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Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I have nothing against veterinarians who prescribe dog teeth scaling for those animals with severe tartar buildup. For the doctor, this is the only real alternative she or he has for removing dangerous plaque buildup.

If you don’t know what scaling is all about, allow me to explain. First and foremost, general anesthesia must be given to the dog. This is the single biggest negative factor against the procedure. The cleaning method used by the doctor is simply not possible with an awake pet.

For younger dogs, the drugs used are not usually a problem. Although some dogs can have a lethal reaction to them, most do fine. However, older canines are especially vulnerable to general anesthetic. Since this age of pet is most likely to need the teeth cleaning, older dogs are more often suggested for the procedure. Owners of any dog over the age 9 or 10 should be especially weary of risking this.

Once the dog is put under the anesthetic, various tools are used to “scale” the teeth in order to remove the plaque. The plaque can cause gum disease and from there the problem can lead to infections in various parts of the body as the bloodstream transfers the bacteria from the mouth area to the other parts of the body.

Another side result from the procedure is the fact that because there is usually bleeding of the gums during the cleaning, anti-biotics area required for the animal afterwards for up to ten days. These are both expensive and can lead to stomach upset problems.

The second important consideration for this method is the cost. Depending on which part of the country you live in, the fee can range from $200 to over $500. As many vets suggest the procedure every year or two, this can rapidly add up in cost.

There are alternatives to needing the scaling performed. If plaque can be kept from building up in the first place, there is no need for the risk or expense. There are two main methods for preventing tartar buildup. One is to feed the dog more raw foods instead processed can and dried formulas. Raw foods will help keep the tartar cleaned off and area also nutritionally better for the canine.

The other alternative involves using all natural dog tooth pastes and sprays which will not only remove the buildups, but will prevent the dangerous scale from beginning to take hold on the teeth. All these products are generally available on the Internet and are very effective for ensuring your canine’s dental health. Using these cleaners are not as simple as a one-time scaling process; they do require the owner to put forth an effort. However, most pet lovers agree that the tradeoffs of expense and safety for the canine are well worth the work required.

By: Steven Weber

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The moment the snow begins to hit the ground our two German shepherds are frantically jumping around next to the door just waiting to go outside for playtime. Being that I don’t really like the cold, l will usually hope that the dogs will not want me to go outside and play in the freshly fallen snow with them. Unfortunately I know otherwise. Like many dogs they simply love the snow and they do not really care if I am cold. They will run, play, jump, and chase each other through the snow for as long as we let them. The biggest problem for me is that I am freezing after only a couple of minutes.

How can the dogs stand to be outside in the freezing cold? Luckily most dogs come complete with their very own fur coats. Different breeds of dogs will have different types of fur coats. With the thickest coats of fur being more common in larger breed dogs, and many small breed dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, having very fine hairs in place of thicker shed and guard coats. This means that not all breeds are going to be as warm as others and your dog may not like being out in the cold for long.

For those dogs that do not have thick coats ,you might want to invest in getting your pet a winter doggy coat or sweater. These will help keep your pet warm and dry during your winter outings. Their not that expensive and can be bought at your local pet shops. This will allow your pet to enjoy walking and playing outdoors.

You should also be concerned with another potential problem with regards to cold weather issues for your pets, that of your pets paws. The pads on your dogs feet are often overlooked by many pet owners when it comes to pet health problems. There are a couple of common items to keep an eye on.

The first thing to keep in mind is that no matter how tough you think your pets feet are, the truth is that your pets pads and toes are susceptible to cold damage. Snow and ice is frozen water, and can cause frost burns and frostbite. When your pets are outside they are basically standing directly on the cold snow for an extended period of time. There is not a lot insulation around your pets feet.

As an experiment, try placing your un-gloved hand in the snow for a few minutes. How long did it take for you to pull it out? Trust me it wasn’t that long. Less then a minute most likely. How cold was your hand? Even though your pet’s foot pads are tougher then your hand at dealing with the cold, they are not as good as a nice pair of boots. Just as you made sure to place heavy boots on your own feet, some dogs may prefer to have canine boots on their feet.

Another important aspect of caring for your pets feet during the winter is dealing with the salt used to clear ice from your steps or walkways. Ice removal products, generally either a form of salt or a combination of chemical melting agents, can cause serious burns to your pets feet if not removed. Your pet is walking in the same stuff you are, but unlike your boots, his paws do not come off when he comes inside the house. Make sure you clean off his feet by using a warm wet washcloth to wipe off and rinse clean and salt residue. Pay special attention to cleaning any salt from the pads and in between the toes. This would also be the perfect time for you to check your pets toes for sensitivity, damage, or potential problems.

