Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I have nothing against veterinarians who prescribe dog teeth scaling for those animals with severe tartar buildup. For the doctor, this is the only real alternative she or he has for removing dangerous plaque buildup.
If you don't know what scaling is all about, allow me to explain. First and foremost, general anesthesia must be given to the dog. This is the single biggest negative factor against the procedure. The cleaning method used by the doctor is simply not possible with an awake pet.
For younger dogs, the drugs used are not usually a problem. Although some dogs can have a lethal reaction to them, most do fine. However, older canines are especially vulnerable to general anesthetic. Since this age of pet is most likely to need the teeth cleaning, older dogs are more often suggested for the procedure. Owners of any dog over the age 9 or 10 should be especially weary of risking this.
Once the dog is put under the anesthetic, various tools are used to "scale" the teeth in order to remove the plaque. The plaque can cause gum disease and from there the problem can lead to infections in various parts of the body as the bloodstream transfers the bacteria from the mouth area to the other parts of the body.
Another side result from the procedure is the fact that because there is usually bleeding of the gums during the cleaning, anti-biotics area required for the animal afterwards for up to ten days. These are both expensive and can lead to stomach upset problems.
The second important consideration for this method is the cost. Depending on which part of the country you live in, the fee can range from $200 to over $500. As many vets suggest the procedure every year or two, this can rapidly add up in cost.
There are alternatives to needing the scaling performed. If plaque can be kept from building up in the first place, there is no need for the risk or expense. There are two main methods for preventing tartar buildup. One is to feed the dog more raw foods instead processed can and dried formulas. Raw foods will help keep the tartar cleaned off and area also nutritionally better for the canine.
The other alternative involves using all natural dog tooth pastes and sprays which will not only remove the buildups, but will prevent the dangerous scale from beginning to take hold on the teeth. All these products are generally available on the Internet and are very effective for ensuring your canine's dental health. Using these cleaners are not as simple as a one-time scaling process; they do require the owner to put forth an effort. However, most pet lovers agree that the tradeoffs of expense and safety for the canine are well worth the work required.
Steve Weber is a long time dog lover and has many natural products for canine dental health on his web site. Canine teeth cleaning products are available which are 100% natural and safe for removing tartar on pet's teeth.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5961903
There's no question that electric dog fences are a "hot" subject. They make some people uncomfortable. Should you use an electric dog fence to contain your dog?
The Cons
Critics of electric dog fences say that there are many kinds of fences available to dog owners: chain link, wooden, farm fencing, invisible fencing. With so many choices, why would an owner want to use an electric fence?
An electric fence carries a small electric current that shocks a dog (or anyone else) when he touches the wire. Is that humane?
The Pros
Proponents of electric fencing say that the current in an electric fence is very small and does not injure a dog (or anyone else). These fence wires are also used for fencing cattle, horses and other animals without any problems.
Proponents also say that electric fences for dogs are often used as a last resort. These owners may have other fencing up in their yards. They may have chain link fences but their dogs dig under the fences or climb over. There are some dogs that are escape artists and won't stay in a yard no matter how good the fences. When owners have a dog like that they fear that the dog will be lost or hit by a car if they don't use electric fencing to keep the dog contained in the yard. In these cases the owner may add a string of electric wire along the base of the fence and/or along the top of the fence to keep the dog from getting out.
Is electric fencing humane? Yes, it probably is. It is widely used by farmers and others with animals. In most cases an animal will touch it once and doesn't go near the fence again. If a person touches it they receive a small shock -- enough to make them jump back but certainly not enough to harm them.
Electric dog fences are not pleasant or attractive but they probably do save the lives of some dogs who would otherwise dig under fences or climb over them to get out and frolic around their neighborhoods.
Although they may not be desirable or anyone's first choice of containment for dogs, electric dog fences do seem to serve a necessary purpose. They are not necessarily a sign of a bad or negligent owner. Instead, they can be a sign of an owner who is trying his best to keep his dog responsibly contained instead of allowing him to run loose.
In many cases an owner will put up a string of electric fence and, after the dog has touched it once and decided to keep away from the fence, the owner will unplug the fence. Simply having the wire up along the fence is enough of a deterrent to keep the dog from digging under the fence or trying to climb over it to get out of the yard.
