Dog Care Tips

More pet owners are beginning to realize just how important dental care is for pets, as an increasing number of dogs and cats are having dental problems. Of course, you should make a point of consulting your vet as quickly as possible if you think that your dog or cat is having problems with their teeth or gums. However, some simple dental care and maintenance can be carried out quickly and easily at home.

Simply providing your dog with a piece of bone to chew on is one of the most effective ways to help him develop healthy and strong teeth. Always check for sharp points before giving your dog a bone.

Pekingese and other smaller breeds of dog have their teeth closer together in their mouth, and for this reason they are more likely to develop dental issues, such as tooth disease. Check for plaque on the teeth regularly if you have a Pekingese or other small dog breed.

Giving your dog a raw beef bone every so often is one of the best ways to reduce the chances of disease and bacteria, and to prevent plaque from building up. Although you should do it very carefully, you can brush your dog’s teeth much as you would brush your own teeth. You will need to use special pet designed toothpaste and a toothbrush recommended by your vet.

Take a look in your local pet store to get an idea of the range of dental products designed specifically for dogs, and that can help to get rid of a lot of that tarter and plaque. Some toys for dogs and some brands of dry dog food are designed to help to keep your dog’s teeth clean.

You can buy special dental wipes designed to get rid of plaque and tarter from your dog’s teeth, and doing this regularly can help to greatly reduce the chances of periodontal disease. If you feel that you just can’t effectively clean your dog’s teeth or you suspect that you aren’t getting rid of all the plaque, you will need to make an appointment for the vet to do it.

See Why Spaying And Neutering Your Dog Is Important.

Just like humans, dogs can have allergies to food and some of the symptoms can give you a clue that your dog has an allergy. Skin infections, itching around the face, ear infections, an itching belly and chewing of limbs can all be signs of a food allergy.

Unfortunately, commercially manufactured dog food that most of us feed our dog is the cause of many food allergies in dogs. The proteins, fillers and colorings present in these foods are largely responsible, and store bought dog food can lead to allergies in many dogs. The most commonly affected parts of your dog are the GI tract and the skin.

Unusual behavior, such as scratching after eating can often be a sign of allergies to food, and it is the responsibility of every dog owner to be aware of these signs. Scratching can also be a sign of a fungal infection or other condition.

Corn and wheat allergies are common in dogs, although there can be a big difference in the reaction level. You can get a fairly accurate idea of what your dog is eating by making a point of always checking the ingredients on the label. Try to avoid foods that contain a lot of food coloring.

Food allergies in dogs can also lead to excessively restless behavior or hyperactivity. Allergies can also be brought on by the preservatives and high levels of fat present in some store bought dog food brands. If in doubt, always read the label carefully before buying any dog food or feeding it to your dog; you may need to consult your vet if you feel you need further advice on what to feed him.

It can often be hard to accurately diagnose a food allergy, as some of the symptoms described above may be indications of other issues, such as problems with the digestive system. To determine of it actually is your dog’s food that is responsible for any issues, keep an eye on your dog’s behavior before, during and after feeding. Check the ingredients listed on the label and see if there are any connections with their symptoms.

See Raw ground beef for dogs and cats.