Pet Dental Health Care

Keeping your pet's teeth healthy is an easy way to add years to their lifespan. Since periodontal disease is the number one preventable health problem for small dogs, start minding those canines today with some simple first steps toward a lifetime of great dental health whether you've got a new pup or a senior pet in your family.

1. Pay Attention to Your Pet's Dental Health

Check their teeth and gums regularly. Healthy canine and feline teeth are white, so discolored teeth indicates that something isn't right. Red, swollen or bleeding gums also require attention, as do loose teeth. Bad breath in adult dogs and cats isn't normal and usually indicates a problem with your pet's dental health.

2. Fight Tartar Build-up

Dogs build up tartar and plaque just like humans do and specially formulated dental chews can help remove tartar and plaque and keep your pet's teeth healthy and strong. Raw beef marrow bones (not cooked) can also keep your dog's teeth free of tartar as the gnawing motion scrapes 'gunk' off your dog's teeth. Long lasting chews or raw carrots massage the gum line and help remove tartar.

3. Wipe Regularly

Regular wiping with Tooth & Gum Wipes is an important part of preventive dental care. Be patient and gentle introducing this new routine into your pet's life.

Tips on successfully wiping your dog's teeth: 

Desensitizing Exercise: In order to get your pet comfortable with the handling and examining of their mouth, start by holding your pet's head steady and gently stroke the outside of the muzzle with your fingers. Speak calmly and make it quick ... 30 seconds is fine. After this "desensitizing" exercise, make sure to reward them with a treat to make it a positive experience.

Properly Introducing the Tooth & Gum Wipes: Once your pet is used to you handling their mouth, next, use a few fingers around the Tooth & Gum Wipes and gently rub their teeth to get them used to the wiping sensation. Always praise with a treat after brushing and try to be consistent with your habits.


4. Visit Your Vet Regularly

If your pet has serious dental problems, visit your vet for an evaluation. You veterinarian can perform extractions if necessary and treat gum infections caused by bacteria. Does your pet get anxious at the vet? Homeopathic remedies can help relieve stress and anxiety — plus aid in the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness on the way there.

Caring for your Pet’s Ears

How often should a pet's ears be cleaned?

How often to clean depends on the pet and how many predisposing factors it has. Cats do not need to have their ears cleaned on a regular basis. With dogs, it varies. You can tell if their ears need cleaning if you can see a build up of wax. Dogs that go swimming or have an active outdoor life might need them cleaned on a weekly basis or more often if they get water in their ear canal. I usually recommend ear cleaning at least every two weeks for dogs, and only if instructed by your vet for cats. Regular ear cleaning can drastically reduce the number of infections your pet develops.

Do long-eared dogs require special care or attention?

Long-eared breeds like poodles and cocker spaniels are predisposed to ear infections—because the ear is closed over, no air circulates and it sets up an environment for bacteria to grow. Long-eared breeds might need to have their ears cleaned weekly.

What signs might indicate a pet has an ear infection or needs to see a vet?

Common signs of an ear infection include:

• Scratching at ears

• Foul odor

• Head tilt

• Shaking head

• Debris or redness in ears

• Holding ears at a funny angle

Factors that predispose pets to ear infections:

• Breeds with long, heavy, floppy ears, like poodles, retrievers, basset hounds and spaniels

• Pets that make excessive wax

• Hair in ear canal

• Dogs that swim

• Dogs and cats with allergies

• Tumors, polyps, or foreign bodies in the ear

• Hypothyroidism

The bottom line is to learn what your pet’s ears normally look like so you’ll spot a problem early—before a severe infection or illness sets in

Kitty Health From Head to Paw

Cat got your wallet? The solution to saving money at the vet may be found in getting your feline regularly groomed, which prevents many serious problems from arising down the road. This is especially true for long hair cat owners.

Five benefits of regularly grooming your feline:

1. Save money
Grooming aids in preventive care when it comes to your cat's health, so that you don't wind up spending your time at the vet. Although some veterinarian visits are necessary for normal check-ups, they can be quite expensive, especially if your cats' health is in jeopardy due to skin problems, parasites, or internal infestations-all which can be addressed with proper grooming.

2. Eliminate allergies
Not only do humans suffer from pet-related allergies, but cats too have been shown to suffer from allergies. Studies show that well-groomed cats decrease allergies for you and your kitty.

3. Less hairballs
Long-hair felines and hairballs usually go hand-in-hand, which can be very serious. If hairballs get lodged in the cat's digestive tract and blocks the cat's intestines, this can lead to more complications, or even death. Sometimes hairballs need to be surgically removed, which can lead to expensive vet bills.

4. Reduce Shedding
With long-haired kitties, regular grooming sessions are advised, in order to keep the loose fur off you're your carpet, furniture, and clothes. During the hotter months, it is highly recommended to bring your cat in to the groomer to get trimmed or shaved. This not only prevents extra shedding or hairballs from occurring, but it cools down your cat's body temperature.


5. Odor Out
With their long hair, cats can get feces, as well or other unwanted items trapped in their fur; however, without regular grooming, it may be hard to see what is caught deep in their fur. Not only is this uncomfortable for the cat, but it is also very unhealthy.
 

Grooming sessions are an optimal time to check for:

Cuts, tumors, sores, lumps or bruises
Fleas or skin allergies
Quick examination of cat's eyes, ears, teeth, and nails
Hands on grooming stimulates the blood circulation and the release of more body oils that benefit the cat's coat

Mental or emotional benefits of grooming:

The more your kitty gets groomed, the more likely they will begin to enjoy the process-and actually look forward to it!

Decreases stress levels.

Grooming also benefits your kitty in other social situations, where they may become more outgoing and friendly-this is especially helpful at the vet!