If you have a dog who repeatedly gets out of your yard you will have to make your own decision about whether you want to use an electric dog fence or not. There may be other options but none of them are simple. Some people have dug several feet under their fences and poured concrete to prevent their dog from digging out. If your dog tries to climb the fence, some people have put up coyote rollers on the top of the fence that will make your dog roll off if he tries to go over. The simple fact is that it's hard to contain a dog that wants to get out of a yard. Electric dog fences are one option.
Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8155364
People often choose this type of containment system because it's easier to install than traditional fencing and much more economical. When people are in need of containing their dog in a large area of land an electric dog fence can do the job for about $300. If you choose to contain a large area of land with traditional fencing this could be an investment of thousands of dollars instead of hundreds. When considering an electric dog fence as an option there has to be a commitment from the owner in training their dog to respect the boundaries that you will establish.
There are many benefits to using an electric dog fence. A dog that is left unleashed will often wander into neighbors yard and get into all kinds of trouble causing damage and added stress to your family apart from being intimidating to people in your neighborhood.Dog fences help their owners keep their pets inside their properties. Electronic Pet fences have become a very popular solution in pet containment. They have proven to be very effective and reliable after proper training has been taken with your dog.
Electrical fences have become more common within the market and they are undoubtedly the most portable and versatile of all dog fences. There are two types of electronic dog fences available for you to choose from. There is an underground fence and a wireless fence.The underground fence often referred to as an in ground fence consist of wire that you will bury inches under the ground or you may staple the wires on to boards on top of the ground. The electronic dog fence system uses a radio dog collar along with a transmitter that sends out a radio signal to the collar. The electronic collar in response delivers and electronic static form of correction. This static form of correction along with your training will educate your dog in the boundaries that you have established.
All manufacturers and models of electric dog fences use electronic stimulation for correction as needed to train and contain your dog.these levels of static shock can be adjusted to accommodate the temperament and the needs of your best friend. The most reputable manufacturers in the industry of electronic Pet fences are PetSafe, Innotek and SportDog. Among these top manufacturers of electronic dog fences you will have to the highest in quality most reliable pet containment systems that are available in today's Market.
An underground fence offers more advantages than using a wireless fence. The underground fence gives you the ability to customize the containment to the exact shape of your yard and also allowing you to contain a larger area. This electric dog fence offers a safe and reliable option without building a traditional fence. The underground fence will take longer to install than the wireless fence but the instructions are easy to follow. When installing any electric Pet fence there are flags you will uses markers to put around the barrier that you have established These markers enable both you and your dog to see the edges of the boundary and this will help both of you in the training process. You'll want to put the flags close enough together to establish a barrier for your dog. As your dog approaches the boundary he will receive an electronic static
form of correction to deter him from crossing the boundary. Electronic pet fences are both safe and humane but the owners need to take responsibility in proper training their dog to avoid unnecessary correction and to learn to respect the boundaries. If a dog owner does not spend the time in properly training his dog he is setting himself and his dog up for unnecessary frustration.Electric Pet fences are proven and effective way to contain your pet. Regardless of which model of electronic Pet fence that you decide to purchase just follow the structures as provided and you should have very little difficulty.
Wireless Fences can be a great option to give your dog freedom to roam and play while keeping them secure in your yard. Wireless Pet fences are often referred to as instant fences or wireless fences offer portable options that you simply cannot get with other types of dog fencing systems. You can unplug your wireless dog fence from your yard and take it when the one vacation or trip to the Summer home. A Wireless fence is easy to install after you plug-in the transmitter set the boundary flags up around the area of containment and you're done. It is advised when using a wireless fence that you have an open area to contain. This type of electronic Pet fence does not work well through walls and trees and will affect their efficiency and reliability. Wireless Pet fences are designed with two components, a transmitter and an electronic collar.
The wireless fence the transmitter delivers a signal that is received by the electronic dog collar. Wireless Pet fences operate in a similar way as an underground Pet fence, we could maybe main difference being the boundary area of containment is restricted to an oval shape and is not adjustable. If you wish to expand the boundary of the wireless transmitter you can add additional transmitters to cover larger area for containment. The Wireless fence transmitter delivers a signal to the electronic collar. The area of containment and boundary specifications will vary depending on the manufacture of the wireless Pet fence. When using a wireless fence system the collar will be activated when your dog goes outside the boundary area where they will receive either a beep or a static shock form of correction depending on the settings you are using.