So keep an eye on your pet’s feet this winter. Learn their behavior and use your best judgment to determine if your pet’s feet are too cold or hurting. Next time your taking out your winter gear, remember that your four-legged friends will appreciate you taking care of their cold weather needs as well.

By: Derek Wood

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It’s no secret that dogs love to chew. However, dogs have sharp teeth so it is natural for you to be concerned when your dog keeps chewing his leg excessively. Some dogs will even chew their own leg until it opens up.

This a bad habit and many dog owners want to know how they can stop their dog from chewing his leg. To stop this dog chewing leg behavior you must first be aware of some of the more common reasons that will cause this problem.

For some dogs they chew their legs because they are bored or nervous. Others like chewing their leg because they consider it fun. Some of the more serious reasons include skin allergies or a reaction to an insect bite.

Another cause of this excessive chewing of the leg are hot spots which are red, inflamed areas that can cause intense itching. These hot spots on a dog are usually caused by a bacterial infection and will lead to your dog damaging himself by biting and chewing.

Another more common reason a dog keeps chewing his leg is due to a form of OCD also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder. The same way some people are obsessed with washing their hands, some dogs may be obsessive about biting and chewing themselves.

Thankfully, there are some flea and tick medications you can give your dog on a monthly basis to reduce the itching and chewing problem. Your dog may start chewing at his paws because this is usually the first place that starts itching when they’re suffering from a seasonal or food allergy. If your dog is still chewing himself excessively then you can provide him some relief by using a prescription antihistamine or a special conditioning shampoo to reduce the itching.

By: Jason Max

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Proper dog care is important to maintain your dog’s health as well as to keep your dog happy. There are many different aspects to dog care that you may be unaware of and you should try to stay well informed in order to prevent as many problems as you can. Allergies can be a problem for dogs and besides treating any allergy symptoms you can try to prevent the allergic reactions in the first place. Most of dog’s allergies are due to airborne particle sin the air. Bathing your dog regularly and rinsing their feet after they have been outdoors can reduce the amount of allergens on your dog’s skin.

Dog dental care is also necessary but very easy to do at home. You only need a few simple tools and you can regularly take care of your dog’s teeth to ensure healthy gums and teeth.

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental clean solutions, dental treats and dental toys can all be used for dog dental care. Many of these items can be found in dog dental care kits. It may take some time for your dog to get used to having its teeth cleaned but in the long run it will be worth it.

Having clean ears is very important for dogs and you should be particularly vigilant about ear care, especially during the summer. Infections can occur when there is too much build up and moisture in the ear canals. To prevent this you can use a variety of products that loosen build up, rinse away dirt and kill mites.

Eye care is also an important part of dog care and properly cleaned eyes can prevent infection.

Certain types of dogs are particularly susceptible to eye infections and conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection for dogs. You can use eye cleaning solutions and protective ointments to kill of nasty bacteria and protect the eye from irritation. Other steps that can be taken to keep eyes clean is to trim the hair around your dogs eyes, keep the corners of the dog’s eyes mucous free and to try to stop the dog from partaking in any activities that may result in eye injury.

Also as your dog ages you will need to alter some of your dog care routine. No matter your dog’s age, exercise is still important. However as your dog gets older the exercise should be less intense and for shorter time periods. You should also switch its dog bed to one made of foam as that will better protect its joints. Your dogs dietary needs will also change as he or she gets older and you may need to add supplements to its diet or change the dog food altogether. You should also be aware of any behavioral changes and have them investigated as soon as possible as they may be a sign of more serious issues.

By: Lee Dobbins

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It is a well-known fact that dogs need The right nutrition supplements. Healthy supplements should contain natural ingredients, high quality minerals, vitamins and organic components. Proceed with reading about the benefits of using organic dog supplements that can provide your dog with good health and high energy levels.

The food that you choose to feed your dog is of a great importance. Organic dog supplements provide more than enough calories and nutrition for you pet. Apart from energy, healthy components should give the right amount of protein, carbs, fats and nutrients as well. The quality of the constituents used in particular pet food, defines how much nutrition your dog gets. Organic supplements for dogs provide your four legs friend with vital components to maintain health and proper curing after injures.

Make sure that you buy certified organics dog supplements. This will ensure you that the product is of high quality and is free from antibiotics and hormones. Similar to all organic product, organic supplements for dogs will be more expensive than average supplement. Nonetheless, when it comes to your dog’s health, the price should not be your main priority.

