The condition is defined as a deterioration of cartilage. Cartilage normally covers the bones where they meet and form a joint, preventing them from rubbing against each other while moving. When the protective material wears down, the underlying bone becomes exposed. Depending on the severity of the cartilage’s deterioration, your dog may experience a high level of pain. In severe cases, it can lead to lameness.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the condition. Because many owners remain unaware of their dog’s pain, we’ll describe common symptoms you might observe. You’ll also learn how degenerative joint disease can occur and how it can be treated. Lastly, we’ll offer a few tips for managing DJD and providing comfort for your canine.

Common Symptoms Of Degenerative Joint Disease

One of the most obvious warning signs is a limp. If your pooch suffers from arthritis, you may see him favoring the affected leg whenever he walks. This might be more pronounced when he gets up after resting in the same spot for a long period. If the problem is acute, you’ll notice him treating his arthritic limb gingerly; he may even react in pain when you touch the affected site.

Degenerative joint disease is a progressive condition. It worsens with time as the cartilage continues to wear away, exposing more of the bone and causing more pain for your dog. The symptoms described above will begin mildly and steadily grow more noticeable.

Reasons The Condition Develops

Many owners mistakenly believe that canine arthritis is a genetic disease. In reality, while some breeds (e.g. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, etc.) are genetically predisposed, any dog can develop the condition. Moreover, it can potentially form at any age.

Occasionally, DJD is the result of a dislocation or trauma to the affected area. Sometimes, it occurs due to obesity; more weight is placed upon the limbs, creating excess pressure and leading to cartilage wear.

Arthritis can also develop as the result of a bone fracture or injury to the ligaments. Dysplasia, a common problem that can afflict your dog’s hips and elbows, can also contribute to DJD. In effect, there are many potential causes for degenerative joint disease.

Managing Degenerative Joint Disease

Once a veterinarian has diagnosed the problem, attention is devoted to providing your canine with a level of comfort. Sadly, arthritis cannot be cured; once it develops, the only form of “treatment” is represented by pain management.

Weight management and routine exercise are the first lines of defense against further erosion of the cartilage. If your pooch is overweight, the veterinarian will create a diet that will help him shed the excess. This is important because DJD will make moving progressively more difficult for your dog. Inactivity and excess weight will further reduce his quality of life.

Exercise should come in the form of low-impact activities that provide plenty of motion for the affected limb. Daily walks are essential. Swimming may also be appropriate because it places zero weight on your canine’s limbs.

Because the discomfort worsens as the temperature declines, take steps to help your pooch stay warm. That can include extra bedding or moving his bed away from windows in order for him to avoid drafts. It can even include having him wear a sweater that covers the affected leg.

If there are steep declines or jumps that your dog is no longer capable of managing (e.g. jumping onto your bed or into your car), consider buying a ramp. The ramp will make such distances easier to traverse. It will also make doing so far less painful.

Severe canine arthritis can dramatically lower your dog’s quality of life. If you notice your pooch showing symptoms, make an appointment with his veterinarian. That’s the first step toward taking measures to slow the disease and make him more comfortable.

Similar Posts:

• Arthritis in Dogs
• Tips For Caring For Dogs With Arthritis
• Is Dog Arthritis Affecting Your Pet
• Pet Arthritis: Understanding Your Pets Joint Pains
• Exercising Your Senior Pooch

Toxic pesticides are considered an active poison. They are extremely dangerous to your health, your pets health and our environment.

Every year, thousands of domestic pets and wild life lose their lives to the ravaging effects of pesticide poisoning. Most pet lovers also enjoy gardening and the great outdoors. Little do they know what caustic ingredients are in the pesticides that are being sprayed on lawns and green areas. We take for granted that most herbicides used by gardeners or sold in stores are safe. Many name brands such as “Weed n’ Feed” and “Round Up” contain the same deadly cancer causing ingredients that were found in Agent Orange. Another synthetic poison found in these two well known garden products is 2,4-D. It is also the active ingredient found in “Killex.” It can cause loss of reflex in humans along with comas, kidney and liver failure. In dogs it is the number one killer causing malignant lymphomas, a form of cancer.

