New Trend in Dog Design

Dog grooming is a part of dogs care. Professional dog grooming service helps to keep the dog healthy and dogs haircut comfortable and attractive. Modern dogs grooming designs require dying pets fur in various colors, creating intricate patterns, inspired by other animal look or abstract art and contemporary design ideas.

Modern dog grooming salons provide a state of the art professional dog grooming services, offering creative dog grooming design ideas to please dogs and pets owners. Dogs enjoy the attention and friendly professional dog grooming services in pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. Safe dog grooming tools and the highest quality shampoos, conditioners and eco friendly dog grooming products are used for taking care of dogs fur and creating modern dogs fur design styles.

Also mobile dog grooming service is offered make dogs appear more beautiful and add more joy to pets owners life. Mobile dog grooming services are a great option for busy professionals. With challenging schedules and hectic lifestyles it is hard to find more time for extra dog grooming service and modern fur design.

Dogs grooming, modern design trends
The giant panda is a beloved animal that lives in China. Painting or dying furry dog fur to create the panda like look is one of most popular modern dog grooming trends. Braids, pony tails, spikes and Mohawk hair design ideas seem came from Hollywood, creating new stars among dogs.

Color trends for dogs grooming design
Bright modern color design trends bring yellow-green and wine color tones everywhere from interior design to stylish dog grooming products, accessories and dogs grooming design ideas.

Following the color design trends, vibrant purple-reds and citrus yellow-green hues, lime and orange will be used for creating dog grooming products and modern fur design.

Money saving tip
Modern design trends in dogs grooming with actual dying dogs fur and creating other animals look seem too extreme to many. Dogs are not little people in fur coats and have mo ability to appreciate expensive fur designs in modern colors and beautiful patterns. Dogs work on instincts, and they appreciate friendly attention.

Dogs do not care about modern grooming designs and high dog grooming prices. What they do is understand every nuance of their owners body language and try to make them happy. A dog wants to please and will be happy when the owner happy.

There is no cheap dog grooming service, except do it yourself dog grooming, which is great for dogs, pet owners and their relationships. Do it yourself dogs grooming is a pleasant way to spend more time with a family dog, saving money on professional dog grooming services.

Hair Loss in Dogs

Caused due to multiple reasons, hair loss or canine alopecia is a common problem affecting many dogs. Here is a rundown of the causes of hair loss in dogs.

How many times have you come home to find tufts of dog hair lying around your carpet? In the majority of the cases pet owners do not even notice the hair loss until there is considerable thinning of their dog's coat. However, canine alopecia or hair loss is one of the most common veterinary condition, faced by pets around the world. It is normal for some pet dogs to lose hair on a regular basis or have seasonal hair loss, also known as "shedding" or "blowing coat". This is especially true for the double coated breeds, like German Shepherd, Welsh and Husky. However, a significant loss of hair might indicate major underlying problems.


Hair loss in dogs, may be caused by anything from external allergies to hormonal changes. While some may be considered normal, there are others which might be indicative of a more fatal problem. Usually, when there is a symmetrical hair loss on both sides of the body, it indicates some kind of hormonal disorder, on the other hand when there are patches of hair loss, it usually denotes some kind of skin allergy in dogs.

Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis: In case, you observe your dog scratching a lot and losing patches of hair, then it is plausible that some kind of skin allergy may be the cause. Your dog can have an allergic reaction to antibiotics applied to the skin, metals such as nickel, materials such as rubber, wool, plastic and chemical dyes and carpet deodorizers. With multiple exposure to the irritant substances, the dog may develop small bumps and blisters on the skin, accompanied by hair loss and itching. The best way to control dog allergies is to remove the allergens from the dog's environment.

Atopy: An allergic reaction to something that the dog inhales such as, pollen, house mites and mold atopy causes hair loss and itching in dogs. Usually, these symptoms are accompanied by development of infection or hot spots.

Callus: A condition which causes hair loss in the large breed dogs, callus is the result of chronic pressure. The presence of thickened, hairless raised areas, over bony pressure points such as elbows, is symptomatic of the disease. The best way to treat this condition is, to provide softer bedding and padding around affected area, for your dog.

