oral hygiene suffers. The same is true for your dog. You may already be taking your dog in for a dental cleaning once a year, but this might not be enough. Imagine never brushing your own teeth, but going to the dentist once a year to remove built up plaque. That is similar to what your dog is going through.

Photo: lifespy.com

The good news is that you can help your dog’s oral hygiene fairly easily. If you feed dry food instead of wet, the broken kibble will do part of the job of keeping your dog’s teeth clean on a daily basis. To supplement that, you can brush your dog’s teeth approximately once a week.

You may think that it would be better to brush your dog’s teeth every day. After all, you brush your teeth every day. However, this is similar to your bathing situation. While you shower every day, it would be bad for your dog’s health if he or she were bathed on a daily basis. Just like your dog’s hair and skin are different from yours, his or her teeth and mouth are different as well. Brushing your dog’s teeth once a week Is all that his or her oral hygiene really requires.

Now you may be wondering how to go about brushing your dog’s teeth. Your local veterinarian or pet store should have canine toothbrushes and toothpaste. The toothpaste is generally flavored so that your dog will enjoy the process. There are also different types of toothbrushes. Some resemble a normal human toothbrush, while others are finger gloves. You should get whatever is more comfortable and easier to use for you.

Once you have everything you need to brush your dog’s teeth, it is a fairly simple process. Unlike with your own teeth, you do not actually have to brush your dog’s teeth. All that you really have to do is spread the toothpaste on your dog’s teeth to coat them. Once that is done, your dog will lick the toothpaste off of his or her own teeth. This completes the process. Your dog licking the toothpaste away is enough to keep the teeth clean. This will keep your dog’s mouth much healthier, especially when combined with the yearly cleaning.

If you have more questions about your dog’s dental hygiene, you should contact your local Miami Veterinarian Clinic by clicking here.

Joseph Devine

In larger dogs Hip Dysplasia is common although it can also occur in smaller breeds from time to time as well. Don’t always assume your dog is just having a bad day especially if it recurrs.

Photo: pet-insurance-info.com

What is canine hip dysplasia?

The area affected is in and around the dog’s hips and it’s called Hip Dysplasia. Basically, the hips are not formed correctly, leaving the dog hugely susceptible to canine arthritis in their hips. Hip dysplasia in dogs can occur in puppies from as young as 5 months, but the ensuing arthritis in the hips generally doesn’t strike Spot until he is middle aged.

Dog breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Some breeds of dogs are well known for being genetically susceptible to hip dysplasia. Mixed breed dogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices has seen a decline in hip dysplasia numbers, but these dogs still have a higher than average chance of having dysplasia:

* Rottweilers.
* Golden retrievers and Labradors.
* German shepherds.
* Great Danes.
* Mastiffs.
* Saint Bernards.
* Dobermans.

Hip arthritis can also be found in and medium sized dogs as well.

Signs of hip dysplasia include:

* early morning stiffness.
* behavioural changes and sometimes personality changes too.
* reluctance or difficulty with steps.
* unable to exercise as much as before.
* disinterest in fetching.
* problems getting up from lying down or sitting.
* limping, favoring one or both back legs, or stiff or unusual gait.
* opting to sleep away from others.
* pain when back leg is extended.
* discomfort or sensitivity when lower back or back legs are prodded.
* can’t or won’t jump into the car anymore.

Hip dysplasia treatments.

There are many treatments, dog medicines, dog supplements and aids for Fido to assist with all stages of dog arthritis. One of the most popular options is glucosamine, which has been incredibly successful in aiding humans with osteoarthritis. Dog supplements containing glucosamine chondroitin have become one of the first treatment options. Don’t underestimate a good night’s sleep and other orthopedic aids as handy comfort providers such as special dog beds and ramps etc. For further information on glucosamine, treatments and aids click here.

Weight Management.

Apart from the genetic factors, the most crucial factor in determining the severity of your dog’s arthritis is his weight. The more your dog weighs, the more strain is being placed on those hips. Keeping your dog in his healthy weight range could save him from immense pain and suffering down the track.

For further information on treatments and resources for the dog suffering from hip dysplasia click here.

Author Kay Nynephun has decades of experience with many breeds of dogs and has provided more information on dog health and Hip Dysplasia in dogs. Make sure you also try some of Kays rare puppy training tips.
 

Taking photographs of your dog - and capturing his personality and charm - is no easy order. Just as you’re ready, Fido moves and ruins the shot. But with a few tips, you can be taking pictures of your dog in no time.

Photo: idigitalphoto.com

A digital camera is definitely best for pet photography. You’ll be free to shoot to your heart’s content without worries of film and developing expenses and with the instant gratification of seeing how your work is progressing.

The best time of day for outdoor photos is in the early morning or late afternoon light. High noon is usually too bright.

Now the hard part - getting your dog to pose for a picture! This isn’t as hard as it sounds because the best pictures are natural ones: a dog chasing a ball or two dogs rolling in the grass.

First, let your dog see the camera. Natural curiosity will have him sniffing it the second he sees you with this new potential toy. Shoot off some sample shots to get him accustomed to the sound of the shutter and the zoom lens. In no time at all, he will lose interest in this device. Now, as your dog goes back to his play, it’s time to snap your photos.

Try following him, camera ready. Make sure your camera hasn’t gone into "sleep" mode so you’re ready to take a photo in an instant.

The old adage to "let sleeping dogs lie" can result in some great shots as well. Quietly creep up on your dog as he naps in his favorite position. Sometimes it’s best to get the camera ready for your next shot away from Sleeping Beauty, especially if your camera is noisy. Be zoomed into position before you’re ready to push the shutter.

Close-ups - taken on the dog’s level, not from above - are also important. An easy way to get close-ups with large dogs involves standing on one side of a fence with your camera. Call your dog. When he jumps up, front feet on the fence, you can get a face-only portrait from just inches away.

Adding friends or family to the shot is also fun. Bring in someone the dog knows and is friendly with then have the two play and romp around. Just as things get good, start taking pictures. Some can include the person in the photo; others can be cropped to be the dog only.

Anyone can take good photos of his dog. And who knows, your house may soon have another kind of pet-a regular shutterbug!

Professional writers and husband-wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley are the publishers of several content websites including http://www.TexasTripper.com

Texas Travel Guide and http://www.DogTipper.com including tips for dog lovers, by dog lovers with a blog featuring photos of celebrity canines.

I’m sure you will agree with me when I say we all love our dogs! We have learned the importance of good nutrition, adequate grooming, discipline, love and attention toward our family canine. We care about the way our dogs haircut compliments them. We strive to include them in on as many family functions as possible. And we give them all the love and attention we can, like another member of the family.

Photo: kooldogkafe.com

I think at times we tend to forget the importance of diet and exercise in our own lives, as well as the life of our dog. We love our dog so much that we slip them a little dinner off of our plate. We give them a doggie treat for no "dog gone" reason. And we pass on today’s walk in favor of an extra hour of TV. Does any of this hit close to home? If it does, you may be threatening your dogs life!

Too many of those "high in fat content" doggie treats, a portion of your "high in fat" dinner, and lack of exercise will all effect the life of your family dog. If you are overweight, you need to go on a diet. So the same stands true for the family dog. If old Rover is "rolie polie" all over, he needs to be put on a diet as well. He may never thank you for it down the road. But he’ll be happier to take that walk down the road if you always take notice of what you are feeding your dog.

READ MORE INFORMATION On DOG FOOD

Larry is an accomplished writer interested in sharing his view and knowledge on dog training, health and nutrition. Read More Interesting Blogs.