Sadly, just five percent of pesticides reach their target weeds and garden pest. The rest are absorbed into our earth, targeting our water supplies through a process called run off or simply just dissipates into our air. Major health damage can occur when Toxic Pesticides are absorbed through our skin, swallowed or inhaled. When not applied correctly, pesticides can settle on ponds, pools, children’s toys, pets left outdoors and even drift through open windows settling on our furniture, bedding and even our floors. This deadly poison is often tracked into our homes by our shoes and pets paws.

We all face the continuing problem of toxic by-products through years of pesticide residue that is in our food supply and everyday environment. What we don’t realize is how wide spread pesticide poisoning really is. These caustic chemicals are virtually used in all of our public buildings including our children’s schools and play yards, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and private homes. Pesticide abuse is used in our agriculture and forest areas.

Why are Pets Vulnerable to Pesticide Poisoning?

* Pets spend most of their time close to the ground, this is where pesticide concentration is highest.

* Pets ingest most pesticides while grooming themselves. Any contact with chemicals connect with their fur and paws and is then ingested by the pet.

* Pets spend more time outside and play in heavily treated areas.

* Pets have higher absorption rates than human systems. Animals may be more sensitive and easily poisoned by conditions deemed safe to people.

Signs of Pesticide Poisoning In Pets

* Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth.

* Loss of thirst and appetite.

* Vomiting or diarrhea.

* Immune function decline.

* Convulsions and disorientation.

* Birds and fish die due to toxic runoff in our water supply.

* Feline thyroid disease.

* Dogs contract cancer (malignant lymphoma)

What Can We Do To Stop Pesticide Poisoning?

* Adapt an alternative “green” solution for pest control.

* Enjoy your weeds and bugs. They are part of nature.

* Educate yourself about pesticides used by your HOA, Lawn Service and immediate neighbors.

* Do not allow your pets to drink from ponds or outside water sources – always keep fresh, clean water readily available.

* Leash your pets, allowing them to run free is not a good idea.

* Bathe and brush your pets often.

* Wash down your outdoor living area.

* Think eco-conscious when dealing with your environment.

Protect yourself and your pets from synthetic pesticides by being an educated consumer and willing activist in our eco-system.

Similar Posts:

• What To Look For When Using Organic Skin Care Products
• Why it is Good to Eat Organic
• Alcohol and Pets: A Deadly Cocktail
• Attracting Wild Birds With A Bird Garden
• Poison-proofing Your Home

In this article, we’ll begin by describing some of the benefits of crating your pooch. We’ll then explain the advantages of buying a plastic crate versus a wire kennel. You’ll also learn about exercise pens, which may be an ideal solution for some types of canines.

Reasons For Crating Your Dog

In addition to your pooch being instinctively drawn to his personal crate, it’s a valuable tool for other purposes. For example, crating is an effective strategy for housebreaking a pup. Because he naturally perceives his pen as his personal refuge, he will avoid soiling it. Many owners have found that their puppies learn to control their bladders and bowels more quickly than otherwise.

Another reason to crate your puppy is to avoid the sometimes obnoxious, unruly behavior pups often display. This is not to suggest his pen should represent punishment for bad behavior. Instead, it’s a way to control his energy during short periods when you’re unable to closely supervise him.

Also, if your dog is difficult to control while you’re driving, installing a pen in your vehicle will help you avoid problems. It’s safer than allowing him to roam freely.

Plastic Versus Wire

There are two main types of kennels (we’ll ignore exercise pens for a moment): wire and plastic. Both offer advantages that are exclusive to the material used and the construction of each. Wire pens provide plenty of ventilation. They’re also easy to peer through so you’ll be able to monitor your canine while he’s inside. These kennels are relatively easy to clean, collapse for storage, and can be modified to accommodate your growing pooch.