Cushing's Disease: Caused due to the excessive hormonal production of the adrenal glands, Cushing's disease is a condition affecting older dogs. They are usually the result of benign tumor in the pituitary gland or caused by the tumor in one of the adrenal glands. Hair loss is a common symptom of the disease and it usually starts over the areas of wear, such as the elbows and progresses to the flanks and abdomen, until eventually only the head and extremities retain the hair.

Demodectic Mange: An infection caused by the demodex mite, demodectic mange in dogs can cause hair loss accompanied by scaly, dark skin with red pustules.

Flea Bite Hypersensitivity: Some dogs are extremely sensitive to flea bite and usually end up scratching themselves, until patches of hair fall off. To check your dog for fleas, inspect the base of stomach and tail and consult a veterinarian for flea control.

Folliculitis: Sometimes, due to the infection of the hair follicles because of staph bacteria, your dog might lose hair. This usually appears on the skin with less hair, such as the abdomen and is more common in the short coated breeds.

Food Allergies: An allergic reaction to something in the diet, may trigger hair loss in dogs. Food allergies in dogs may also cause itching and other skin problems.

Hypothyroidism: One of the most common hormonal disease affecting the skin in dogs, hypothyroidism in dogs is the result of the decreased production of the thyroid hormone. The symptoms of this disease are hair loss or dry and brittle hair.

Ringworm: Ringworm in dogs is caused by several types of fungus and usually results in hair loss and crusty, scaly skin.

Sarcoptic Mange: The sarcoptic mange in dogs is an infection caused sarcoptes mite results in hair loss and intense itching in dogs.

Seborrhea: Characterized by extremely dry skin and hair loss, seborrhea may be the result of some injury to skin, nutritional disorders or it may also be genetic based.


In addition to this, there are several other causes for excessive hair loss in dogs. Other than diseases and allergies, stressful situations can also be a triggering factor. Hair loss after pregnancy or post surgery, is a common occurrence. Remember, that extreme hair loss is not a normal condition for your pet. So, make sure that you consult and work closely with the veterinarian, in order to work on the problem of hair loss, in your dog.

Skin Diseases with Hair Loss in Dogs

These two tables list diseases characterized by hair loss with few if any other signs. Hair loss can mean impaired growth of new hair. It may involve the entire coat, or you may see patches of hair loss on certain parts of the body. In general, hair loss caused by hormonal diseases is symmetric (the same on both sides of the body), while that caused by parasites and other causes is asymmetric.

Hormone-Related Diseases with Hair Loss

• Cortisone excess: Symmetric hair loss over trunk and body. Abdomen is pot-bellied and pendulous. Seen with Cushing’s syndrome. In some cases, the dog is taking steroids.
• Growth hormone-responsive alopecia: Bilaterally symmetric hair loss, mainly in male dogs. Begins around puberty. More prevalent in certain breeds, including ChowChows, Keeshonds, Pomeranians, Miniature Poodles, Airedales, and Boxers.
• Hyperestrogenism (estrogen excess):Occurs in females and males. Bilateral symmetric hair loss in perineum and around genitals. Enlarged vulva and clitoris; in males, pendulous prepuce.
• Hypoestrogenism (estrogen deficiency):Occurs in older spayed females. Scanty hair growth and thinning coat, initially around vulva and later over entire body.Skin is smooth and soft, like a baby’s.
• Hypothyroidism: Most common cause of bilaterally symmetric hair loss withoutitching. Coat is thin, scanty, and falls out easily. Involves the neck beneath the chin to the brisket, sides of body, backs of thighs, and top of tail.

