Taking Care Of Your Dog’s Teeth And Gums

Clean teeth and gums are very important of the overall health of your dog. Here are some information on the most common dental problems of dogs and ways in treating them.

Dog’s common dental problems

– Periodontitis

It is very common among dogs to have gum disease. At the age of two or three, many dogs have either periodontitis or gingivitis.

The most common dental problem for canines is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. This results to a film characterized by milky-white on the dog’s teeth as well as the gums. When this film gets combined with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, and very hard to remove.

– Gingivitis

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, happens when gum tissue suffers from an inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening, bone less, and ultimately, loss of teeth.

– Tooth fractures

Tooth fractures occur when dogs chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves. The fractures result to infection inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease. Stainless Steel Flower Shape Dog Bowl

How to prevent dental problems

Your dog can fight off these dental problems by removing the plaque before it actually develops as tartar. How to do it? The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your dog in a mechanical fashion. The brushing would reduce much of the bacteria presence in the mouth, not to mention making your dog’s breath smell sweeter. Make it a habit of brushing your teeth on a daily basis.

Toothpaste. There are toothpaste products made especially for dogs. Brush your pet’s teeth using dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is specifically designed for humans to spit the paste washings out. Dogs cannot do that, so pick a dog toothpaste that is safe enough for dogs to swallow.

Toothbrush. Using a toothbrush in its teeth would take some time for the dog to get used to. Let your dog be acquainted and get used to this is by putting some garlic salt, mix the salt with water, and dip the solution in an old toothbrush. Hold the old brush, and let your pet taste and chew it. Your dog will start to realize that chewing a toothbrush is and tastes good. Make it a habit a few times, until it feels comfortable brushing with it.

Finger brush. You could also use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. A finger brush is a good alternative, although nothing could replace the good ol’ toothbrush. The finger brush just fits onto one’s fingertip and can let you brush the dog’s teeth without the dog knowing it. Well, at least almost. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your dog’s teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gumline’s margin as effectively compared with regular toothbrush.

Professional cleaning. If you don’t want to do the cleaning by yourself, you could take your dog to a veterinarian and have its teeth professionally cleaned. A good veterinarian will take additional measures in ensuring your dog’s clean teeth by anesthetizing your dog, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gumline areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling finish.

Home checkup. Try to make it a regular habit of checking the teeth of your dog for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, check promptly with the veterinarian.

Home safety. Of course, cleaning your dog’s teeth does not mean you should disregard other areas of concern. Tough substances, such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves should be removed from areas where your dog could see. Buy your dog chewing toys that are safer like rubber-made toys. You could also provide bones that are soft enough for your dog to chew.

Mouthwash. There are some products in the market that deal very well in helping to kill the bacteria in your dog’s mouth and could actually help heal damaged gum tissues. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian on the best products in the market.

Dental problems do not only happen to humans. Dogs also have dental issues as well. It is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.

Should You Try Dog Ear Cleaners?

Ever wonder how to clean dog ears? Dog ear cleaners are a great way to maintain your pup’s hygiene and prevent infection. Some people use cotton swabs, but the best choice is usually a specially designed dog ear cleaner. These tools make it easy for you to thoroughly scrub the inside of your pet’s ears and remove any dirt or wax buildup that has accumulated. There are many different types of cleaners available on the market, so be sure to read reviews before making your purchase!

What Is a Dog Ear Cleaner?

Dog ear cleaners come in a variety of different forms. The most popular types are liquids, sprays and pastes, however some cleaners also exist as wipes or irrigation solutions that can be applied with an eye dropper.

What should I look for?

When choosing the best dog ear cleaner for your pet, it’s important to consider what they like! Some dogs have sensitive skin which causes them discomfort after baths or around their ears. For these pups you may want to opt for organic products because they tend not to contain ingredients such as alcohols and parabens that could irritate your friend’s sensitive skin. Other pups don’t mind baths but dislike having liquid poured directly into their ears, so choose a spray bottle instead!

Is a Dog Ear Cleaner Right for You?

Dog ear cleaners are a great product to add to your pet’s repertoire, but they may not be necessary for everyone. If you have an older pup or one with floppy ears then daily cleaning is recommended because the loose skin folds create pockets that trap dirt and wax causing infections over time. However, if your pooch has healthy ears that he keeps clean on his own (or if it simply grosses him out!) there’s no need to invest in these products!

What About Allergies?

Allergies often pop up as people age and can affect pets too! Some pups may develop sensitivities which cause them discomfort after being bathed. For example, some breeds of dogs such as Golden Retrievers have reddish skin that can become irritated if cleaned with soap. If your pup has allergies to bee stings or certain chemicals then you should definitely opt for organic cleaners, but otherwise these products are likely safe!

Why do I need ear cleaners? Dog ears cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection. Some people use cotton swabs, but the best choice is usually a specially designed dog ear cleaner such as the ones available on WagWalking . These tools make it easy for you to thoroughly scrub inside of your pet’s ears and remove any dirt or wax buildup that has accumulated. There are many different types of cleaners available on the market so be sure to read reviews before making your purchase!

The benefits of using dog ear cleaners

An ear cleaner will help you to keep your dog’s ears in top condition. Cleaning a pet’s ears is just as important as brushing their teeth or cleaning them regularly with shampoo. If dirt and wax build up, it can lead to infections that are difficult to treat such as an ear infection.

Some people may wonder how often they should clean their pup’s ears, but this varies from animal-to-animal; the general rule of thumb is every two weeks for cats and dogs under ten pounds while larger breeds should be cleaned once per week. As always though, check with your vet before beginning any new grooming regime!

How to Use a Dog Ear Cleaner

To use a dog ear cleaner, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it is safe for your pet. These cleaners are generally very simple to use and there isn’t much risk of causing injury when used correctly. Simply apply some of the liquid into your pet’s ears, massage gently and wipe off with a cotton ball or cloth until clean. Just remember that if you have any questions on how to properly care for your puppy’s ears, check with their veterinary office first!

If you’re tired of struggling every week while cleaning out dirt from inside Fido’s floppy ears then maybe it’s time to try something new like an ear cleaner . You can find them at most local stores including Petco where they range in price for around $12.00 to as much as $30.00 depending on the brand and ingredients that go into them (ie: aloe, tea tree oil, etc.).

As always though it’s recommended you talk with your vet about which cleaner is best suited for Fido before adding it to his grooming regime! And remember if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us anytime at Petco !

Why You Should Try a Dog Ear Cleaner

Dog ear cleaners are a great way to maintain your pup’s hygiene and prevent infection. Some people use cotton swabs, but the best choice is usually a specially designed dog ear cleaner. These tools make it easy for you to thoroughly scrub the inside of your pet’s ears and remove any dirt or wax buildup that has accumulated. There are many different types of cleaners available on the market, so be sure to read reviews before making your purchase!

Some downsides to using a dog ear cleaner include: it can be difficult to tell if the inside of your puppy’s ears are sanitary, some may not like how this product feels in their ears and finally there is always a chance that you’ll get water or dirt into your pet’s inner canal (which could cause an infection). To avoid these issues just make sure Fido stays calm while being cleaned.

And remember never try to put anything down too far as it might end up puncturing his eardrum! Instead talk with our experts on proper grooming techniques at Petco . They will help you determine which products work best for your furry friend!

Conclusion

The results of this study show that dog ear cleaners are not as effective as people might think. If you want to reduce the amount of bacteria and yeast on your pet’s ears, give them a good cleaning with water and gentle soap at least once every week. But if you’re looking for an alternative way to keep their ears dry, there are many other things you can do like brushing or using decongestants which work just as well!

How Long Can a Dog Wear A Sweater?