Plastic crates are valuable if you happen to travel frequently with your pet, especially by air. Most airlines will only allow plastic and will turn you away if your dog’s kennel is made of wire. Also, a lot of people argue that a plastic kennel provides dogs with more privacy than its wire counterpart. While this may be true, the same level of privacy can be created by placing a blanket over a wire pen.

Exercise Pens

An exercise pen is ideal for energetic puppies or canines who enjoy having room to walk around. There’s no top or bottom. Instead, a wire frame is erected and attached end to end to block off a specific area. The frame is not substantial. It will not withstand climbing or a frontal assault. For this reason, it is more appropriate for dogs and puppies who are less aggressive during confinement.

Size Considerations

One of the most common mistakes owners make when buying a crate for their canine is to purchase one that is too big. If your dog is an adult, this will be less problematic than if he were a puppy. Puppies that are crated within areas too large for them are often inclined to eliminate in a corner.

So, what is the right size? Your dog should be able to lie down comfortably with a few inches of space between his body and each side of the crate. He should also be able to stand and turn around completely without bumping the sides or top. It may seem slightly claustrophobic to you, but your canine sees it differently.

Crating is valuable for a number of reasons. Among them, your dog will enjoy having his own “den” to which he can retreat for some time alone.

Similar Posts:

• Reasons Many Canines Become Averse to Crates
• The Ins and Outs of Crate Training Your Puppy
• Crate Training, Good For You and Your Dog
• Several Tips For Selecting the Right Kennel For Your Pooch
• How and Why to Crate Train a Puppy

Below, we’ll provide a brief checklist of the things you should do to make sure your dog stays as healthy as possible. You’ll discover the importance of routine veterinary care, exercise, a proper diet, and dental care. Not only can you reduce the likelihood of his experiencing health problems down the road, but you’ll also strengthen the friendship you share together.

Regular Veterinary Checkups And Examinations

This is arguably the most important step you can take toward maintaining your pooch’s health. His veterinarian is the only person who is trained to provide checkups and routine examinations with an eye for potential problems. If your dog already suffers from a health problem, the vet can suggest the best course of action to resolve the condition and minimize his discomfort. Even if your canine seems perfectly healthy, routine visits to the veterinarian can reveal hidden issues before they become serious.

Daily Exercise

Just like people, canines need exercise to remain healthy. Every breed (and indeed, every pooch) is different. Some will crave more exercise than others. Unfortunately, a lot of owners are either unaware their dogs need daily exercise or knowingly ignore it due to the inconvenience of accommodating them.

Plan to take your pooch for a walk at least once a day. If possible, take him on two or three walks. If you’re unsure how much exercise is “too much,” let him decide. When given the chance, most dogs will exercise as much as you let them.

High-Quality Commercial Food

Diet and nutrition are critical ingredients to keeping your canine healthy. You’ll see the effects in the luster of his coat. His weight will stay within a small range. The amount of energy he has will be consistent for his breed (poor nutrition leads to lethargy). His overall temperament will be positive. All of these characteristics are natural for healthy dogs.

Invest in high-quality commercial dog food that contains the vitamins and nutrients he needs at his age. Also, consider asking the veterinarian to suggest appropriate meal sizes, given your pooch’s normal energy level. Aside from the occasional treat, avoid the temptation to feed your canine table scraps. They are a common catalyst for obesity.

Routine Care For His Teeth And Gums

Particles of food can become lodged between your dog’s teeth and gums. If these particles are not removed, they will eventually set the stage for plaque. When plaque forms on your pooch’s teeth, his saliva will gradually turn it into tartar. This causes gingivitis. If it is not resolved, it evolves into periodontal disease. In severe cases, the bacteria that gathers at the site can gain entry into your canine’s bloodstream and spread throughout his body, causing other problems.

All of the above can be prevented by providing routine dental care. Brush your pooch’s teeth each day to help remove food particles from his teeth and gums. Also, give him hard dog treats that will help dislodge particles and debris. Lastly, make regular dental appointments with the veterinarian for a thorough cleaning.