When choosing a Wireless Pet fence the two top manufacturers are PetSafe and Perimeter. PetSafe offers the number one selling wireless fence in the market,The PetSafe PIF-300. The PetSafe pif-300 is often referred to as an instant fence. This type of wireless electronic dog fence comes with a single transmitter but can be used with multiple transmitters depending on the size of area you want to contain.
Wireless fences are available in a variety of models that are designed for both outside in your yard and inside of your home. Electric fences have become a very popular choice within the market and their portability makes them the most versatile of all of all dog fences. To learn about Electric Dog fences go to:
http://www.petpremiumsupply.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6825542
Many dog owners love to spoil their dogs once in a while with a special treat. However, with all the different treats to choose from, how do you choose the best treat for your dog? How do you know what is safe and what isn't? If you decide to make your own dog treats, how do you know what ingredients won't be harmful to your dog? Should you give your dog new toys for treats, or special food? With so many kinds and types of treats on the market, one can easily become overwhelmed when trying to decide what is best for their dog.
You should choose a dog treat that you think will suit your dog best. All dogs are different, even dogs of the same breed, so you should your dogs individual personality and health in mind when selecting a treat. You should think about how active your dog is, what you plan to use the treats for, your dog's health, any known food allergies that he may have, and how big he is.
Many pet stores carry treats that are specially formulated for certain dog breeds. They are made with ingredients that are guaranteed to be safe for your dog to consume, and easy for him to digest. Even though they are a little on the expensive side, these are the safest option for giving your dog a dietary treat. You can basically be one hundred percent sure that these treats will cause no problem for your beloved pet.
If your dog is really active, or competes in shows, he may need to have more fat and protein in his diet than normal dogs. Extra fat and protein will help give him the energy he needs to be able to do his routines. So if your dog needs a lot of energy, or is involved in any kind of competitive shows, or exercise regimens, then you probably should choose treats that have extra protein and fat that he can turn into extra energy.
You should keep in mind what purpose you intend the dog treats to serve. Are they just a nice way to spoil your puppy? Are you going to be using them for training purposes? Will they be used as something to help keep your puppy satisfied while you are busy or have to be away? If you are giving your puppy a treat just to be nice, then make certain that the treat you give him is healthy and low in fat, especially if you plan to give them to him on a regular basis. It is very easy for dogs to become obese, which can result in a whole slew of health problems.
Giving your dog treats for training purposes can help reward him for good behavior, just make certain that you get him a small treat, something that he can he in one bite. It should be a treat that he really likes, and can eat fairly quickly, so you can continue training. Only allowing your dog to have this special dog treat as a reward for training will give it extra purpose.
In the event that you are busy, or have to be away from home for a while, it is a good idea to leave your dog a treat that will keep him busy during that time. Small bits of food, will not suit the purpose, as these will probably all be gobbled up before you can get your car out of the driveway. Bones and rawhide chews are usually good for this purpose. It can take some dogs hours to get through a rawhide bone, and while giving him something that occupies his time, you are also giving him something that helps maintain his dental health as well. Try to pick the bone that is the correct size for your dog, if you one that is too small it will not last long, and you also run a risk of him getting it lodged in his throat. If you get a bone that is too big, he won't be able to manipulate it so that he can chew it. It is important that you choose something that will not break into smaller pieces, as these can be potentially fatal choking hazards for your dog, especially if he will be left alone with his treat.
Always keep your dog's health in mind when purchasing treats, and remember to read the labels carefully. If you know that your dog is allergic to a particular food, learn how to read labels and all of the possible names that it may be hidden as. Your veterinarian can help you learn what to look for to make sure that what you buy is safe for your dog.
If you are trying to treat your dog but still protect your budget, you may want to consider making your own dog treats from home. Many treats can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and that are numerous resources available on the internet that can give you recipes and directions. There are some foods that are very dangerous for your dog, so make certain that you double check all of your ingredients first, just to be on the safe side.
Not only can making your own home made dog treats can save you a considerable amount of money, you will know that all of the ingredients are of high quality, and that there is nothing in the treat that could possibly be harmful for your dog.
Don't allow your dog to eat table scraps, and never let him have any food that contains onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, caffeine, or any kind of dairy products. These can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from stomach upset, to death. If your dog has any allergies that you know of, be careful not to include anything that could cause a reaction in your homemade treats.
Remember, that treats should be given as they are intended, and are not meant to be a staple in your dog's diet. Your dog still needs to maintain a healthy diet and weight, to ensure he has a long healthy life. Treats should not be more than ten percent of your dog's daily diet, less if he already has a weight problem. If you have further questions or concerns, consult your veterinarian.