It is obvious that organic supplements are the best options. Commercial dog supplements commonly include high levels of sodium, artificial flavours and preservatives that are unfavourable for your pet. Organic dog supplements offer a guarantee that the product is 100% natural and does not include any toxic additions. Also, the components can be free of pesticides but you will need to check to be certain.

There are many organic supplements being offered in the market and it may be difficult to make the right choice. Try to choose supplements of high quality that contain healthy proteins and grains. Therefore you need to make a little research and find the best products. Do not overlook your dog’s health.

Here you can see three major reasons why it makes sense to feed your dog with organic supplements:

1. They contain no toxic ingredients. Also they are free from harmful chemicals that can worsen your pet’s immunity system. If feeding it with natural organic supplements, you make it possible for him to stay healthy for longer time.

2. They are enriched with many useful nutrients that provide your dog with proper nutrition. The internet stores are great places for buying organic dog supplements. Check the information attentively. Clarify if they use whole grains, protein of high quality and offer customers guarantee?

3. In the end, your dog will be left happier if it eats the right food supplemented with organic additives.

By: Nickolay Bokhonok

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When it comes to caring for your dog or puppy, do not ignore proper eye care and safety. Some dog owners forget the little things when it comes to their dog’s eye health and this can result in health problems in the future.

Below are a few dog eye-care pointers:

1. Many dog owners overlook the importance of guarding your dog’s eyes from injury. I would advise that you be overly conscious of your dog’s head when you are playing games that could injure their eyes. Some examples of

5 Ways to Care For Your Dog’s Eyes

Your dog’s recovery from canine arthritis has many components. It’s not just about their joints. It’s also about their diet, weight, and activity level. An all-natural supplement should include ingredients that are effective on joints while also providing nutrition and energy. Australia is the foremost country in harnessing these ingredients against joint pain.

Canine arthritis comes in two types: degenerative joint disease and rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis must be treated with antibiotics prescribed from your vet, so it’s a good idea to get your dog’s arthritis diagnosed before choosing a supplement.

Degenerative joint disease is the most common type of arthritis found in dogs and is also called osteoarthritis. It occurs with old age and is often genetic. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain because of the deterioration of the cartilage and bone in the joints of old dogs and the reduction of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. This causes painful bone on bone action. Symptoms of canine arthritis include stiffness, limping, loss of range of motion, and difficulty getting up or down.

For owners, the downward spiral of their best friend can be upsetting. It’s important to take action when it comes to your dog’s joint pain, as there are supplements on the market that can get them going again. Treatment of joint pain and inflammation often includes vet prescribed painkillers, injections, and NSAIDs. These options come with serious side effects to your dog’s liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. The alternative to these costly and unhealthy treatments are all-natural supplements.

Most owners turn to glucosamine powder or fish oil to treat their dog’s arthritis. This treats the most obvious problem, joint pain, but ignores the co-factors in your dog’s health. The discomfort of arthritis and inflammation causes most dogs to become inactive and overweight, putting even more strain on their already deteriorating joints. The most effective and efficient all-natural supplements should include ingredients that promote activity and a healthy diet, as well as including glucosamine or a marine extract, such as shark cartilage.

Holistic vets in Australia are already using these requirements and are encouraging owners to look for these nutritional types of supplements over one-ingredient supplements. Australia produces several ingredients with a quality that is much more effective than ingredients sourced from other countries. This is due to their tropical climate and environmental awareness in prohibiting pesticides and promoting organics.

The top four ingredients that any good natural dog arthritis supplement should include are: turmeric, celery seed, papain and cayenne.

Turmeric has long been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and speed wound healing. In a dog supplement, the enzymes of the turmeric herb have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may reduce the swelling in your dog’s joints without upsetting their stomach.
Celery seed treats arthritis and fluid retention, which helps with joint pain, yet it also stimulates appetite. As your dog begins to feel better and become more active, this will serve to get him up and going, starting the cycle of a healthy diet and an active life.
Australian Papain comes from the sap of a papaya. The sap contains a protein digesting enzyme that rids your dog of intestinal parasites. This will ensure that you dog responds to the supplement well, processing the ingredients without a problem.
Cayenne is the key ingredient that gets your dog active again. It decreases fat intake and increases metabolism, both at rest and when exercising. This will help you dog shed weight and get active.

These ingredients provide nutritional health and a kick-start for an active life. When combined with a naturally occurring glucosamine and a marine extract, your dog will be on the road to recovery from joint pain and inflammation.

By: Astrid Martin

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