Recognizing Problems Before They Worsen

When a person feels ill, they can communicate with words. Because your canine lacks that ability, it is important to learn how to recognize signs that hint there may be a problem. That might include difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, or a dozen other traits. Medical issues can worsen quickly in canines, which means you need to recognize the clues as soon as possible.

Your dog’s long-term well-being is largely up to you. Use the list above to provide the care he needs to stay healthy and happy.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Dog treats can be so much more than a quick snack for your pet. They can be used to encourage good behavior and entice your pet?s mind and curiosity. If you know the best kinds and the right way to present them, you can help your pet work out frustration and energy as well as help them develop good social practices.

A Hidden Surprise

Dogs are thinking creatures, even if most people do not recognize them as such. They can learn a great deal and enjoy engaging their minds. Even as they age, it is important to keep them busy and learning. One great way to do so is by using dog treats with ?thinking? toys such as a Kong. These are designed with chambers intended to hide treats. When given to your dog, he doesn?t immediately have access to the treat. Instead, he must work them out by gnawing and chewing.

This has an added bonus of helping to keep your dog?s teeth clean. As he chews on the rubbery surface, he can work out any food or debris stuck between teeth. Plus this is a great way to keep him occupied when company visits or when you need some peace and quiet.

A Longer Lasting Dog Treat

Pet treat manufacturers have began producing lines of longer lasting treats. These are intended to be completely devoured; however it takes your pet a lot longer to work through them. Many well known brands make these unique dog treats, such as the famous Busy Bone. They are usually larger than a regular biscuit and cylindrical in shape. Some feature a harder outer layer with a different flavor at the center.

The only downside to this type of dog treat is the cost. For the same price as a bag of treats, you can get one or two longer lasting alternatives. It is recommended to reserve these treats for times when you need your pet distracted rather than for every day rewards.

A Food-Influenced Attention Span

Dogs are very receptive to food, although you should never only offer edible rewards. This can lead to overfeeding and your pet?s expectations that a treat will always be given. Instead, use the treat reward efficiently by only offering it when your dog does exactly as he was supposed to or makes a large step in training. The rest of the time, stick with praise.

During the obedience training phase, you might have trouble keeping your pet?s attention in certain situations. One temporary fix is to keep a couple treats in your pocket. Let your dog see and smell the treats, but do not allow him or her to become overbearing or muscle their nose in to grab one. Instead, practice a basic sit and stay. Try this when company visits or when there is activity in the house. Your pet will learn to stay near you and remain still and quiet despite outside stimulation. Be patient because this takes time and repetition. Always offer the reward at some point to keep your dog interested.

Dog treats are a great way to teach your pet good behavior and keep him or her busy when you need to focus attention elsewhere. With so many brands available, it is easy to find the right size and flavor for your pet. Add a Kong toy or try freezing treats in ice as a new way to present the same treats your four legged friend loves.

Similar Posts:

• Dog Treat Discussion: What is Your Pet?s Favorites Treats
• Brushing up on Dog Obedience
• Teaching Your Dog Their Name is the Most Important First Step in Training Your Dog
• Clicker Training With Treats
• Clicker Training a Dog

Everyone knows the saying, ?you can?t teach an old dog new tricks.? This is actually not accurate. Dog?s of all ages are anxious learners, provided you know how to communicate with them. On the other hand, an old dog can actually start to forget his old tricks if they are not put into practice. If you have noticed your canine companion slacking off lately, consider using treat reinforcement to get him back on his toes again!

Treats and Positive Reinforcement

Dogs are good at learning to associate what they do with your reaction. Have you ever noticed if your pet does something wrong, he puts his tail down and lowers his head. This is because he has been punished before and, even though you did not see him doing the ?bad? activity, he assumes since he did it you will react. This can be used in reverse to encourage him into good behavior with positive reinforcement. Let him see that when he does something correct, he gets a good reaction from you.

Surprise, a Treat!

