Dental Care for Your Dog

NOTE: From Pedigree.com newsletter

February is Pet Dental Health Month—a good time to remember that dogs have oral care needs too. While dental health may not be at the top of your pet-care priorities, it is important to your dog's health. Taking care of his chompers not only curbs dog breath and helps prevent periodontal disease (the most commonly diagnosed disease among dogs aged 3+), it can actually help him live a healthier life.

The best way to keep your dog's teeth clean is to brush them regularly. Look for a finger brush, which is a little sleeve that fits over your finger. It's easy to use and its textured design provides effective scrubbing. You can also use a toothbrush that's specifically designed for dogs. And be sure to use only dog toothpaste, which is available at pet stores. Human toothpaste foams too easily and may be harmful or toxic if swallowed by dogs. For the ultimate in oral care, you can try using oral rinses that are made for pets.

Simple tips for better oral health:
1. Watch his diet. Studies show that hard kibble is slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating on the teeth. If you feed your dog canned food exclusively, try mixing dry and canned food together. Or supplement his wet food with an oral care treat. (See below.)
2. Give him something to chew on. There are many products available online or at your local pet store that will benefit your dog's teeth and gums. Be careful not to choose anything too large or hard that could break his teeth. Do not use toys that are abrasive and can wear down the teeth.
3. Look for tartar control treats. There are some dental chews specifically designed to help control plaque and tartar buildup, such as PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX® Daily Oral Care Snack Food for Dogs. Make sure the snacks you choose are clinically proven.
4. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or sweet treats because they can increase the buildup of plaque and tartar, and may lead to other health problems.

Whether you choose to use brushing, chews, kibble, oral care snacks, or a combination of the four, be sure to keep up with it. With a little vigilance on your part, you can help your dog maintain good oral health—and that could mean better overall health and a longer life.

For more at-home tips to care for your dogs and cats, buy my Kindle book, Pet Grooming 101, for only $.99!

Holiday Tips for Pets

Here's a great article for pet owners or ones thinking of getting one during the holiday season.
http://www.tampabayvets.net/news/tis-season-holiday-safety-tips/

E-book for Pet Owners

Pet Grooming 101 is my brief e-book on caring for your dog or cat. From home remedies to grooming tips, this is a helpful guide for under one dollar!

For your Kindle, order from Amazon.

Winter Prep for Equines

These are a wonderful articles to remind horse owners on how to prepare them for the upcoming cold weather. Some locations have already had their first snowfall!


From Noble Outfitters (an article I wrote)

From University of Minnesota

From Equus Magazine

Doodles!

Bentley is a small doodle type with the kinky hair. The owner adopted him from a shelter, and his coat had been neglected. 

So I had to shave the body for the first visit, with a longer face. Since then, the half inch puppy ct works best for him since I groom him every 8 weeks.

Labradoodles (Labrador x Poodle) and Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever x Poodle) always provide a pet groomer with a challenge. If they are groomed on a monthly basis, the hair can be left longer. But if they are not brushed out regularly by the owner, or seen only every two or three months by a professional groomer, the result is a huge mess of matted hair unless kept short.

If that is the case when I meet a new client, I explain I'll be shaving the dog this time - the length will depend on how bad the knots are - and try to convince them to rebook in a reasonable time, two months after a shave down is usually best. It's not fair to torture the dog with trying to comb out knots especially in sensitive areas such as the neck, belly and under the armpits, ears and tail.

Once the dog is groomed regularly by both the owner and groomer, the coat can be trimmed anywhere from 1/2" to 1" or longer. I still keep the sensitive areas short as they tend to knot the quickest. Using a detangler creme rinse and/or spray help with combing out after the bath.

The ears need to be plucked just like a poodle and the hair around and under the eyes trimmed by the groomer. The lower jaw may need to be short if the dog keeps his dinner in it to save for later. Also the hair on the paw pads should be shaved to prevent sliding on wood or tile floors, with the hair on top of the paws trimmed to about 1/2" and rounded. The long tail can be trimmed to whatever length is best; short if it tangles easy.

Free Pet Grooming Tips for Owners!

This booklet was created by Tampa Bay area Mobile Groomer, Sharon Miner, to help pet owners of all ages learn how to care for their dogs and cats to keep them healthy and happy. Tools, products and home remedies are included. If you want to know how to clean your dog’s eyes, ears and teeth, learn about keeping your pet’s coat healthy, how to smooth nail tips to avoid being scratched and what to do for a flea infestation, then this is the resource for you!

FREE with Kindle unlimited, or only $.99 to buy! 

Pet Grooming Tips or Pet Owners

This booklet offers helpful, low-cost tips for grooming pets at home. Not haircuts, but everything else is included. It's only offered on Amazon and free to Kindle Unlimited program. Or purchase for your Kindle for only 99 cents!