Love your dog with Dog Treats today! Find out more information for FREE at Gourmet Dog Treats [http://www.1-dog-treats.info]
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Most dogs absolutely love to chew on bones. The bones they chew on doesn't seem to matter to them in the slightest. A rawhide bone, ham bone or some other type of bone will do. Dogs simply love to chew on bones. Well, if he or she is going to chew on a bone anyway, why not give them something to chew on that is good for them? Maybe a bone that will clean their teeth and give them fresher breath? Hey, if they want to chew on a bone, they can be happy and so can't you.
Dog dental chews are made of products that are 100% safe for them to eat, and your dog will want to eat them. In fact, they may very likely want to chew on dog dental chews all day long. There are far worse things your dog could be chewing on. When chewing something they are happy. If your dog is chewing on something good for them, you are happy. This is a win win situation.
These dog dental chews are good in a few different ways. Most dogs have gum disease, which if left alone will eventually cause them to lose their teeth, just like a human. You don't want your dog to be unable to chew bones in their golden years. You certainly want them to keep their teeth. Next, all dogs have a good amount of plaque built up. Sure, there are tooth brushes for dogs, but do you really use that toothbrush? Do you use it every day like you would on a child? Most people do not brush their dog's teeth every day. Your canine friend also likely has a build up of tartar.
By giving dental chews, you will be able to help them maintain healthy teeth. These dog dental chews will clean their teeth which will cut down on tartar and plaque. It will also cut down on the chances of your dog getting gum disease. You dog will be able to have their teeth for a longer period of time. This in turn means your dog will be able to happily chew away on dog bones for many years to come. Do what is in its best interest and give your dog these chews. Your dog will love them and so will you!
Click here to read more about rawhides for dogs, including a natural dog treats article
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Did you know that most dogs don't get cavities? And, just like people, our companion animals are living longer and longer. Even with this longer life span, they still usually don't get cavities. And, did you know even without getting cavities, the most sever medical problems companion dogs face are dental problems? An American Animal Hospital Association study recently found that about two thirds of pet owners do not provide their animals with recommended dental care.
It is incredibly important to provide regular and thorough dental care because it is the most sever medical problem facing our canine population, today. About 80% of dogs by age 3 have some form of dental disease. And dental disease doesn't just stop in the mouth. As it advances, infections may travel to include the heart, liver or kidneys.
Dental disease begins with a buildup of food particles and bacteria along the gum line. This buildup is called plaque. If the plaque is not removed through regular brushing, minerals in the dogs' saliva transform the plaque into a strongly solidified, slimy, unsightly yellow-brown coating at the base of the teeth called calculus or tartar. The plaque begins its solidification process within 36 hours of forming. The accumulation of tartar irritates the gums, resulting in gum inflammation, or a redness and puffiness. The dog usually has bad breath at this point.
Once there is tartar buildup your dog has the beginnings of periodontal disease. With the buildup of tartar the only form of removal is a veterinarian visit to have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned.
The hardened tartar is rough - a great place for more tiny food particles to adhere, which in turn encourages greater bacteria growth. Your dog's gums don't like the growth of the bacteria and plaque and recede away from it, loosening and pulling away from the firm hold around each tooth the gums once had. With this loosening a pocket is formed between the tooth and the gum, which in turn holds even more food particles and bacteria. Once pockets have formed your dog has irreversible damage, leading to loosening of the teeth, abscess, bone loss and/or infection of the area.
With the continued growth of bacteria, the continued formation of plaque and tartar the possibility of infection and bacteria entering the bloodstream rises. Possible results include endocarditis or infection of the heart valves, as well as infections of the liver or kidneys.
As with any problem, being aware of the possibility is the first step toward prevention. That awareness includes both in-home and veterinarian checks of your dogs teeth. Veterinarians should check the teeth of puppies and young dogs (to the age of 3) every 6 months, and adult dogs (age 3 to 6 years) annually. Dogs older than 6 years might need to be checked on a semi-annual basis.
Optimally, at-home checks are preformed weekly. To inspect your dog's teeth very gently lift their lips and look all around the mouth - in front, in back and inside the mouth, if possible. You are looking for:
- Red or puffy gums
- Bleeding gums
- Brownish/yellow build-up around the base of the teeth - this is tartar, a solidified coating formed from a
- build-up of plaque, and not a good thing
- Missing or loose teeth
- Bad breath
At-home mouth exams are a great start toward good dental care, however exams are never a prevention. As in us pet owners, a dental care program that includes teeth brushing is the only from of prevention. Impeding the growth of plaque and tartar is the best defense against any dental disease. And that means brushing your dog's teeth.
So, how do you brush your dog's teeth? Rule number one: begin when they are only a puppy. However, if you didn't start then, begin as soon as possible. Here are some suggestions:
Brush at least 3-4 times weekly, daily if possible - remember, plaque starts solidifying into a shell of tartar around your dog's teeth within about 36 hours, and then needs a vet trip to remove.
1. NEVER use human toothpaste - it contains fluoride and other things that could easily sicken your dog.
2. Use a canine toothpaste - they usually are chicken or beef flavored and have an enzymatic action which helps reduce the growth of the plaque bacteria.
3. Use either a special, longer handled, dog tooth brush or a "finger brush" - when first beginning the brushing process the finger brush might be easier for both you and your dog.
4. Your veterinarian might be able to show you techniques that could make brushing easier for you and your dog.
In addition to regular tooth brushing there are other ways you can provide for dental health. Feed your dog high quality, crunch, dry dog food. Soft, canned dog food stays on the teeth and encourages the buildup of plaque. In addition, you can provide your dog with a Veterinary Oral Health Council of Acceptance approved canine chew product. These products include the following:
- Canine Bright Bites and Checkup Chews for Dogs
- Canine Greenies, Greenies Senior and Greenies Lite
- Del Monte Tartar Check Dog Biscuit, any size
- Friskies Cheweez Beefhide Treats for Dogs
- Hartz Flavor Infused Oral Chews, any size
- Healthymouth Antiplaque water Additive
- Plaque atacker dental toys - rope, toys or rawhide chips
- Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews for Dogs
- Vetradent Dog Chews, can be also sold as Bluechews and Tiny Toy Dental Chews
There are also several crunchy dog foods which are formulated to help prevent plaque buildup. Please see your veterinarian for advice in foods formulation.
Veterinary dentistry, like human dentistry, is common, sophisticated and thorough. Some veterinarians specialize in pet dentistry and thus are Board-certified. Pet owners have many avenues available to provide quality dental care to your pets. Your veterinarian can provide specific suggestions geared toward your dog and his/her personal habits. However, the most important one thing you can do for your pet is provide regular tooth brushing. The second most important thing is, having your dog's teeth cleaned regularly by your veterinarian. Join the band wagon of providing good dental care for your pet.
I am owned by my silky terrier and all the wild birds, which I feed daily, surrounding my home. When not researching information for my blog, Animals Galore (http://paradeofpets.blogspot.com) I keep body and soul together working in the medical field.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5121742
Dogs are considered to be man's best friend and no matter where you go, you can really find dogs being cared of by their masters or dogs being trained for fashionable events. These pets are actually rooted from different breeds and each breed of dogs varies in look, size and even behavior. If you are looking for the kind of stuff you can treat for your pets, stuff that would be very trendy and useful, there are really great dog wearables. These wearables are actually great and functional only if the owner knows how to fit the kind of stuff he wishes to offer to his pets. There might be huge options to choose from and you don't have to stick into a single piece if you want something trendy and useful for your pets. Options are present for you to select, not to ignore.
It is very easy to look for dog wearables but there are choices that might confuse you. If you don't know what specific type of dog accessories you can have for your lovable pets, don't be in hurry to buy for you might fail. When looking for great wearables for pets that are trendy and useful, be sure that you have check what your pets really need the most because you are not only to buy those items for nothing but you are getting them for the real purpose.
There are a great number of dog accessories you can have at various pet shops specializing in dog wearables but not all can work at your pet's best or even for your own sake. Be sure to check the quality and the price before you decide to get the items because you can never have them returned unless you have the right to do so. If you think that options presented to you by local pet stores are not enough, you can always refer to online shops for there are really tons of dog supplies you can have online such as the necklaces, coats, sweaters, shirts, and many more.
Various dog wearables are not just to make your pets great-looking and very hip most of the times; these are also useful in keeping your pets safe and healthy. There are a lot of factors that might hamper the conditions of your dogs and if you are not conscious enough on how to battle those conditions, they might get sick or worst they'll leave you behind.
Learn more about dog wearables [http://www.itsgoodtobethedog.com]
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