If your dog has been ignoring you a lot lately, it is time to get his attention again. Even a simple recall (coming when his name is called) can be ignored if he knows he can get away with it. First, practice the command in a calm, quiet setting. As soon as he responds correctly, give him a surprise treat. In many cases, your dog is not ?stupid? or ?forgetting? what he is supposed to do. It is a test of wills. He knows you won?t follow through, so he doesn?t bother. On the other hand, he may not be receiving a positive reward for following through, so he has no motivation to do so.

Never get into the habit of treating every time your pet listens, especially with basic commands. Instead, offer an occasional treat to keep him interested and the rest of the time praise and pet him. Many dog owners do not realize the value their canines? put in petting and an enthusiastic ?Good boy!? You might be surprised at the results from just that type of award alone.

Click ? Treat ? Click

Even if you did not use clicker training when your dog was a puppy, you can still turn to this efficient method of communication. The idea is you get your dog to associate the click of the clicker with a positive reinforcement (praise and treats). Once he learns, give him a click and reward each time he does what he is supposed to.

Now that he is conditioned for clicker training, and you know how it works, it is time to begin going back over his old list of commands. Start with the easiest, a basic recall, sit, lie down, stay, and then work up from there. He may become so responsive, you might want to teach him new, advanced commands he did not know before.

Treats can be a valuable tool when reminding your dog about his obedience training. Age has nothing to do with how much a canine can learn. If you are patient and willing to put in the time, you can get your pet back on track and even teach him a few additional commands along the way!

Similar Posts:

• Clicker Training Dogs
• Clicker Training With Treats
• Clicker Training a Dog
• Dog Obedience Training ? Some More Basics
• Dog Obedience Tips: The Basics

There truly are no bad dogs. There are dogs that have been mistreated and dogs that have been misunderstood. This is why communication with your canine is vital to ensure a long, happy relationship together. Many people try to win their pet?s affection by offering toys and treats in hopes that it will somehow remedy obedience problems. The truth is this might be making the situation worse. If you are searching for an efficient, positive way to train your dog, consider clicker training with dog treats.

The Concept behind Clicker Training

Clicker training is far more effective if you understand how it works. The idea is that your dog will learn to associate a sound (the click) with a positive reward. You must move forward in baby steps, offering a click and immediate reward anytime your dog moves even an inch in the right direction. Think of it as a connect-the-dots puzzle for your dog. Each click is a dot and he connects them through movement. Once he knows where each dot is, he can connect them all without a click for each movement.

The Value of Patience

Impatience is the bane of clicker dog training. If you move too fast, your pet may not understand. You may not realize it, but you could be missing a key step in the puzzle that will completely throw your pet off. If you are having trouble, take a break and return to training refreshed. Then go back over what your pet already knows. This will encourage him through success and help you figure out where you went too fast.

The Treat in Clicker Training

Dog treats are very effective rewards when attempting to clicker train your pet. That does not mean every reward should consist of a full sized dog biscuit. You do not want your dog to expect the food treat every time he is successful. Instead, keep him guessing by combining praise with treat rewards. A significant advancement should be rewarded with the treat while each smaller success should earn praise and an affectionate pat.

Size Matters when Using Treats

In order to avoid over feeding your pet, make sure you are using small treats. Some people take a larger biscuit and cut it down into tiny, bite sized pieces. Others prefer dog treats that can be purchased in a prepackaged smaller size. No matter which you choose, avoid rewarding your pet with a treat for every click. Canine obesity can cause many other dangerous health conditions. Plus, your dog needs to eat his daily meals. He may be less enticed if he is full of treat rewards, and could end up missing out on important vitamins and minerals he needs for a long life span.

Timing the Click

Timing is everything when clicker training. You must be ready to react as soon as your pet makes one correct move. Give a quick click and immediately follow up with a treat or praise reward. By doing this, your dog can easily isolate the desired movement and put it together with the movements he already learned. If you delay the click and reward, he will become confused and communication begins to break down. This can lead to lack of motivation and frustration for both you and your pet.

Clicker training your dog can be a fun, exciting experience. He will be anxious to learn and earn his rewards and you will be amazed at his progress. Every dog has unlimited potential if he or she has a human who is willing to put in the time, effort and patience required to teach commands and positive behavior. Treats can make training even more efficient, as long as you know the proper way to incorporate them into your reward system. In time, you will learn how to communicate with your dog. This can strengthen bonds and set the stage for a healthy, happy canine-human relationship.

