The Puppy Place - Dog Health Tips
When was the last time you cleaned your dog's ears or
brushed its teeth? These often overlooked areas of pet care are essential for
the health and well-being of your dog.
Your Dog's Teeth
Dogs need regular dental care. Buildup of tartar can cause
inflamed, swollen gums and secondary infection that can lead to serious health
problems. Dogs, one to three years old, should have their teeth brushed once a
week. Dogs over three years old should have their teeth brushed three times a
week.
Use a toothbrush that is made especially for dogs. They have
long handles which allow you to brush the dog's back teeth. Never use human
toothpaste, use an enzyme toothpaste specifically made for your dog.
There are specially treated dental cleaning pads which can
be wiped over the surface of the dog's teeth. The enzymes in the pad do the
cleaning.
Ear Care
 Ear
care is an often overlooked, but important area. Dirt and debris in the ear
canal can lead to inflammation and infection. Routine ear care, using products
which cleanse the ear of debris, help to dry the ear canal and assist in
preventing otitis, a chronic inflammation and infection of the external ear
canal.
Ear mites are small parasites which can invade your dog's
ears. These mites typically cause a dry, dark brown debris to form in the ears
of dogs. Ear mite treatments kills only the adult mites, not the nymphs,
(pre-adults). Effective ear mite treatment includes an initial series of
treatments to kill the adult mites followed 10 to 14 days later by a second
series of treatments to kill the newly matured adults.
Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements
On occasion your dog may benefit from vitamins and
nutritional supplements. Older or sick pets may not consume enough food to
provide adequate nutrition. Dogs recovering from surgery or chronic illness may
need nutritional supplements in order to heal well. Even hard working dogs, such
as guide dogs, may require supplements to say at their best level of fitness.
Sore and Irritated Skin
Dogs can suffer from skin problems associated with allergic
reactions, skin diseases or wounds. We recommend the use of a "complete
healing system" to provide deep healing for sore or irritated skin. This
system is as follows:
Your dog should be shampooed with an anti-itch shampoo to
cleanse and soothe the affected area and to prevent the spread of skin disease
through bacterial infection. To start the healing process, it is vital that the
scab or flaking skin be gently removed by using a medicated cleansing product.
Trimming the hair from around the area allows the medication to reach the skin.
Watch for the formation of new tissue which will appear
shiny and pink in color. This is an indication that the healing process is well
under way. However, as the skin begins to heal, itching will increase. Use a
skin relief spray to stop the itching and pain so that the delicate new tissue
is not damaged by scratching.
Continue to promote deep healing with the use of
hydrocortisone cream containing aloe vera and vitamins B and E which soothes and
nourishes the healing skin.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are localized areas of acute, moist and inflamed skin. Hot spots are
usually set off by flea bite irritation, allergies or Survey with an irritating
substance such as chemicals or harsh soaps. These spots are extremely itchy,
causing the dog to constantly lick and scratch, making the spot worse.
The most important step in treatment of hot spots is to
immediately stop your dog from further licking and chewing of the spot. A skin
relief spray will help stop the itching and pain.
Moderate to severe hot spots, as well as re-occurring hot
spots require veterinary attention.
Note: You should not rely on the veterinary advice or
information provided on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any specific
situation. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning
the medical condition or treatment of your own pet or animal. The Puppy Place
disclaims all warranties and liability related to the veterinary advice and
information provided on this site. Full
disclaimer.
View Site Map
|
|
|
|
|
