Brush Your Dog’s Teeth to Promote Good Health

Brush your dog’s teeth daily to help keep your dog healthy. The health of your dog’s teeth is a strong contributing factor to your dog’s overall health picture. Poor dental health can lead to a multitude of illnesses. Learning how to brush your dog’s teeth properly will help to assure this doesn’t happen.

First gather the needed tools to brush your dog’s teeth:

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Finger toothbrush. These are rubber with small nubs. They do not have a handle but fit over your finger and sometimes are more acceptable to your dog.
Dental sponges or pads are soft and pliable, come with a handle and are disposable. Again, some dogs accept these easier than a toothbrush. Gauze pads may also be used.
Pet Toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste as they contain foaming agents that can cause vomiting in dogs. Pet toothpastes also contain enzymes that help to clean the dog’s teeth better. And the most important thing to your dog – they come in flavors appealing to him, such as beef and chicken.
Here is a great kit that includes a double head toothbrush, finger toothbrush and flavored dog toothpaste.

Now that you have the proper tools, let’s continue on to the steps in how to brush your dog’s teeth:

Begin by placing a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and allowing your dog to lick it off.
Next, apply another small dab of toothpaste to your finger and place the finger on the surface of one of your dog’s front teeth. Massage gently in a circular motion. Your dog will probably be licking at your finger as you do this but that’s okay; he’s getting used to having his tooth massaged.
After your dog is used to having something in his mouth, it is time to introduce him to the toothbrush. Place some toothpaste on the brush and allow him to lick it off. Next, reapply more toothpaste, place the head of the toothbrush in your dog’s mouth and allow him to taste and lick at it. Don’t actually try to brush his teeth at this point. This step is simply to allow him to get used to having the brush in his mouth. After he’s comfortable with having the brush in his mouth, you can try placing the brush against his tooth (whichever tooth is easier to get to and he is most comfortable with) and moving it gently in a circular motion. You may need to repeat these steps for several days, until your dog is completely comfortable with the ritual. With luck, he will begin to look forward to the ritual. Now you are ready to move on to the actual brushing process.
Wet the toothbrush or other item of your choice and apply a small dab of toothpaste to it. A dog normally has 42 teeth. Begin by brushing the outside surfaces (closest to the lip) of the fangs and the first large teeth in the back of the mouth on each side. These four teeth accumulate the most tartar. If these are the only teeth that you are able to brush, it will still be a major step toward improving your dog’s dental health.
Brush gently in a circular motion, concentrating on the gum line. Spend at least five seconds on each tooth. Finish the fangs first, then proceed to the back teeth. Once the dog and you are comfortable with brushing the fangs and back teeth, you can expand your efforts to include the outer surfaces of the other teeth.
Praise your dog often during and after the brushing. A treat following the process will go a long way towards turning this ritual into a much anticipated event.

Sometimes you will notice a small amount of blood when brushing your dog’s teeth. Lighten up on the pressure somewhat but do not stop the brushing. Your dog’s gums and mouth will only continue to get healthier with repeated brushings.

Learning how to brush your dog’s teeth requires some patience on your part but it is well worth the effort. With practice, you will be able to complete the brushing process within a couple minutes. Keep your focus on the gum line since this area accumulates the most plaque and tartar.

Make brushing your dog’s teeth a daily ritual. He will most likely look forward to it and especially spending that extra bonding time with you. And the practice will reward you with better health for your dog.

Make Your Own Dog First Aid Kit For Emergencies

If you are more of a do-it-yourself type person you can make your own dog first aid kit. Easy to do with supplies readily available.

Items Needed To Make Your Own Dog First Aid Kit:

Important Phone Numbers:

Your Veterinarian
Emergency Vet or Clinic
Poison Control

Supplies For Your Dog First Aid Kit

- Soft Sided Insulated Cooler (six pack size) or plastic container
- Small Magnifying Glass
- Scissors with Rounded Ends
- Tweezers
- Latex Gloves
- Rectal Thermometer
- Syringes (various sizes)
- Cloth & Paper Towels
- Penlight
- Eyedropper
- Penlight
- Cotton Balls & Swabs
- Lubricant (such as Vaseline)
- Slip Leash
- Styptic Powder
- Muzzle or Roll of Gauze
- Large Towel or Blanket (for stretcher)
- Another Blanket or Towel (for warmth)
- Disinfectant Such As Isopropyl Alcohol
- Heat & Cold Packs Wrapped in Towel