Similar Posts:

• Clicker Training Dogs
• Brushing up on Dog Obedience
• Clicker Training a Dog
• Dog Clicker Training
• Teaching Your Dog Their Name is the Most Important First Step in Training Your Dog

Rawhide Dog Treats

Rawhide dog treats are very popular among canine connoisseurs. These come in a wide range of shapes, from traditional knots and flat ?ear? shapes to baseball and tennis shoe novelty variations. This type of treat usually lasts a little longer, depending on the size of your dog. A small dog could enjoy their rawhide for hours or even days while a larger one might get a solid ten minutes of chew time out of the treat.

Unlike most dog biscuits, rawhide treats can be a great distraction when guests arrive. Just put your dog in a safe place and give him a rawhide to focus on. If you avoid overfeeding rawhides, your dog will remain quiet and occupied. The only downside is, for some dogs, rawhides can cause gas issues that owners find highly unpleasant.

Dry Biscuit Dog Treats

Dry treats are usually less gas-inducing and dogs love them. It is a good idea to offer a dry biscuit only on rare occasions. Some dogs can grow tired of them and become finicky about their snacks. Dry biscuits are great for traveling because they won?t easily become smashed or smear and, for the most part, temperature doesn?t affect them much. They stay fresh and ready to be eaten (provided you place them in a sealed container to avoid staleness).

Many brands now have dry dog biscuits in all shapes and sizes. Some even add a human twist by making them shaped like cookies we humans enjoy. You can easily find a size that is suitable for your pet, or buy a larger biscuit and break it down for training rewards.

Soft Dog Treats

Many dogs love the texture of soft dog treats. Just like the first two varieties, these come in fun dog themed shapes, from bacon and meat designs to basic tubes, circles and cubes. It is generally not advised to feed your pet an excessive quantity of soft biscuits. These can upset your dog?s stomach and induce gas problems (which are far from pleasant).

Soft dog treats are beneficial when training because you can easily slice them down into whatever size you wish. Give your dog a tasty reward without making him overweight or dependent upon the reward. Make sure you store soft dog treats in an air tight container and avoid excessive temperature changes to keep them soft and solid.

Just like humans, dogs have their own taste preferences. Consider switching between different types of dog treats to keep your pet interested. You do not have to give an entire treat if you want to watch your pet?s weight. It is also important to remember that treats are just that, and should not be used as your pet?s daily meals. With so many flavors, shapes and sizes out there, it is easy to keep your dog happy and well-rewarded!

Similar Posts:

• Clicker Training With Treats
• A Longer Lasting Dog Treat
• Healthy Dog Treats
• Canine Dental Concerns: Dog Treats To Enhance Your Dog?s Smile
• Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Treats

When I was a younger, and one might argue a stupider pet owner, I was at a friendly backyard gathering and had brought my dog. It was a burgers and beer bash, a nice neighborhood get-together. Because I had had a couple myself, I laughed at first when one of my friends gave my dog a bit of beer, but was forever after wishing he hadn?t done that. Luckily I put a stop to it before she got a real snootful, and it was a good thing I did, since when I asked the vet about it the next day he told me that alcohol was definitely harmful to dogs and cats. It?s a good thing I asked, since it seemed my dog had acquired a love for the stuff, and the next bash I took her to I caught her tipping over people?s beer bottles so she could have a sip or ten. That was the last party for her!

As little as three ounces of liquor in a 10-15 pound animal is enough to depress your pet?s nervous system and stop its breathing. And though most pets will turn up their nose at most forms of alcohol, if it?s the holidays and the smell of the liquor is hidden behind the milk and eggs in eggnog, that could be a formula for disaster.

Cats cannot process alcohol at all, and one tablespoon of undiluted whiskey is enough to kill the average sized cat.