It’s hard to say just how long a dog can wear a sweater. There are so many factors that go into it! Some dogs have short hair, some have long or thick fur, and others might be shedding seasonally. It also depends on the type of sweater they’re wearing – is it made of wool? Does the fabric offer any stretch? What about durability? We’ve put together this guide with all the information you need to know before you start dressing your pup in sweaters!

What is a sweater and why do people wear them?

A sweater is a knitted garment that covers most of the upper body and some or all of the lower. Generally worn for warmth, there are many types of sweaters depending on the fibers used to make them. Some people like to wear sweaters as fashionable accessories, such as at parties or special events, while others only wear them as part of their everyday life during the colder months!

How do I know if my dog can wear a sweater?

You’ll need to take several things into consideration: the weight and size of your dog, their hair type and length (or lack thereof), and how often they’ll need to wear it. As a general rule, if you’re able to fit three fingers between your dog’s neck and the sweater, it’s probably too tight.

The same goes for how low on your dog’s back the sweater should fall – never any lower than halfway between their neck and tail. If you’re ever unsure, take a photo of your dog trying on clothes in front of a mirror, or ask someone else to help you!

What types of dogs can wear sweaters?

Most dogs can benefit from wearing sweaters at some point or another! However, if your furry friend is in their senior years (7+) or has osteoarthritis , they might be more sensitive to the cold/heat in temperatures outside their usual comfort range. You may want to limit how often they go out in public while wearing one until they’ve adjusted to the new weather.

How long can my dog wear a sweater?

As stated above, it depends on several factors. More active dogs who play in cold weather will likely need to wear their sweaters for shorter periods of time than couch-bound pups, and dogs with thicker or longer coats might need them more often than dogs with short hair!

As such, we would recommend no longer than 20 minutes at a time, depending on the type of sweater they’re wearing and how old they are. However, if your dog is younger and generally healthy outside of age-related issues like arthritis , you might be able to get away with up to an hour.

Again, pay attention to their behavior and body language when you put the sweater on them – if they seem okay with it, it’s probably safe to go a little longer.

Are sweaters bad for my dog?

Some dogs may be sensitive to specific materials used in their clothes. If you notice your dog scratching at their sweater or acting uncomfortable, try changing up what kind of fabric they wear! You can also monitor how often they wear it and make sure there isn’t too long of a break between sessions .

A good thing to remember is that if your dog seems comfortable wearing a wool sweater one day, it doesn’t mean they’ll need to wear one every day from now on! Just pay attention to their comfort level and take things slowly as needed.

If your dog isn’t accustomed to wearing clothes, especially for a long period of time, it can be tempting to put them in clothing they’ll enjoy wearing because you don’t want them to be uncomfortable. But the key is actually the opposite! You should try and make clothing a positive experience from the beginning – always introduce new items slowly and give your pet plenty of time to get used to each one before moving on.

Putting their favorite toy inside a sweater might help them feel more at ease as well! Finally, don’t forget that treats are always an option if that’s what gets your pup excited about a potential wardrobe change!

Conclusion

Although it is best to not put a sweater on your dog at all, if you are going to put one on them, make sure that they have plenty of room for movement. Be careful when taking the sweater off because there could be some loose hairs stuck in the fabric which can irritate their skin. If possible, avoid putting sweaters with zippers or buttons as these can also cause irritation and discomfort. To keep your pup cool this summer, consider getting them an air-conditioned pet house!

Is Rhododendrons Poisonous to Dogs

Rhododendrons are beautiful plants that can be found in many gardens. They are not only attractive, but they also have some medicinal properties. For example, the roots of the plant have been used as a traditional medicine for centuries to treat pain and swelling associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or gout. It was also used by Native American tribes to induce vomiting during cases of poisoning.

What Are Rhododendrons?

Rhododendrons are tall, evergreen shrubs with large flower clusters. The plants can grow up to six feet high and have attractive leaves that come in colors of green or dark purple depending on the species.