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Medications For Your Dog First Aid Kit

Buffered Aspirin
Saline Solution (for flushing eyes and cleaning wounds))
Antihistamine (for stings, swelling and itching)
Antibiotic Ointment or Cream
Cortisone Cream or Spray
Hydrogen Peroxide (can be used to make dog vomit when mixed with water)
Antidiarrheal Liquid
Wound Disinfectant (such as Betadine)
Ear Cleaning Solution
Karo Syrup (to help raise the sugar level)
Gatorade or Pedialyte (for rehydration)

Bandaging

Gauze (rolls & square pads)
White First Aid Tape
Elastic Bandage

You may find that there is not enough room in the six pack size cooler for all these items. The medications,smaller supplies and bandages can be stored in this container. Then, place this container into a larger cooler or small box.

It requires a little effort to make your own dog first aid kit, but you will have the peace of mind in knowing that you’ll be prepared to help your dog in an emergency.

Make Your Own Dog First Aid Kit (Mini Size)

Your first aid kit for your dog will help you to be prepared should an emergency arise with your four-legged family member. However, there will be times when you are away from your home or car without access to your main first aid kit. When on a hike or walk, particularly in woodsy or hilly areas, it’s easy to encounter bees ar sharp objects. A smaller basic version of your first aid kit for dogs will really come in handy.

Small zippered pouch or bag, preferably one that attaches to your belt (fanny pack) or fits easily into your backpack.
Pair of disposable gloves
Several square and small roll of gauze bandage. make-your-own-dog-first-aid-kit
White first aid tape.
Small scissors
Tweezers
Small bottle with alcohol
Small container of wound disinfectant and tube of antibiotic cream
Antihistamine (such as benadryl) for bee stings

All these items will be much smaller versions of those in your regular dog first aid kit. They are meant simply to be used when you don’t have easy access to your larger kit. When back at your home or car, you will probably need to utilize some of the other items in your large first aid kit. Of course, if the injury is serious, take your dog to the Vet immediately!

First Aid Kit For Dogs-Be Prepared For Any Emergency

A First Aid Kit for dogs should be in every family’s home that includes a dog as a member of their family. Just as children get into mishaps that require antiseptic and bandages, so do your four legged family members.

Not so long ago, we would have settled for human first aid supplies but as the pet industry has grown, we have become aware of a pet’s sometimes unique needs.

A First Aid Kit For Dogs Is A Necessity

The impact of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters since has made dog owning families more aware of the need for a dog first aid kit. Many dogs needed to suddenly be evacuated to areas that had no immediate access to veterinarian care. And, even once they returned home, professional medical care was not readily available.

Most mishaps are usually minor in nature such as cuts, bee stings or perhaps cutting a nail a bit too close. Rather than rushing about trying to gather the necessary supplies when this type of event happens, it is so much better to be prepared. First aid kits for dogs are available for purchase from some pet supply stores. Or, with a little effort, you can make your own dog first aid kit.

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Ideally, you would have two first aid kits for your dog. One to keep at home, in a convenient place, such as under a bathroom cabinet or in a cabinet in your laundry or utility room. It is important to make sure all members of your family know where your first aid kit is kept. The second kit should be kept in your vehicle for those mishaps that occur when your dog is on an outing with you, such as a dog park or on a hike. Actually, a third scaled down version of the kit is also recommended. Place a few emergency items in this mini first aid kit.

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A little pre-planning on your part will go a long way in helping to keep your four legged family member safe and healthy. And your own first aid kit for dogs will contribute to that greatly.

Ask-a-Veterinarian

Ask Your Dog Question Now.

If you have questions about a dog health issue use this link to get advise directly from a real Veterinarian. When you need to talk to a vet help is just a click away. A dog health problem due to illness or injury can happen anytime. Through the JustAnswer program veterinarians are available for online consultation 24/7/365.

You can get an answer to your dog health problem fast. In as little as a few minutes you can have the information you need from a veterinarian. You don’t have to wait until your Vet’s office opens.

Why pay for an expensive office visit? You can get the advise you need for far less than you would have to pay if you go to your vet’s office. There is no need to pay for office and equipment overhead if you just need to have a question answered or need good advise about a dog health problem and unlike an office visit, you don’t pay unless you accept the answer.

Ask a Veterinarian Your Health Question

Worried About Your Dog? Has your beloved friend suddenly developed worrisome symptoms? Is your Vet closed or maybe you’ve recently moved to a new area and not obtained a Vet yet?

