Saucy Pet

Archive for September, 2009

gingivitis treatment

For obvious cosmetic reasons you need to work on getting this disease reversed. But you also have many other reasons to do this and they are highly important. Some believe that gum recession is a normal part of getting older.  I believe that it does not have to be that way. Many people have not developed the proper understanding of this disease and what it really is.

Did you know that gum disease is caused by bacteria that are attack the tissue in your mouth? If not, you do now, and that’s what will lead to possible loss of teeth, or more medical problems. Gingival disease has been linked to causing heart disease, and even respiratory disease.

But too it is shown to cause low birth weights in infants who’s mothers have smoked during pregnancy.

So now you know why you should focus on how to reverse gum disease, it’s about so much more than just teeth. It could be your life that you are cutting short by not getting that gum disease taken care of. As the bacteria continue to grow the gums will begin pulling away from the teeth. One item that could be helpful are therabreath mouthwashes. 

That will be after you’ve notice that when you brush or floss you will cause the gums to bleed. It’s best to head into the dentist at that point. In addition, you could try a dental water jet.

Your gums will no longer have the healthy pink look they should. They will most likely be swollen and maybe tender. But your teeth could be at risk for falling out too. So protect not only your gums, and teeth, but also your life.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

Have you noticed that your dog struggles from time to time when it comes to jumping up onto the couch, chair, or bed? This could point to physical issues that need to be addressed.

When you allow your dog to jump to and from any surface that is greater than 12 inches from the ground, he can sustain serious injury. A foot of height doesn’t really seem like a lot, but it’s enough to cause a broken limb if your dog falls, or longer-lasting problems over time.

While small and large dogs are at a particular risk of sustaining bone or joint injury, any size or breed of dog is susceptible to harm through a fall or as a result of prolonged impact over time. Large dogs, like Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors, are inclined to developing arthritis later in life, and condoning a large dog to jump onto and off of furniture everyday could cause arthritis to crop up earlier in the dog’s life. As for small dogs, they are more likely to break a bone in a fall or by attempting to leap down from too great a height.

While you could prohibit your pet from getting onto the furniture, this is a drastic measure. It’s natural for a dog to want to be near his owner, and if you don’t mind having him on the furniture, it’s best not to change his routine. The best way to preserve your dog’s health is to obtain a set of pet stairs that will allow him to safety navigate onto and off of furniture.

Carpeted pet steps are very popular as they not only provide cushioning for impact, but they also offer a non-slip surface. Most pet stairs can be categorized into three sizes: small, medium, and large. There are two things that you must consider when purchasing pet steps. The first is the height of the object you want your dog to get onto. For instance, if your primary use for the steps will be to allow your dog to get onto the couch, you will need to make sure that the set of stairs you purchase is tall enough to reach your couch. The second item to consider is the size of your dog. You can follow the guide below to determine what size of steps would be appropriate for your pet.

Small dogs = steps no wider than 12 inches

Medium dogs = 14 inch-wide steps

Large dogs = steps at least 16 inches wide

For more information about choosing and purchasing a set of pet steps, please visit Help Your Pets – Here.

If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably already got yourself a nice set of pet steps; but if you haven’t yet purchased dog stairs, you might want to take a minute to seriously consider the benefits. Every time your dog jumps on and off of objects such as furniture, his joints absorb the impact. Over time, this can lead to the early development of arthritis, not to mention that any time your dog jumps from something, he risks the possibility of a broken bone. Besides, pet stairs are wonderful to use by the bed to keep your dog from pouncing on and off the bed, simultaneously jolting you awake.

If you already have a set of pet stairs—good for you!! This is an important tool to make your dog’s everyday activity easier and safer. The next step is teaching your pet how to use them. Some owners struggle with convincing their stubborn pet to use the steps, especially if the dog is a little older and is “set in his way” of doing things. The best way to convince your pet to use pet stairs is to show him how it can be worth his while.

Showing your dog “what’s in it for him” isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. One way you can do this is by positioning the stairs where they will be used most and dangling your dog’s favourite toy or snack to lure him up. This may not work the first couple of attempts, but perseverance really does pay off. If your dog tends to be easily excitable, dangling his toy or a treat in front of him may not be the best trick. Instead, try sitting on the bed or sofa—or wherever you plan to position the stairs—and call to your dog. If he tries to climb up without the stairs, give him a gentle scolding and place him in front of the stairs, repeating the process over until he uses the dog stairs correctly.