Other Diseases with Hair Loss

• Acanthosis nigrans: Mainly in Dachshunds. Hair loss begins in armpit folds and on ears. Black, thick, greasy, rancid-smelling skin.
• Color mutant alopecia (blue Doberman syndrome):Loss of hair over the body, giving a moth-eaten look. Papules and pustules may appear in areas of hair loss. Also affects other breeds.
• Demodectic mange: Localized-Occursin puppies. Hair loss around eyelids, lips, and corners of mouth, occasionally on the legs or trunk, giving a moth-eaten look. Fewer than five patches, up to 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter. Generalized-Numerous patches that enlarge and coalesce. Severe skin problem complicated by pyoderma. Primarily affects young adults. Generalized form is associated with immune deficiencies.
• Nasal solar dermatitis (Collie nose):Loss of hair at junction of nose and muzzle. Can lead to severe ulceration. Affects dogs with lightly pigmented noses. May be part of an autoimmune problem.
• Pressure sore (Callus):Gray, hairless, thickened pad of wrinkled skin, usually over elbows but may involve other pressure points. Caused by lying on hard surfaces. Mostly seen in large and giant breeds.
• Ringworm: A fungal infection. Scaly, crusty circular patches 1⁄2 to 2 inches (12 to 50 mm) across. Patches show central hair loss with a red ring at the periphery. Some cases show widespread involvement.
• Sebaceous adenitis: Seen mainly in Standard Poodles, but does occur in other breeds, including Akitas. Symmetrical loss of hair over face, head, neck, and back. Dandrufflike scales and hair follicle infection can develop.
• Seborrhea: Dry type-Similar to heavy dandruff. Greasy type-Yellow-brown greasy scales that adhere to hair shafts; rancid odor. May occur secondary to other skin problems.
• Vitiligo: Some hair loss, but mostly pigment loss that causes hair to change color. Mostly seen on the face and head. Seen most often in Rottweilers and Belgian Tervuren.
• Zinc-responsive dermatosis: Crusty, scaly skin with hair loss over the face, nose, elbows, and hocks. Cracked feet. Caused by zinc deficiency. Arctic or Northern breeds are most susceptible.

10 tips shed busting for a cleaner home

One of the biggest nuisances faced by pet owners is unwanted hair in their homes. Nearly every dog and cat - regardless of their age or breed - sheds. Some breeds have more hair or thicker undercoats and will shed in higher quantities, but virtually all dogs and cats will shed hair. While we cannot stop a dog or cat from shedding, we can help reduce the amount of loose hair, and also effectively remove the hair so it doesn't create a problem in our homes.

Animals shed to get rid of old, damaged, or extra hair. Animals grow a heavy coat in the winter to help insulate themselves and then shed the extra hair in the summer. However, dogs will also shed broken or damaged hair, and if their skin is irritated from conditions such as allergies, they will also shed excessively. This article will give tips for keeping your dog's skin and hair healthy to reduce shedding as well as effectively removing the hair.

Brush your pet! Regular, even daily, brushing is the best thing you can do to keep your home free of hair. Brushing will also make your pet's coat softer, cleaner, and less likely to shed. 

Feed an appropriate pet food. A pet's coat is often a reflection of what they eat. Feed a high quality food with good digestible protein sources.

Feed a fatty acid supplement like Vitacoat® Plus. Giving Vitacoat® Plus to your dog keeps his coat healthy.

Cover your furniture and car seats. Upholstery is a magnet for pet hair, and removing pet hair from furniture or car seats can be a tedious task. If you allow pets on your furniture or bed, you would be wise to invest in a few furniture throws. Throws will keep your furniture looking (and smelling) better, and make your home more inviting to guests. Car seat covers are also an excellent investment and are highly recommended.

Control allergies and fleas. See your veterinarian to make sure your pet is getting proper allergy relief. To prevent itching and scratching from fleas, use Bio Spot® Defense Spot On® orAdvantage® II to prevent and control infestations.

Vacuum often. Be diligent in your vacuuming efforts. Frequent vacuuming is the best way to keep your home hair free.

Bathe your dog occasionally during the summer. A clean dog will have a healthier coat. A gentle oatmeal shampoo once a week or so will clean without drying the skin and rejuvenate a lackluster haircoat.

Have regular checkups. Many diseases can affect the skin and haircoat. Regular visits to your veterinarian will help identify problems early, and provide more effective treatment.

Use the right brush. Slicker Brushes, Shedding Blades, Matbreakers and Love Gloves each have a specific function and work best on the type of coat they are designed for. Most pets need more than one type of brush to remove all of the dead hair. 

Remove hair from upholstery and your dog's bed as soon as possible. Hair that is newly shed is easier to remove before it works its way into upholstery fabric. A Tape Roller is one of the best tools for removing hair.

Remember that routine brushing and grooming are an important part of every pet's care. By paying attention to your pet's diet and following these tips, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, on your furniture, and in your car.

The Most Common Dog Eye Problems and Treatment Options

From “eye boogers” to corneal ulcers, dog eye problems must be evaluated and treated with a combination of conventional and holistic medicine.

Sometimes surgery is the right way to go, while other times homeopathic or herbal treatments are best. If the eye problem is caused by an underlying disease, acupuncture is often effective.

Some dog eye problems are even a result of the overuse of manmade drugs. Cataracts, for example, has been known to come from the frequent use of steroids to treat skin problems. All the more reason to integrate holistic vet care:

• What are common symptoms of an eye problem?
• What preventive measures can I take if my dog is prone to eye problems?

The 8 most common eye problems & their treatments (in no particular order):

• Cataracts
• Corneal Ulcers
• Inflammation (Infection)
• In-growing Eyelids
• Injuries
• Irritation
• Prolapse of the Third Eyelid
• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) (on a different page)
• SLIDESHOW: Dog eye issues

Common Symptoms of Dog Eye Problems
It should be fairly obvious if your dog is experiencing an issue with her eyes. Common symptoms of dog eye problems include:

1. Avoiding light
2. Bulging eyes
3. Closed eyes
4. Cloudiness
5. Discharge
6. Excess tearing
7. Redness
8. Rubbing the eye
9. Rubbing the face on the ground

It may help to see actual photosof other dogs' eye issues along with their ultimate diagnoses...

As with most dog care issues, the cure always starts with prevention...Preventive Eye Care

Assuming your dog wouldn’t appreciate wearing goggles – unless of course he’s trying to be stylish to catch the eye of a dog park sweetheart – preventive eye care is all about the dog food diet.

If your dog is prone to eye problems, consider adding one of the following to her diet:
Adding leafy green vegetables, parsley, any blue or purple berries, carrots, sesame seeds or sunflower seeds to the diet
Supplementing the dog food diet with Zinc, Bioflavonoids, Pycnogenols, Vitamin A, Vitamin C or Vitamin D

You should also use a natural eye cleaner such as i-Clenz to keep your dog's eyes clean and free from debris and excess discharge.

The 8 Most Common Dog Eye Problems & Their Treatments
This section reviews the details and treatment options of the eight most common dog eye problems, including...

• Dog cataracts
• Dog corneal ulcer
• Dog eye inflammation (often caused by a dog eye infection)
• In-growing dog eyelids
• Dog eye injury
• Dog eye irritation
• Prolapse of a Dog's Third Eyelid
• Dog pink eye (on a different page)

If you're not sure about the severity of the problem or which dog eye problems your dog has contracted, you can submit a picture along with a description of the issue to My Online Vet. In addition to the picture, details should include:

Your dog’s breed, age and gender
The progression of the growth of the spot in question (timeframe, change in color, etc.)
Advice you have received from others, if any
What you have done to try to fix the problem, if anything

One of our My Online Vet holistic veterinarians will respond to you right away. Dog eye problem questions and answers submitted by other visitors can be found at the bottom of the page.

Dog Cataracts

As with humans, dog cataracts is usually genetic and causes the clear lens behind the pupil to become cloudy or white. It causes the dog’s vision will worsen over time, eventually to the point of blindness.

See the image to the right for an example of dog cataracts.

Dog Cataracts 

Before jumping to any conclusions, make sure that nuclear sclerosis is not the culprit. Nuclear sclerosis (pictured lower right) is a common and normal condition of aging, where a bluish gray (not cloudy or white) change to the lens is seen. As you can tell with these images, the difference can sometimes be tough to distinguish.

Nuclear Sclerosis


With nuclear sclerosis, vision can become blurry but it does not lead to blindness or the more significant vision problems caused by dog cataracts.

While cataracts is often genetic, it can be a result of injury or stem from chronic disease or immune problems.

For non-injury related cataracts, removing the lens surgically can help, but unfortunately the eye will never return to normal. Surgery also carries several inherent risks and doesn't come cheap.

Natural remedies such as Primalix Cataractin may be both a good preventive measure against cataracts as well as an alternative to surgery. Cataractin uses natural anti-oxidants to prevent the lens protein molecules from oxidizing and reverse damage already caused by protein oxidization.

If stemming from an injury, there are several homeopathic treatments available, such as the use of poison hemlock. Contact your holistic veterinarian or ask our veterinarians viaMy Online Vet to discuss.

Treating any chronic illness - including dog cataracts - early and effectively through a proper dog food diet, holistic dog vet care, preventive natural remedies as necessary and regular check-ups is the only way to prevent the condition altogether.

Dog Corneal Ulcer

Dog corneal ulcers. Jeez – sounds pretty scary, huh? It’s not as bad as it sounds or often looks, and, although bacteria can complicate the problem, dogs usually experience a full recovery. Corneal ulcers are simply more complex dog eye injuries and are usually caused by a cat scratch, thorn or other foreign object.

 

Dog Corneal Ulcer

The injury can be very difficult to see and may require the use of a special light to be diagnosed. A good sign that your dog suffers from this problem is a lot of tears or a partially closed eye.

If you see an object stuck in the eye like a thorn or debris, your dog will most likely need to receive anesthesia so a vet can remove the object. If you see blood, the injury is probably more severe and veterinary help should be sought immediately.

For slight irritations, shallow ulcers or uninfected scratches, see the treatment options under Dog Eye Irritations further down the page.

Dog Eye Inflammation (Often Caused By Dog Eye Infection)

If your dog’s eye or the area around the eye becomes inflamed, it is usually a sign of a dog eye infection. The best method for treatment is to clean it thoroughly and use special dog eye drops.

To clean the eye area including the “eye boogers”, use a comforting salt solution:
Mix ¼ teaspoon of sea salt into a cup of distilled water. Stir well, saturate a soft cloth or gauze and carefully clean the area.

Once the area around the eyes is clean, apply one of the following:

Mild irritation - 1 drop of almond oil
Moderate irritation or inflamed eyes - 1 drop of castor oil (Jeff Foxworthy would probably want us to clarify: Castor Oil, NOT Castrol Oil!)
Dry or ulcerated eyes - 1 drop of cod liver oil

Eye-Heal and Newton Homeopathics Eye Irritation are also very effective in treating and preventing eye infections.

In-growing Dog EyelidsIn-growing

In-growing Dog EyelidsIn-growing eyelids are a dog eye problem that can be hereditary or the result of continuous inflammation. With this condition, the eyelids turn in and press the eyelashes against they eye. The rubbing can cause a large (and sometimes white) ulcer.

To find out whether your dog’s eyelids are in-growing, gently pull the lids away from they eye and let them fall back. If the lids continuously cuff back in on themselves, you know this condition is present.

The most common treatment is a simple and effective surgery. Puppies also respond well to homeopathic treatments such as Silicea or herbal treatments like Goldenseal, which should be reviewed with your local holistic vet.

Dog Eye Injury
Dogs will be dogs, which sometimes includes sticking their noses in places they shouldn't. Dog eye injuries can be the consequence and come in many forms such as scratches, cuts or bruising of the eyeball.

Several homeopathic remedies are available, such as Comfrey for blunt trauma to the eye or Eyebright for non-corneal injuries:

Eyebright – i-Clenz from Native Remedies, as mentioned in the Preventive Dog Eye Care section above, uses Eyebright as one of its main ingredients. When applying directly to your dog's eyes (in contrast to using it to clean around the eyes), dilute the i-Clenz solution by adding 2 or 3 drops to about 25 ml of warm water and apply to the eye with a cotton swab. Use a new swab for each eye.

Dog Eye Irritation
Does your dog like to pull a Superman out of your car window like ours do? As much as they love it, it does increase the likelihood that dust and debris will get into the eyes. Dog eye problems like cornea scratches and eye irritation can result.

For irritation, wash your dog's eyes out with the following:

• Doggie Tears Eye Drops for Dog Eye Irritation - Mild:
• ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 cup distilled water
• Add the salt to the water and stir. Keep at room temperature. Apply by either dipping a cotton ball into the solution and squeezing drops into eyes or buy using a glass or plastic dropper. Apply drops until they run out of the eye.
• Doggie Tears Eye Drops for Dog Eye Irritation – Moderate:
• For more severe irritation, add exactly 5 drops of tincture (alcohol extract) of the herb euphrasia officinalis (also called Eyebright) to the Mild Doggie Tears Mixture above. Use 4 times per day.
• Treatments for slight irritations, shallow ulcers or uninfected scratches include:
• Add to the dog food diet:
• From ¼ to 1 teaspoon of Cod-liver Oil, depending on your dog’s size
• From 100 to 400 IU of Vitamin E, depending on your dog’s size
• Try the following dog eye drops:
• Every 4 hours, apply a drop of cod-liver oil directly onto the eye or into the lower lid
• Homeopathic remedies are also available, such as Monkshood. Contact your holistic veterinarian to discuss.
• You can also try gently cleansing your dog’s eyes with calendula tea, chamomile tea, eyebright tea or rosemary tea.

If your dog continues to keep his eye shut for most of the time, the injury may be more serious and you should seek veterinary help.

Prolapse of a Dog's Third Eyelid
Did you know that your dog's eyes have a third eyelid? It provides protection for the cornea in both dogs and cats.

The gland of the third eyelid also produces tears for the eye to help the tear gland lubricate the cornea.

If the gland becomes swollen, it will bulge up and over the top margin of the third eyelid. When exposed like this, it will become irritated and produce a thick yellow mucus.

A veterinarian can check the eye to confirm whether this is the problem. Sometimes a conventional veterinarian will suggest surgery to remove this gland.

Did You Know?

Reptiles and birds also have a third eyelid which is transparent, so they can see when underwater or flying through the air.

But it is healthier to find a holistic veterinarian to recommend treatment to reduce the swelling of the gland and return it back to normal.

Ugly Mugly Wins Ugliest Dog Contest

Mugly, a Chinese crested dog from the United Kingdom won the 2012 World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif., on Friday.

Living up to his name, Mugly has won the title of World's Ugliest Dog.

Like many of the previous title holders, Mugly is a Chinese crested. It's a breed known for being mostly hairless and prone to a few conditions that can make the tiny dogs heavyweights in an ugly contest.

Eight-year-old Mugly, however, is already a champ. Owner Bev Nicholson from Peterborough, England, claims he was named Britain's ugliest dog in 2005, as the AP says.

"I think that he is the most beautiful dog from the inside out and want the world to know that too," she told her local newspaper, the Peterborough Telegraph. "He will be flying the flag for all British doggies that are challenged in the beauty department."

A few oddly placed whiskers and teeth seemed to be his secret for winning the annual competition in Northern California on Friday. Looking at his 29 competitors from around the world, it must have been a tough choice.

Contest host and pet psychic Sonya Fitz apparently conducted an interview round with the contestants. On the contest site she reports the dogs "loved the attention they were receiving and didn't mind the 'ugly' label one bit."

Dental Anatomy of Dogs

Dogs are carnivores and have teeth that reflect their meat-eating evolutionary history. Pet dogs, of course, have been turned into omnivores, as most dry dog foods contain substantial amounts of plant material.

The dog shown to the right - Lakota the Alaskan husky - might appear to be vicious, but he's actually having lots of fun snarling while playing tug-of-war with a companion. Unless you know the dog, snarling should be interpreted as a warning of potentially aggressive behavior. Some dogs show a related behavior called "smiling", which is typically a submissive signal and usually associated with tail-wagging. 

A common abnormality in canine dentition is retention of deciduous (baby) teeth. This occurs when the permanent tooth bud does not grow immediately beheath the deciduous tooth, and therefore does not cause the roots of the deciduous tooth to be resorbed. Sparky dog - pictured to the right - has retained canine teeth (the small, more pointed teeth immediately behind his permanent canines). If a retained tooth causes the permanent tooth to erupt in an abnormal position or causes other types of problems, it should be extracted.Picture graciously provided by Ardena Ellard.

Dental Formulae
Deciduous	3 1 3 3 1 3	= 14	Permanent	3 1 4 2 3 1 4 3	= 21
Note: P4 and M1 are the carnasial or shearing teeth

Tooth Eruption
	Deciduous	Permanent
Incisors	4 - 6 weeks	3 - 5 months
Canine	5 - 6 weeks	4 - 6 months
Premolars	6 weeks	4 - 5 months
Molars		5 - 7 months

Maxillary Arcade
Maxillary Arcade (lateral liew)
Mandibular Arcade
Mandibular Arcade (lateral view)

brush my DOG'S teeth?

Why should I brush my DOG'S teeth?

Dogs, just like humans, can get cavities. Their teeth should be cleaned at least twice a week. Feeding your dog dry dog food and giving him plenty of hard bones to chew on are other ways to help keep his teeth healthier.

Two common problems dogs with poor dental hygiene have are loose and abscess teeth. Does your dog have bad breath? Studies show that 98% of dogs with bad breath are suffering from periodontal disease, a result of plaque build-up. If left untreated, this can lead to a bacterial infection, which can enter the bloodstream and spread to your dog's kidney, liver, heart and even its brain. Chances are if your dog has very bad breath, there is a problem with his teeth.

Why can't I use human toothpaste on my dog?

There are many wonderful brands and types of toothpaste for humans. Why can't we use them on our dogs? Because dogs do not spit, and human toothpaste is not edible. Your dog will most definitely swallow whatever you use to clean his teeth. You can purchase an edible toothpaste, just for dogs, at the pet store. There are many flavors available. Try to find one that your dog likes; your dog will be more likely to let you brush his teeth. A nice beefy brushing will be a tasty treat for your dog. If your dog squirms when you try to brush his teeth you may need a helper to get the job done.

How should I brush my dogs teeth?

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is not as hard as it sounds if you have the right supplies. 

 

You will need doggie toothpaste, and either a toothbrush, a nubby-surfaced rubber cap, a wash cloth or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger.

 

Close-up of nubby-surfaced rubber cap that fits over your finger

Position yourself and your dog so that you can access the dog’s teeth comfortably. Lift your dog’s upper lips and begin to brush in a circular motion, much like you would brush your own teeth. Be sure to brush where the tooth meets the gum-line. Don't forget to get the very back teeth, since this is where your dog is most likely to develop problems. When you are finished the top, move on to the bottom.

 

Tips

Check your dog’s teeth every time you groom him.

How to dental Care for Dog

Dogs need dental care, too! Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overallhealth as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routinegrooming. Help keep your dog healthy – pay attention to those pearly whites!

Monitoring Your Dog’s Dental Health

Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware of signs that may indicate a problem. To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be gentle and use caution so you do not accidentally get nipped! Your veterinarian will also take a look at your dog’s teeth during routine examinations, so make sure you keep up with these – visit your vet every 6-12 months for wellness check-ups. Contact your vet if any problems arise. Watch for the following signs:

• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Reluctance to chew / crying out when chewing
• Increased salivation
• Red and/or puffy gums
• Bleeding gums
• Tartar / Calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
• Missing and/or loose teeth
• Anything else about the mouth that appears unusual

The Dangers of Dental Disease

Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth – they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. Better yet, work hard to prevent it!

Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs

There are several things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life so he get used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly. If you decide to brush your dog’s teeth, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• NEVER brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste – it can make your dog sick! Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses.
• Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog’s tooth brushing into your own routine – consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.
• Use a “finger brush” or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushings, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.
• Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones – not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.

Most of all: make sure you keep up with vet exams. From time to time, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished. If dental problems are noted, tooth extractions could become necessary. Alternatively, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist for specialty procedures. Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year, while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet’s recommendations. And remember, what you do at home can really make all the difference.