Canine Dental Care: How to do it and Why

Maybe you’ve always joked that you need to do something about your dog’s terrible breath, especially when he wakes you up with sloppy, loving kisses all over your face.  But while actually brushing his teeth may sound downright strange to you, keeping up with your dog’s dental care is about much more than bad breath- it is a question of health.

Caring for your dog’s teeth could actually save his life.  How?  Over time, your dog’s decaying teeth become a breeding ground for bacteria that can enter his blood stream causing dangerous and even life threatening infections.  The best way to treat these infections is to prevent them in the first place through proper dental care.  The most popular ways to keep up with proper dental hygiene for your dog are with dental chews, tooth brushing, and professional cleaning.

Dental chews, sold in many sizes and varieties at any pet store, are dog treats shaped in a way to scrape plaque off of your dog’s teeth as he chews them.  The obvious benefit to these treats is their ease of use.  There is no need to pry your dog’s mouth open and head in with a toothbrush.  Simply give the dog the treat and he will chew on it on his own.  The downside, however, is that these treats are not as thorough as a full brushing session.

When choosing a dental chew, make sure you buy the appropriate size for your dog and that you give the treat no more often than recommended on the label.  Also make sure to select ones without dyes if your dog will be chewing them in a carpeted area.  As with all dog chews, you should supervise your dog while he is eating it.

Another important part of dental hygiene is brushing your dog’s teeth.  Pet stores sell appropriately sized brushes and toothpastes with flavors that will appeal to your dog.  The most important thing to remember when you begin is to introduce your dog to this slowly.  First place a little toothpaste on the brush and allow your dog to lick it off.   This will get him used to both the toothbrush and the taste of the toothpaste.  Slowly transition from this introduction to brushing your dog’s teeth, making sure to use lots of praise.  He may not let you brush all of his teeth the first time, but the important thing is for him to get used to the feel of the brush and learn that it will not hurt him.  Eventually he will get used to tooth brushing as it becomes part of his regular routine.

The final, and perhaps more controversial, aspect of canine dental hygiene is having your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally by a veterinarian.  These cleanings, recommended annually by some vets, are much like our own regular dental visits with one key difference: your dog will be placed under anesthesia.  Although most dogs will do fine with this, anesthesia always carries some risk, and there will be a small number of dogs who never wake up.  Your dog’s risk will depend on his age, general health, and other factors.  When considering whether to have your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally, talk to your veterinarian about the possible benefits and risks for your individual dog.

Whether you opt for dental chews, teeth brushing, veterinary cleaning, or any combination of the above, you can feel confident that any step you take towards maintaining your dog’s teeth today will help keep him healthy in the years to come.  

Here is part two on food. I will post more give me time.

Canine Influenza H3N9 is especially risky for puppies, dogs with suppressed immune systems and senior dogs.  Don’t put your dog at risk…learn more about this dog flu, before it’s too late!

Since Labor Day Weekend 2009, this highly contagious respiratory viral infection of dogs has roared like a wild fire, up the East Coast from Miami to New England.
It is caused by the subtype H3N8 of the influenza A virus.
It is the source of acute respiratory infection in dogs.  It can cause respiratory disease alone, or in combination with other canine respiratory pathogens.
It is not seasonal…dogs can contract it year round.
All dogs regardless of age or breed are at risk.
Affects dogs only.
100% of dogs are susceptible…80% will show signs, 20% will not become ill, but can still be a carrier.
Dogs not exhibiting symptoms can spread the disease.
Symptoms are: persistent coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and transient low-grade fever, lack of appetite, lack of energy.  The cough can last up to 1 month.
Coughing is the dog’s way of ridding the virus from their body.  Do not give cough suppressant!
Take precautions to prevent secondary infections such as a yellow-green nasal discharge and pneumonia.
It is spread through airborne pathogens (coughing or sneezing), direct contact (licking, kissing, nuzzling, shared bowls) and contaminated surfaces (hands, clothing, furniture, bedding, dog bedding, crates, kennels, toys, bowls, dog collars, dog leashes and other surfaces)
It can be treated with antibiotics, to avoid or lessen risks of secondary infection.
If inoculated before infected, severity may be reduced with the H3N8 vaccine – given in 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by an annual revaccination.
Dogs currently vaccinated for Bordetella (kennel cough) are likely candidates for the CIV H3N8.
Unless inoculated, avoid large gatherings of dogs.
Washing hands, clothing, and other items in soap and water can easily inactivate the virus. (virus can survive for up to 48 hours otherwise)
Concrete and metal surfaces should be cleaned with a 1-part bleach to 9-parts water.
For the first 7-10 days, infected dogs shed the virus through respiratory secretions.  Avoid contact with other dogs during this period if possible!
The virus usually runs its course usually in 2 weeks.  After that, the dog is no longer contagious.

Don’t take the risk!  If your dog shows the symptoms, get them to your vet, before secondary infections set in.

If they don’t show the symptoms, talk to your vet about the H3N8 vaccine.

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