Rhododendrons prefer sunny areas but need well-drained soil and water regularly during periods of drought. They require acidic soils for optimal growth which is why these shrubs favor growing in forested areas where there is plenty of undergrowth like ferns and mosses which help maintain the right pH levels needed by rhododendron roots.

The flowers vary greatly between different types; some might look more like small trees while others will resemble azaleas because they bear a few petals at the tips of long stems.

Rhododendrons are a common ornamental plant in the United States, Europe and Asia used by homeowners to add color or height to their gardens. They can be grown from seeds, but they take several years before blooming so most gardeners prefer making cuttings instead with stem-tip shoots that grow on mature plants which will root easily when moistened in water overnight. In general, rhododendrons bloom at different times between spring and summer depending on the species.

How Rhododendron Is Made?

Although these flowers come in a wide range of colors like white, yellow and pink because each petal contains red pigments combined with others; some rhodies are named for their colors like the Roseum rhododendron and Album.

For many years people have used rhododendrons as a source of medicine; they are valued in alternative therapy, folk medicine and ancient systems where plants were first considered sacred by early civilizations who later discovered that some species could be consumed or applied topically to treat various ailments.

In fact, the use of these shrubs dates back at least thousands of years when Native Americans started using them during religious ceremonies before it was adopted by other cultures throughout Europe and Asia. The sap from its leaves has been known to cause irritation on contact with skin which is why gardeners should wear gloves while handling this plant but almost all parts can be toxic if ingested even though only the leaves and stems contain the poisonous substance that can cause symptoms of intoxication.

How Poisonous Are They to Dogs

Rhododendrons grow in many parts of the world. They are a popular ornamental plant with over 1000 species and hybrids that vary according to their size, color and blooming times.

Are Rhododendrons Poisonous to Dogs?

The answer is yes; rhodies contain toxic substances which can be harmful if ingested by dogs or other animals who might eat them while roaming around your yard looking for something interesting to chew on. While some types like Leucothoe are known as nontoxic plants. Because they do not produce poison when growing, most rhododendron varieties should never be used as garden decoration.

Where pets have access since ingestion may lead to vomiting, seizures, coma or even death depending on how much of the plant your dog ate. Rhododendron ingestion can be fatal so it’s best to keep pets away from them in order to prevent accidental poisoning, especially if you have small children who are more susceptible and might put something like this in their mouths as well.

What Are Symptoms of Rhododendrons Toxicity?

When a pet is exposed to rhodies there may be several symptoms that appear depending on how much was ingested but they usually occur within an hour or two after exposure; some common signs include trembling, vomiting, drooling and loss of appetite that could lead to dehydration if not treated immediately. Some animals will show discomfort because the sap works by attacking cells where it causes swelling which leads to tissue damage with secondary effects

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats a Rhododendron Plant

If you suspect that your pet has ingested rhododendron it’s essential to seek veterinary treatment immediately and keep an eye on his behavior because symptoms may vary depending on the type of rhody, species or how much was consumed. It is important not to panic though since if treated quickly pets can recover from this poisoning but for safety reasons it’s always better to be safe than sorry especially when dealing with a potentially fatal plant like these shrubs.

The veterinarian will likely induce vomiting in order to get rid of any toxins still left inside followed by other supportive care; they might recommend charcoal therapy which absorbs poison from the gastrointestinal tract while also helping stop secondary conditions such as diarrhea or seizures caused by toxins disrupting nervous system functions. Be sure that your vet is aware of the fact that you think your dog might have eaten rhododendrons so he can provide the best treatment possible depending on a variety of factors.

Is There Treatment for Rhododendron Toxicity?

While some dogs recover from this poisoning without any help, there are cases where they need veterinary support to get through it and sometimes even survive. In these kinds of situations supportive care such as intravenous fluids may be needed along with medications like anti-vomiting drugs.

If symptoms become severe enough while other pets will have seizures which require anticonvulsant therapy or other treatments designed to control them. Since not all toxins work in the same way, animals who ingest more leaves than flowers will likely suffer more severe symptoms since the toxins are more concentrated in them.

It is important to know that rhododendrons have toxic substances which can be harmful if ingested by dogs or other animals who might eat them while roaming around your yard looking for something interesting to chew on; some types like Leucothoe are known as nontoxic plants because they do not produce poison when growing but most rhododendron varieties should never be used as garden decoration where pets have access since ingestion may lead to vomiting, seizures, coma or even death depending on how much of the plant your dog ate. Rhododendron ingestion can be fatal so it’s best to keep pets away from them in order to prevent accidental poisoning especially if you have small

Final Thought

If you’re interested in learning more about how to protect your pets from poisonous plants, we recommend checking out our blog post on the subject. The information below should help answer any questions you may have. It’s important for dog owners to understand what can harm their furry friends and there are many different types of toxins that they might come into contact with every day (and night).

Some common household items include cleaning supplies like bleach and ammonia, pesticides, fertilizers and even certain foods like chocolate or avocado! To learn more about the health risks that these substances pose for dogs take a look at this article. We hope it helps keep your pup safe!

Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys So Much?

Dogs are naturally drawn to squeaky toys, and the reasons why dogs love them are actually pretty simple. One of the most common dog toy types out there is the squeaker toy. Squeakers can be a dog’s favorite for many different reasons that are all related to how they sound when they are squeezed or stepped on.

Dogs have an excellent sense of hearing which means that no matter what kind of noise your pup hears, it will always be amplified because their ears not only pick up sounds but also amplify them! This means that if your pup has never heard a squeak before, they might think it’s coming from another animal and go after it!

What are Squeaky toys?

Squeaky toys are a very common type of toy for dogs to play with. These types of toys usually make some sort of noise when the dog squeezes it or steps on it, which makes them appear more attractive than other chewable dog toys like ropes and balls.

Why do Dogs Love Squeaky Toys?

Dogs can be attracted to squeak-toys in many different ways which is why they’re so popular among pet owners. A lot of times, dogs will find these types of toys appealing because they think that one animal is making the sound and go after it!

For instance, if your pup has never heard a squeaker before but hears its first one while playing outside or running around inside at home, he might think it’s another dog and go after the noise. Other dogs might be drawn to squeaky toys because they make high pitched noises which are also amplified due to their super hearing abilities!

Dogs can have different preferences when it comes to squeak-toys, but there are many that work well for all breeds of pups. One of the most popular types out there is this one by KONG called “Kong Cat Wubba Squeaker.” This toy has an unpredictable bounce pattern so your pup will never know what he’ll get next time he plays with it! It also features crinkle paper inside as well as a woven material exterior – perfect for shaking.

Reason Dogs Like Squeaky Toys so Much

• Squeaky toys are usually made of rubber and can be found in a variety of shapes.
• Dogs love squeaky toys because the sound they make when squeezed is similar to the sounds that puppies would hear from their mothers while still in the womb.
• The feeling of biting down on something with pressure, such as a toy, helps relieve some anxiety for dogs.
• Other animals also enjoy playing with squeaky toys, including cats and hamsters
• There are different types of squeakers inside each toy so you don’t have to worry about your dog getting bored quickly
• Some people believe that squeaky toys help keep teeth clean by scraping plaque off them or helping remove tartar buildup
• They are fun to chew on.
• It is a toy that doesn’t require them to use their teeth.
• Squeaky toys make dogs feel playful and energetic
• Dogs may also enjoy the novelty of new smells, textures, or sounds that come with a new toy.
• The noise from some squeaky dog toys helps keep your pet from barking too much in your house and disturbing you at night
• If you have more than one dog in your household, they can play together without getting into trouble with each other’s things while you’re not around
• There are many different kinds of squeakies – some shaped as bones, balls, animals etc., so there is something out there for every pup!

Conclusion

Dogs are a lot like humans in the way that they respond to music. It’s been shown that classical music can help calm dogs down and even reduce their stress levels, but it doesn’t matter what type of tune you play for your pup as long as it has some kind of beat or rhythm. So when you’re looking to buy new squeaky toys for your furry friend this year, an important thing to remember is that just about any sound will do!

This means that if you have a favorite song on repeat while playing with Fido, he’ll be much happier than if all he hears is silence. Save yourself time by getting one toy instead of two – whichever sounds best to you both might work out great!

The Best Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Allergies can be a serious issue for many people. There are two kinds of allergies, and both are equally as problematic. The first type of allergy is an environmental allergy, which affects the person’s nose and airways when they come into contact with allergens such as pollen or dust mites from their environment. The second kind of allergy is a food allergy, which affects the person’s intestines during digestion and causes reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or hives. If you suffer from either type of allergies then it might be time to get yourself a dog!

What are allergies and how do they affect people with dogs?

Environmental allergies cause reactions when people come into contact with allergens in their environment. This includes pollen, dust mites from the air, pet dander and mold spores. Living with a dog can help reduce these environmental triggers as dogs produce less of some common allergy-causing agents like house dust mite feces or animal dander than humans do (especially if they’re bathed regularly.

Because of the natural oils that are naturally present on their skin and coat. Furthermore, it’s not just about how clean your pup is; studies show that living with pets provides important health benefits to all members of the household!

Food allergies affect people during digestion through causing vomiting, diarrhea, hives or other problems without necessarily having any symptoms before or during. This is because the allergic reaction starts in a person’s intestines and spreads throughout their body, depending on what they react to.

It can be difficult for people with allergies to find dog breeds that are good matches but there are some great options out there! There are also low-allergy dog breeds that might suit your needs better than others as well. Keep reading below for a list of our favourite allergy-friendly dogs!

The Labrador Retriever

A medium sized breed from Newfoundland, these pups have been hunting ducks since the 17th century and make an excellent all-around family pet too! They’re pretty active so they don’t mind living indoors or outdoors and get along well with other dogs. Keep your dog happy with some Ball toys

The Pug

These pups are good with children and adults alike, they’re not as active indoors or outdoors but will definitely need a lot of attention and affection to keep them happy! They require minimal grooming and their wrinkles do a pretty good job at keeping moisture away from their skin which helps reduce allergies too.

The Bichon Frise

Low-shedding, hypoallergenic fur that does well in apartments makes this dog breed the perfect pet for allergy sufferers who don’t have much space for an animal inside or outside. This pup likes playing games like fetch so it’s great for more active people out there too!

The Maltese Terrier

A small white fluffy pup that’s good with kids and doesn’t require too much exercise. They’re pretty low-shedding so they make a great choice for people who suffer from allergies.

Why you should get a hypoallergenic dog if you have allergies

As discussed in the first point, allergies can be triggered by both environmental and food allergens. Dogs produce less of some common allergy-causing agents like house dust mite feces or animal dander than humans do (especially if they’re bathed regularly).

Because of the natural oils that are naturally present on their skin and coat, it’s a great way to reduce your exposure to these allergenic substances! Furthermore, living with pets provides important health benefits for people as well!

Studies show that pet owners have decreased levels of stress hormones compared to non-pet owners when under chronic stress which is really helpful when you suffer from an autoimmune disease like arthritis too. This means there are plenty more reasons than just doing what’s best for yourself to get a dog – you’re also doing what’s best for your loved ones!

Conclusion

It is extremely important to take the time to find a dog that suits your lifestyle and allergies. With so many breeds out there, it can be difficult knowing which ones are best for allergy sufferers. Luckily, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular breeds with low dander levels as well as their characteristics. We hope this article helps you in making an informed decision about which breed might work best for you!

Is Your Smoking Habit Harmful To Your Pit Bull Terrier Dog?

One little known but very real danger to Pit Bulls is second hand smoke. We know that second hand smoke has been proven to cause cancer and many other health problems among people, there is now research being done to see how it affects household pets. So far there have been some instances where animals exposed to second hand smoke have higher risk factors for developing cancer and many other diseases.

These studies so far have shown links to second hand smoke and nasal cancer and lung cancer in dogs. The longer you expose your Pit Bull to second hand smoke, the more you are putting his health at risk. As a Pit Bull owner myself, I feel as though even a small risk is too much when it comes to his health. As loving and responsible Pit Bull owners it is up to us to protect them from every possible danger we can, so why take unnecessary risks.

It is important to have your Pit Bull regularly examined by his veterinarian, and if he has been exposed to second hand smoke, you should advise your veterinarian of this as soon as possible. In many cases being diagnosed early can save your Pit Bull’s life, not just with cancer, but with all kinds of other diseases as well. You should ensure your Pit Bull has regular preventative care appointments with his veterinarian so you can catch any potential problems early and treat them before they compromise your Pit Bull’s health.

If the love if your Pitt Bull is not enough to stop you from exposing him to second hand smoke, just think of the costs of treating him, if he were to develop cancer or sickness from exposure. Most cancers, not all, are treatable if diagnosed early, but the treatment for dogs that have cancer is much the same as that for humans. You would be looking at possible surgery, and tons of chemotherapy or radiation, which over time is sure to amount in large veterinary bills. Even with treatment, there is no guarantee of a cure. You may very well being exposing your Pit Bull to something that could very easily kill him. Scary thought, isn’t it?

So the next time you light up around your Pit Bull, ask yourself is it worth possibly losing his life? If you must smoke, go to an area away from him, and try not to let other people smoke in his vicinity either. You are responsible for your Pit Bull’s safety, so why take useless chances with him?

Looking After Your Dog, Part Older Dogs

The advances in medicine and veterinarian competence have significantly improved the life expectancy of pets. And this entails a rather new aspect in canine care – how to care for older dogs. Since the life expectancy of dogs is typically 15-20 years, the transition from one life stage to another appears rather rapid to humans. You must recognize the signs of your dog getting old so that you can provide it the much needed extra care.

As with humans, aging in pets is a gradual process. It entails a gradual deterioration of organs, waning of sensory perception, and flagging of energy and strength. However, with a few precautionary measures and adjustments, you can keep your dog happy in the last years of its life.

The first signs of aging may appear at different times for different breeds. It also varies from one dog to another. A strong, healthy dog will probably age later than a dog that has constantly suffered from various ailments early in its life. The first sign of aging is a gradual decrease in the activity level, depicting loss of strength and energy. Older dogs have a tendency to sleep longer than usual and depict a loss of excitement for a long stroll or other fun games and activities.

Hearing impairment and a reduced visual acuity are a result of aging. Skin and coat, which once used to be lustrous and shiny, looks pale and rigid in older dogs. Oil producing sebaceous glands are weakened. Non-malignant tumors may appear under the skin, which are noticed when you rub your hand through your dog’s skin. The organs in older dogs lose their efficacy and the immune system is unable to ward off bacteria and viruses.

Although aging is an inevitable process, dog owners can delay its deteriorating effects through discreet canine care. Periodic visits to the veterinarian and administration of vaccines can help prevent common diseases. Annual checkups for intestinal parasites need be done. A nutritious diet is essential at all stages of a dog’s life. Therefore, you must purchase the best dog food available even if your dog has grown old.

Exercise is a must for dogs. Dogs with a protruding belly are more likely to fall ill and suffer the consequences of aging much earlier than a slim and active dog. Therefore, take your dog for a casual stroll and make it do a few exercises. This would help it stay agile and in shape even in the later years of its life.

There are many products now available that will help your dog, and you, enjoy her senior years.