We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online dog health advise from certified Veterinarians.

You describe your dog’s health problem or ask your question and they reply with expert advise. The fee is very reasonable (far less than you would pay at the Vet Clinic). You will usually receive an answer in less than an hour, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.

Of course, if your dog is having a real emergency, either illness or accident, call your local emergency Vet. or any regular Veterinary office immediately!

“$1,000 spent at his vet, and I finally get the correct diagnosis from Nancy Holmes for $15”

Carol
Cedar Hill, MO

Choosing A Veterinarian For Your Dog

Choosing a veterinarian for your best friend takes planning and research.

We have been very fortunate to have the same wonderful veterinarian for the last sixteen years. She has seen our dogs from puppyhood to their final breaths. She was there at two am when our three year old Yorkie found a box of tampons in the linen closet and proceeded to swallow one whole as we chased her to try and retrieve it. We were sure it would swell up in her stomach and cause major problems. All we had to do was leave a message on the Vet’s answering machine (which she has forwarded to her home) and within a very short time she called back and calmed our worries along with telling us what to watch for.

Choosing a Veterinarian involves a lot more than credentials. A Veterinarian could graduate at the head of his/her class but if they do not love their profession and truly care for the animals they treat, you can get just as much help from a book or on-line.

You want to choose a Vet that you and your pet are compatible with. And the Veterinary staff are just as important.

Consider the follow when choosing a Veterinarian:

Get recommendations from friends with dogs. your groomer or dog trainer. If you are new to the area, you can go on-line to www.pets911.com.

After you narrow your search, visit the Veterinarians with a criteria list:

Is the office clean, friendly and organized?
Ask if the Veterinarian will be readily available for emergencies. We can’t always expect the Vet to be there 24/7 but within reason they should make themselves available.
Will they work you in immediately if needed? Just like kids, dogs don’t get sick on schedule.
Are there other Vets or Vet Techs in the office or will the Vet have a referral Vet available if she is out of town?
While all professionals want and should have their fees immediately, will she work with you in an emergency? Of course, this arrangement usually comes with time as you build a relationship. You just don’t want a Vet that refuses to treat without payment.
Does the staff show love and concern for the animals?
Does the kennel room smell and look clean?
Can they do x-rays, ultrasound, blood work and other diagnostic tests in-house or work with an outside specialist?
Is their fee schedule reasonable?
Will the Vet take time to explain each diagnosis and procedure or rush you through to get to the next appointment?
Do they have an overnight staff to keep watch over pets that need to be hospitalized?
If you are interested in holistic medicine, does the Vet share this approach?
If you are interested in pet insurance, does the Vet accept it?

Take time when choosing a veterinarian for your dog. Introduce your dog to each prospect and observe the interaction. Don’t hesitate to ask for references and check them. Your dog’s health care is an important decision. Take it seriously and choose a veterinarian before you really need his services. Make sure the Vet you select is as concerned for your dog’s health as you are.

Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions to Save Your Sanity

Are There Any Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions?

Boy, that is a question I must have asked a million times! Hard to believe that our Jake, the relaxed, without a care-in-the-world dog pictured below, could have ever been anxiety-ridden. But, it is so true and we’ve got the scratched drywall, chewed woodwork and destroyed hardwood floors to prove it.

However, thanks to finding some good dog separation anxiety solutions, we are now able to start repairing all the destruction with a certain amount of confidence that he will not tear it all up again. At least not as badly. Jake is still not happy when all his family leaves at the same time. He still hangs his head, mopes and usually refuses to say goodbye. As we back out of the drive he can be heard barking his displeasure. But now when we come home, we are not met with total chaos. There is still drool in front of the door and his water and food have gone untouched. He truly is in mourning until his people come home. When that happens, watch out! He is flying about the house, grabbing toys and challenging us to chase him. And he will then drink enough water to float a boat. Life is good again. It wasn’t easy getting to this point.but so worth it. These are some things that have helped us in dealing with dog separation anxiety.

Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions:

Make your departure as uneventful as possible. Resist the urge to hug, kiss and make over your dog in an attempt to soothe your guilt. This lets him in on the idea that something big is about to happen and he probably won’t like it. I’ve done this and it never ended well. Instead, keep everything as low key as possible. Pet him if you must but make it a quick pat and just move right out the door as if it is no big deal. You can cry in the car if the need arises (and I have.) Overcoming dog separation anxiety requires you to be tough.
Leave lots of his toys about to give him something to amuse and distract. Be cautious of any toys you choose to leave when you are not at home. Leave nothing with small parts or made of material that can be chewed off and potentially cause your dog to choke. A good choice I like is the Kong Extreme Dog Toy. This toy is a hard, durable rubber. Your dog will love to chew on it and it also has openings on each end to hide treats for your dog to shake loose and enjoy. It comes in an assortment of sizes, shapes and strengths, to meet each dog’s needs. Also, an old piece of your clothing can provide some comfort to him. Your scent is one of his favorite things.
Try crating your dog or confining him to a small room. Allowing him the run of the house can be overwhelming.
Leave a piece of your unwashed clothing with your dog. Your familiar scent can be comforting.
Start out with short absences. Try 10 minutes to start, gradually increasing by 5 minutes increments. He’ll realize each time that “Hey, they do come back!”
Make your return as uneventful as your departure. Enter the house calmly and greet him but do not hug, make baby talk and generally display your guilt to him. After in the house for a short time, then you can play and have some fun.
Be sure to doggy-proof the house before you leave, for his safety and your sanity.
Another thing that proved to be effective to stop my dog separation anxiety is the ThunderShirt . The shirt fits snugly on the dog’s body, creating a sense of security. The Thunder Shirt is also helpful for dogs with a fear of thunderstorms. It worked well in helping one of my other dogs to get over her fear of the storms.

It may seem impossible at the moment but take it from someone that has been there; dog separation anxiety can get better with a little effort. It’s worth your sanity and your dog’s happiness to try these dog separation anxiety solutions.

Dog Separation Anxiety (aka, I REALLY MISS YOU!)

There is hope for dog separation anxiety.

Dog separation anxiety can turn your home into complete chaos. Life at Mostly Mutts is usually pretty hum-drum; same old sit, fetch, roll over, stay out of the trash. And for this I am generally thankful. It means all is well. No one is hurt, sick or in major trouble. But this was not always so.

Just a few short years ago, our black lab Jake suffered from major dog separation anxiety. We found Jake living on the streets in an inner city neighborhood. Our Vet. estimated him to be about a year old. Gangly and dirty, his paw pads were quite worn and his body sported some marks indicating he had most likely been involved in some dog fights. Whether human initiated or of his own doing, we don’t know. Because of the condition of his paw pads, we knew he was an outside dog.

Since we already had six canine residents at our house, our daughter Tina volunteered (after much coercion) to take him home. Within two hours of his taking up residence in her home, we received a call to please come get him, NOW! Jake is quite the alpha dog and as such, he deemed it to be a good idea to mark all walls, furniture and generally anything else that held still long enough. Tina has a gentle Golden Retriever named Joey and Jake knew it was important to let Joey know straight off who would be in charge. Isn’t it amazing how well urine conveys this message?

Once Jake was in our home, he never again urinated in the house, either accidentally or on purpose. He seemed quite content and sure he belonged here. All of our dogs obliged him in his alpha-ness. All was right with his world. That is until we his humans and subjects decided to leave the house without him. In comes the separation-anxiety. We took him to work with us on a daily basis but restaurants, theatres and such frowned upon his presence. And as much fun as it was to be with him, sometimes it was nice to get away for a while.

Upon arriving home from our first outing without our boy, we were greeted with much enthusiasm, wagging tail and body, and lots of slobbery kisses. But along with the good stuff, we also encountered woodwork that had been scratched and chewed, hardwood flooring that had deep gouge marks from his digging to get to the other side of the door and torn and scratched drywall. Separation-anxiety overload. What a mess! It seems our guy missed us. This behavior continued despite our efforts to control it.

We tried crating him while we were away (he escaped). We read behavior books, consulted our Vet. about medication and mostly just stayed home more and learned to live with destroyed walls and doors for a couple years. Jake is now seven years old and he has been pretty much non-destructive for several years. This mostly happened gradually as he realized we do come back. There are some dog separation anxiety tips we discovered that helped with Jake’s separation anxiety and I’ll share them with you.

Keep Your Dog Safe From Dangers Hidden And In Plain View

Keep Your Dog Safe From Dangerous Situations

Ah summertime, and the livin’ is easy! Endless days of sunshine and outdoor activities. After a long winter we are all ready for some summer relaxation. Unfortunately, the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer are fraught with danger for our canine friends. Winter can be equally hazardous to your dog. Extreme cold and potential frostbite are ever prevalent during winter months. Precautions are necessary year-round in order to keep your dog safe and healthy.

HEAT

Sweating is the primary way the human body controls it’s temperature. Dogs lack this ability and must rely on cooling down through panting and the pads of their feet. Not terribly effective. Because of this we need to be very conscious of the following to keep your dog safe:

Always make sure your dog has an ample supply of fresh clean drinking water. Automatic waterers are great for this but if you don’t own one or are not ready to purchase one, make sure to use a non-tip bowl. Empty and refill it several times a day and more often if it is getting low. Keep the water in a shady area if it is outside. Adding a few ice cubes will help to keep it cool longer and keep your dog safe from the heat.

Many people trim their dog’s fur down in the summer. Just make sure it is not shaved too close or sunburn will be a painful result. The best advice is to keep your dog inside a cool house during the hottest part of the day. Limit your walks with your canine friend to early morning or evenings after it has cooled down. Best for you and him in keeping your dog safe from the heat.

One of the greatest dangers from heat lies within one of dog’s favorite activities, the coveted car ride. Head out the window, fur flying in the breeze (and all over the car and you), nothing could be finer in a dog’s mind. And, all is fine as long as the air conditioner is running. But summertime rides are best kept to short non-stop jaunts. Once the car stops and the air conditioner is off, the temperature starts to rapidly rise. The temperature inside the car can reach 120 degrees within a few minutes, even with the windows slightly open. A dog’s normal temperature is 101.5. At 107 brain damage can occur and at 120 he can suffer from heat exhaustion and die.

COLD

Dogs are not meant to endure exposure to very low temperatures any more than humans are. Take every precaution to shelter your dog from the elements. The best and most recommended way is to allow your dog to live indoors with you. Being social creature, dogs need the companionship of their family. If you must (and there is rarely a situation where you must) keep your dog outside, provide him with a warm, safe shelter).

Purchase an insulated dog house for your dog. Place it in an area blocked by the wind, such as behind your house or surrounded by a fence. Never, Never, under any circumstances, chain your dog. Provide him with a fence for safety so he can move about freely. Position the opening of the house away from the direction the wind is blowing. Keep warm, dry blankets in the house or better yet, a heated dog kennel mat and surround the house with bales of straw to provide further insulation against the wind and cold. Check regularly to assure that the bedding is dry.

Provide your dog with a heated water bowl to protect the water from freezing. Keep the water clean and free of debris and change it daily. Check throughout the day to be sure your heated dog dish stays full.

INSECTS

Bugs and bees can create a serious problem for your precocious pooch. Just as curiosity killed the cat, butting into a bug’s business can injure the dog. Bees may appear busy but they are never too busy to notice when a dog’s nose is checking out the same flower they have an interest in. A nasty sting is the likely result. This calls for first aid. Make sure to keep some antihistamine on hand to help keep your dog safe, should he be allergic.

Ants flies and spiders can also cause some discomfort or even death in the case of a poisonous spider bite. There are some obvious symptoms that can indicate a bug bite. These would require first aid and possibly a speedy trip to the Vet. And of course, the annoying mosquito cannot be ignored. This warm weather pest can infect your beloved pet with the deadly heartworm if he is not on a heartworm prevention medication.

Flea infestation also escalates during the warm weather months. These pests love hot dry weather and multiply rapidly. Check your dog’s skin and coat thoroughly after each venture outdoors. There are many good products that can help to prevent these buggers from becoming a problem for your pet.

PLANTS

Many summer plants, while pretty to look at, can be irritating or deadly to eat or touch. There is a long list of plants that are dangerous for your pet because of their poisonous qualities. And there are those that are dangerous simply due to their structure.

Thorns from roses can become lodged in a sensitive paw and possibly cause infection if not swiftly removed. Check you dog’s paws regularly, especially if you notice him limping. If a thorn is found, remove it promptly and watch the dog closely to be sure his walking returns to normal. If not, a Vet. visit is the next step.

Even a harmless looking vine can become a hazard if your dog becomes tangled in it’s grasp. Better to keep them trimmed back.

The best prevention is to do a thorough scan of the area your dog plays in and eliminate any potential hazardous elements. In general, anything that would be a harmful plant to a child would also be harmful to your dog. Maybe even more so since dogs tend to scamper into smaller areas and are never cautious about anything.

Any season can be a great fun time for you and your dog with just a little thought and planning on your part. ENJOY!