There are other issues besides the alcohol itself. Grapes are toxic to dogs, so wine is doubly dangerous, and the smaller the dog, the quicker the level of toxicity will be reached. Artificial sweetener of any kind, and especially xylitol which is a form of alcohol, is also toxic to dogs and cats, Artificial sweeteners are an ingredient in many mixed drink mixers and wine coolers.

The problem isn?t necessarily one of intentionally feeding an animal one of these drinks, but of it being available to them when backs are turned, as people at parties leave these beverages in places where animals can easily stick their noses into the glass or easily knock over a bottle.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in a dog are, unfortunately, similar to those of a bunch of other common doggie ailments, though smelling their breath is one tipoff that their symptoms may be alcohol related. Acting sluggish and vague, and vomiting are two of the symptoms. Sometimes your pet will act either exceptionally lethargic or highly energized. If your pet has ingested a toxic amount, their breathing will slow, or possibly arrest completely, or they could lapse into a coma, or their heart could stop. In cats the symptoms are similar to a dog?s, but you might also see excessive urination or incontinence. Get your pet to the vet immediately. The vet will most likely administer activated charcoal to absorb the alcohol, and hydrate your pet intravenously with electrolytes, dextrose and sodium bicarbonate. If there is reduced respiratory function your pet will be put on a ventilator until they can breathe on their own again.

One thing many people don?t know is that there is a form of alcohol that makes up the antifreeze you use in your car, and it?s a highly concentrated form that is very toxic to pets. Keep pets away from antifreeze and antifreeze spills, and make sure to clean them up thoroughly.

Prevention is thousands of times better than having to treat this problem, and it is totally preventable. Keep your pet safe and keep alcoholic drinks out of reach of your pets!

Similar Posts:

• Paws & Pesticides – A Deadly Combination
• What To Look For When Using Organic Skin Care Products
• Flu in Dogs and Cats – Is it Possible?
• Panic Attacks – What Are Some Of The Symptoms And Effects Of Agoraphobia?
• Best Canned Dog Food to Your Dog’s Health

Greenies

Treats If you have ever visited a pet store, you have probably seen the uniquely shaped and colored Greenies dog treats. These stand out mostly for their appearance. They are green in color and shaped like a rounded tooth brush. Many dog owners turn to this brand as an easy solution to help promote good dental health in their pets.

Most dogs enjoy the taste of Greenies, and as they chew, they are cleaning their teeth. The biscuit is easy to digest which makes it safe for almost any dog. The only downside is, if your dog does not properly chew his Greenies, he will miss out on the dental benefits, which is the reason for giving them to him in the first place. Try purchasing a slightly larger size Greenie treat to ensure your pet is thoroughly chewing before he swallows.

The Dentabone

Pedigree pet food brand also makes a line of dog treats called Dentabones. These have a chalky white appearance and are shaped something like an actual bone with a wider end. The shape and texture are intended to promote deeper cleaning as your dog works the bone in his mouth. Dogs love the taste and many owners have reported their pet?s breath smells fresh for a long while after.

The only downside to the Dentabone is the cost. The packaging recommends about one bone per dog per day for effective dental cleaning. However, the bones are generally sold in three packs which means owners have to buy multiple packs just to get through a single week.

Dental Dog Toys

There is yet another alternative to feeding your pet teeth-cleaning treats. Many pet supply stores now carry dental dog toys. These are designed to get between teeth while your dog plays and chews. Some feature bristles while others are constructed of rubber meant to work out old food and other things that can accumulate in your pet?s mouth. There are even combination designs that are made entirely of rubber but feature cone shaped ?bristles? so you get the best of both worlds.

Your pet?s dental hygiene should be just as important as his health. In the end, poor tooth care can begin to effect your pet?s health status. He might not be able to eat as he once did and could suffer from infections and pain caused by tooth decay. Owners who monitor and maintain their dog?s dental health can ensure their pet has a long, pain-free life with the added bonus of fresher breath and a glistening doggy grin!

Similar Posts:

• How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
• Providing For Your Canine’s Dental Care Needs
• Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
• Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Treats
• Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease