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.