We’ve also heard of dog owners who have denied their dog access to the bed unless the dog steps were used. This was done by either verbally dismissing the dog from the bed or bodily removing him from the bed onto the floor in front of the steps. This tactic is quite successful, as is high praise. Anytime your dog uses the stairs to get onto the furniture, make a big deal about it. Give him a cheery “good boy!” or any other phrase of praise you commonly use. This not only lets him know that you prefer for him to use the stairs, but also that it pleases you—and that’s what dogs want to do!

For information about getting your dog a set of pet stairs, visit Help Your Pets.

Whether you are concerned about developing a strong bond with your new puppy or if you want to repair your relationship with an old furry friend, it is important that you get started straight away. Starting a relationship from scratch with a puppy is generally an easier task than mending or tweeking an existing relationship with your dog, but there are still a few basic ideas that you should keep in mind. Read on to learn a few tips you can use to establish and maintain a strong bond with your pooch.

The first thing you need to understand is that all dogs want to be a part of a pack. It’s a natural way of life for them in the wild and it still holds very constant today—only the pack is your family (or you and the dog if you’re a duo).  Dogs want to feel as though they serve a place in the pack, which means hanging out with the family and being included in everyday activities. However, it is very important that your dog understands his position in the pack. If you do not assert your authority as the “leader of the pack,” your dog is likely to assume the role, which can result in very hard-to-handle behaviour. When your dog is clear on the hierarchy of the family, he will respect you, which is a huge part of forming a solid foundation in your relationship. I know this all sounds primitive and even a little cheesy, but it’s very much true!

It’s also important that you show your dog that he can trust you. Trust is the fundamental element that creates a long-lasting bond and it must be maintained. One way that you can encourage your dog to trust you is by developing a steady routine that he can depend upon. You are his source of not only food and water, but it’s up to you to let him outside for play time and to do his “business.” Try to make sure he’s fed and watered around the same time everyday and let out to potty frequently. Your dog will have inherent trust in you if you prove that you are a good leader who can be depended upon to provide his basic needs.

Activities are a great way to let your dog feel he is involved in the family. Dogs are naturally playful and sociable, so including them in everyday activities such as chores or playing in the back yard are important. You could also take the time to brush your dog or walk with him every day. Training is an excellent way to bond with your dog as praise and (gentle) correction lets him feel involved. I recommend that you get a set of dog steps and train your dog to use them. Whether he’s a puppy or not, it’s better for his joints than jumping to and from furniture and that added training time will only serve to rekindle your dog’s trust and obedience in you.

For more great tips about raising pets, or to purchase a set of pet stairs, visit Help Your Pets here.

If you’re a first time puppy owner, you’re probably starting to wonder about your new responsibilities. Now that you’re responsible for another life, it’s important that you understand what these responsibilities entail.

Your puppy’s diet is first on our list. Puppies are on their mother’s milk until they are about six to eight weeks old. This weaning age is usually when breeders allow the puppies to be taken home by their new owner. Ask your breeder what the pup is currently eating and continue to feed him that. Usually they will be eating a soft canned food mixed with puppy milk replacer. Use less and less milk until your puppy is on pure canned food. You can do the same when switching to dry food by mixing in a little soft food and then cutting back a little each day until the puppy is on dry food only. Dry food is recommended as the best type of food for dogs as it has less fat content and keeps your dog’s teeth strong and free of plaque build up. This should happen gradually over the course of about 7 – 10 days. You should never feed your dog human food (ie: table scraps) at any time during his life. A dog’s diet requires a specific balance of certain nutrients and feeding your dog table scraps will upset this balance. Also remember to keep a water bowl filled for your pup at all times.

The next item on the list is vaccinations. If your dog’s breeder hasn’t taken care of the vaccinations, then it’s up to you to see that your dog gets immunized. There are three separate shots given to cover the “core” illnesses, which are: distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. The first shot is usually given at 6 weeks of age with the other shots following in three week intervals at 9 and 12 weeks. Your veterinarian will be able to take care of the vaccinations for you, as well as recommend any non-core vaccines that they feel your dog should have. The importance of non-core vaccines differs depending on your dog’s breed and where you live. You will need to return to the vet every year of your dog’s life for an adult “booster” shot. You should be aware that social interaction with other dogs is not recommended until after your puppy has completed his round of vaccinations, with an additional 5 – 10 days for the immunization to become effective.

Our next health tip is grooming. Regardless of the breed of your puppy, all dogs require a certain amount of grooming. For instance, long-haired dogs will require much more brushing and haircuts than other breeds, but there are also some breeds, particularly the ones with long ears, that need their ears cleaned frequently to avoid infection. All dogs need to have their nails clipped every so often, but we recommend that you have this done professionally if you aren’t experienced at the job, as clipping too close to the quick in your dog’s nails causes a great deal of pain and bleeding. Do a bit of research on your puppy’s breed to get a good idea as to what your grooming responsibilities will be.

Last but not least is exercise. Puppies are energetic by nature and need an outlet. Take extra care to spend time playing with your pup and make sure he gets plenty of time outdoors (other than trips to relieve himself!). Boredom can often result in excessive chewing as well as destructive behaviour, so the more time you dedicate to wearing out your spirited companion, the happier he will be! A great exercise trick is to buy dog steps and teach your dog fun games that incorporate running up and down the stairs. Pet stairs are also handy to have around if you allow your dog on the couch or bed so he doesn’t have to jump to and from the furniture.

For more tips on raising a healthy pup, visit HelpYourPets.com.

Have you begun to notice that your dog is looking a little overweight, or simply less lean than he should be? It might be time to start considering what your options are to help him get into shape. We’re going to talk about a few ways you can discover where your pet’s health is suffering and how to get it back up.

You must realize that all dogs require exercise. Whether you have a Pomeranian or a Great Dane, every breed and size of dog must maintain certain levels of activity on a daily basis. Think about your dog’s average day from beginning to finish. If you can’t bring it to mind, keep an eye on him for a few days and write down his usual activities. For my dog, I drew a time line of his average day. In my timeline I wrote down when he woke up, his meal times, his usual trips outside, nap times, etc. This really helps to put into perspective whether your dog is truly lacking exercise or if a change of diet is required.

That brings us to our next topic: the great outdoors. Have you ever stepped outside on a nice crisp morning, taken a deep breath of cool air and revelled in how good it feels to connect with nature? Maybe you don’t do this all the time, but for a dog, this is a common comparison of how natural it is for them to crave the outdoors—because dogs are natively the “outdoorsy type.” Being outdoors can cause inspiration, not just ideas, but for activity—and this is what your dog needs. If your dog doesn’t get to go outside often enough, this could be an answer for why his spirit for activity has shrunk. Try taking him outside at least twice a day, and not just for a bathroom break. Encourage him to run about and play with toys. It might help to remember that your dog is more likely to want to play if he has someone to play with. If you don’t have a private yard, try taking him on pet-friendly walking trails or to do a dog park where he can socialize and spend some alone time with you. Walking is a great way to improve your owner-dog bond as well as lose weight. Going outside isn’t the only activity you can do. Dog steps are a great tool to use to give your dog a bit of exercise while staying in the comfort of your home (especially on rainy or snowy days!). Make a game of running him up and down the steps, such as pushing the stairs against your bed and hiding treats in your covers. This is a favourite of mine as I love watching my dog go crazy as he paws through the covers!

After you have made your assessment of your dog’s activity level, you might be surprised to find that he gets sufficient exercise but still doesn’t seem to be as lean as he should be. This is a very common scenario among people who feed their dog table scraps or gets a bit too liberal with the doggy treats. Regardless of the fact that human food is a lot more fattening to dogs, it’s also down-right unhealthy for them. A dog’s diet should consist primarily of meat, raw vegetables, and certain types of grain. Could you imagine a dog in the wild snarfing down some spaghetti? If you are guilty of feeding your dog human food—as most of us are—try to cut back on that altogether. If you don’t notice a difference in your dog’s weight, switching to a name brand kibble specifically designed for overweight dogs may be the right solution.

If you have any worries that your dog’s health might be in jeopardy, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian. There could be underlying health issues causing a shift in your dog’s weight, or numerous other possibilities.

For more great information about caring properly for a dog, or to buy a durable set of dog stairs, please visit Help Your Pets.

While the thought of becoming a dog owner is a very exciting notion, it is also one that requires commitment and responsibility. Choosing a dog is an important decision, and there are questions you should ask yourself before you commit to caring for a dog. Read on to learn a few tips that will help you choose the best dog to compliment your family, as well as ways you can help your furry addition make a smooth settlement in your home.

You must bear in mind that when you take in a dog, you are taking upon yourself the responsibility of caring for a real creature—one that thinks, feels, and loves. Make sure that you or other family members are willing to take the time to train your dog (if he isn’t already trained) and offer attention/companionship and discipline. If you’ve sorted out the particulars on that front, then the next question you should ask yourself is this: what traits do I want my dog to have? Dogs vary depending on the way they were raised and the quality of life they have had, but there are particular traits that show up in certain breeds of dog. Do you want an intelligent dog (ie: easy to train)? Do you want a dog that is good with children? Are you looking for a low-energy lap dog or a beefy high-energy dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle? These are all questions you should ask yourself to help you search for the best breed of dog.

Your lifestyle will have a huge impact upon what kind of dog is best for you, so you should really give this a lot of thought. If you have kids, research the breeds that are best known for making good family pets. German Shepherds, most any breed of Spaniel, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are a few breeds that are famous for their way with children. I’ve always had the best results by doing research based on a breed’s temperament. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever had were of breeds I had done thorough research of prior to bringing home. This is a great way to prepare yourself for anything that might crop up, including stubbornness (harder to train!), proneness to certain medical issues, and exercise requirements. So remember, do lots of research among different breeds of dog  before making your decision.

Once you’ve decided on a dog, try letting every member of the family meet him before you bring him home. This is a great way for your new dog to get comfortable with you while he is still in the comfort of familiar surroundings. When it’s time to bring the dog home, ask his breeder or the shelter if they have a blanket, toy, or other familiar item that your dog can bring with him. If it’s a puppy, try to obtain an item that smells like his mother or the rest of his litter. This can be a HUGE help when you’re trying to settle the little guy in his new home. Let your dog roam around the house on his own for a bit (but keep an eye on him if he isn’t potty trained!). It’s perfectly natural for a dog to want to explore new territory and scents, and it will be less stressful for him if you aren’t hovering over his back all the time.

The more time you spend with your dog, the quicker you will begin to form a bond, which is very important! Try spending special play time with your dog or go for walks together. Training is an excellent way to let your dog know that you’re the boss, which gains his respect and obedience. You can get pet steps and teach our dog to walk up and down them. It’s a great source of indoor exercise and proves a health benefit when used to get onto furniture, as opposed to jumping. As long as you put thought and effort into choosing a dog you feel will fit your lifestyle the best, you can look forward to having many wonderful experiences with your pet!

If you’d like to read more about caring for dogs or purchasing dog stairs, visit HelpYourPets.com.

gingivitis treatment

Gum disease can also be referred to as periodontal disease. It’s when your tissue and bone in your mouth are infected. This problem of gum disease needs to be treated otherwise you may notice not only your teeth getting worse, and losing them, but many other medical conditions.

Normally gingivitis will start when you don’t get all the plaque off your gums and teeth. Plaque is full of bacteria, and as that sits on your teeth and gums that bacteria will spread and will cause problems. Since so many different bacteria can live in your mouth it’s important to brush and floss each day, and make sure you go to the dentist often. But, if mere brushing and flossing were enough to stop this disease, why do so many people have it?   We must conclude that mere brushing and flossing are NOT enough to stop or prevent gum disease for many or even most people!  Check out ora md to see if it can help you. 

 So are some people more prone to periodontal disease? Some may inherit the way plaque will continue to build on their teeth, yes. But you can avoid gum disease by eating the right things and avoiding others. Don’t eat a lot of sugar, and after you’ve eaten something with sugar in it, rinse your mouth. The same thing should be said about drinking things.

If you have braces you’re going to have to work even harder to get that plaque gone, so brush even more. There are also certain medical conditions that may increase your risk of getting this disease. Those two include diabetes and Down syndrome.

Stress and not getting enough sleep can actually help lead to gum disease. So make sure you get enough sleep and eat correctly to help out your gums. Females may be more prone to gum disease than a guy would be, it’s due to hormones. Try out the therabreath products and if that is not enough for you, try therabreath plus and see if you find that helpful. 

Of course we all know that tobacco is a huge cause of periodontal disease, especially chewing tobacco, so try avoiding that and smoking both to help out your chances of not getting gum disease. Brush your teeth often, and floss everyday too, but make sure you also head into see the dentist.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

Your dog provides you so much love, care and protection, that providing him a bed is a small return. Your dog's comfort is important, however, you need to make choices about a dog bed that works in your home and with your dog. There are several options that are available but some of the factors that you consider are the size of your dog, the construction of the bed, the materials of the bed, the ease in keeping the bed clean and the cost of the bed. One of the options you should consider is a wicker dog bed, or if you have  a large wicker dog bed.

A wicker dog bed has many things to recommend it to the dog owner. First a wicker dog bed can be formed into any shape. The wicker material iss is natural and renewable, and is wholly biodegradable when you dispose of the bed. Wicker can be dyed or painted to any color, so it can be an addition to you home that enhances your decor, not detracts. A wicker dog bed is then filled with a pillow or mattress on which the dog actually sleeps. The wicker dog bed pillow or mattress can be make of many different materials to accommodate the needs of your dog and to make it attractive to you, and comfortable for you pet.

A wicker dog bed provides an easy way to keep the bed clean. The wicker dog beds allow dirt, hair and depis to fall through to the floor for cleaning, while keeping a defined space for your dog to sleep. The sleeping mattresses have become available in foam and memory foam as of late, which can truly been a boon to your pet, and a nice change for your pocket book. The new foam and memory foam are long lasting and hold up to heavy wear.

One of the nice parts of a wicker dog bed is that you can replace the mattress or pillow without having to replace the entire bed, thus providing long term economy. It is not horrible to consider that some items for your pet are too expensive, it is a reality of our lives. The wicker dog bed provides a medium ground with environmental friendly, renewable materials and a mattress that is cleanable for long term use without the need for disposable. Comfort for your beloved dog and cleanliness and low-cost for you is an all around winner.

About Author: David Hueber is a Green Hosting expert. He also offers top Dog training and puppy training tips online.

Dog owners should know a bit about the various common dog health problems that their pet couild get over the course of their lives. An oldtime belief, still held onto by many people, is that if their dog has a cold and wet nose, the dog is healthy. There are no scientific basis for this belief as no one can tell from how wet or how cold a dog’s is has anything to do with hereditary heart problems, parasites, intestinal worms, blindness, deafness and every other health problems that dogs can contract.

Responsible owners should disregard such beliefs without scientific basis and focus on looking at the overall condition of the dog including regular physical checks of the eyes, teeth, ears, mouth and skin for any abnormalities that could be signs and symptoms of a particular disease. On top of that, the dog owner should be responsible enough to provide all the care and attention that their dogs need including proper nutrition, preventative medicine and good grooming to ensure that their pets will be in good and healthy condition for years to come.   

Signs Of Common Dog Health Problems

There are a number of signs and signals that might be telling you that your dog has specific dog health symptoms or problems or diseases. Dog owners should be familiarized with these potential signs of abnormalities in their pets so quick and proper action can be done immediately to avoid any complications later on.

* Your dog’s fur needs to be fluffy, soft and shiny. Dogs with wire coats should have springy and thick strands. Breeds with double coats should have no indication of thinning on the undercoats.

* Redness or inflammation, open sores, scabs, flakes, lumps or cyst like growths on the skin can be signs of health issues. The skin and coat should be free from parasites including fleas, ticks and mites. An overabundance of scartching or biting of their own skin could mean your dog is infested with parasites like mange mites.

* Just like in humans, bright and shiny eyes are a sign of good health. In dogs, there is an area in the eyes particularly in the perimeter of the eyeballs that should always have a health pink color. This region is called the conjunvtiva and if its pale in color, this could mean some hidden health challenges. There should also be no abnormal discharges from the eyes, particular yellow or green colored fluids.

* Bad odors and/or bloody discharge from the ears is good symptom that something is wrong. Its important to keep the ears clean and free of parasites like mange mites.

* Dog gums that maintain a healthy rosy pink color and which might have a bit of black color as well is a pretty good indication of good health. Pale gums might mean your dog has a problem with anemia. Inflamed and bleeding gums can be signs of periodontal diseases while a foul odor emanating from the breath can be indicative of some underlying health problems.

* Thinking back to the old time thinking about a dog’s nose, a dog full of health usually has a cold, wet nose but this is really only due to the kind of clear and watery discharge that are normal in dogs. If your dog has a bad smeling and icky colored discharge coming form the nose, you need to have your dog looked at right away. These kinds of discharges in young puppies could indicate canine distemper and may turn out to be fatal.

A few other things that indicate a healthy dog are the weight – normal for the breed, body temperature – dogs get fevers just like children, and how the urine and feces look and smell. Its very important to know and understand these health signals and symptoms so that you can help your dog right away if you see that something is wrong.