Dog Teeth Cleaning - Methods For Removing Tartar

Cleaning dog's teeth is important for many reasons. The most obvious reason is to help the dog avoid the dreaded "doggie breath" so many suffer from. Another reason is to prevent the unsightly look of plaque build-up on the teeth. A happy smile with pearl white teeth is what every dog owner wants for their canine.

However, there is another reason for cleaning dogs' teeth which is far more important. Just like in humans, if plaque is allowed to build up on your dog's teeth, there is a significant chance for infection of the gums. This infection can often lead to bleeding gums. The fact that the gums are bleeding signifies that there is a direct access there in the gums to the blood supply. Therefore, the bacteria associated with the plaque build-up can then have direct entry into the blood stream.

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The blood can then carry the bacteria to other parts of the body and actually infect various organs. The byproducts given off by the bacteria can be very harmful. Illness and even death in dogs have been attributed to such infections.

With respect to cleaning dogs' teeth, always remember it is far easier to keep the plaque from building up in the first place than it is to remove it once the deposit is heavy. Oftentimes, a vet will consider the plaque such a threat to the dog's health that he or she will suggest scaling. Cleaning dog teeth in this way requires general anesthetic.

Putting a dog under anesthetic can be dangerous. This is especially true in older dogs. Owners should understand that the death rate with adverse reactions to anesthetic is much higher in dogs than in humans. Questions about the risks of the procedure should always be asked before scaling is used to cleaning dog teeth.

Again, it is far easier to keep dog teeth free from tartar than it is to remove it once the build up is great. There are products such as dog toothpaste and other cleaners which can be used. In fact, there are even "dog tooth brushes" which can be used with the gel or paste in order to keep the dog's teeth clean.

Although it may be difficult at first to get the dog used to the idea of cleaning his or her teeth, with some work and good dog psychology it is possible to have the dog relaxed and open to the act of brushing. If the plaque is not built up too heavily, brushing a dog's teeth is only required 3 or 4 times a week. If the build-up on the teeth is heavy, daily or even twice daily brushing for several months may be required.

Most of the gels and toothpastes available have a lingering effect which continues to work beyond the actual brushing. The products tend to help dissolve the plaque simply by being in contact with it. Therefore, it is important not to allow the dog to eat or drink anything for an hour or so after the teeth brushing. At night, just before bedtime is an excellent time to clean dogs' teeth.

Cleaning your dog's teeth is important part of maintaining his or her good health. It's important not to overlook that aspect of canine hygiene.

Dog Teeth Cleaning - Methods For Removing Tartar

Steve Weber has more articles about canine health and cleaning dog teeth at his http://www.CactusCanyon.com website.

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Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Avoid dog ear infections by practicing preventive care. That means regularly examine and clean your dog's ears. Cleaning your dog's ears is important for good grooming and overall health. This is especially true for canines with pendulous ears, lots of hair in their ears, allergies or other medical problems that render them susceptible to ear infections.

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Keeping the dog's ears clean is important because a damp environment creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, often leading to painful sensitivity, redness, swelling and infection.

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Some guardians never check their dog's ears unless the dog is shaking or scratching its ear(s).

That's unfortunate because, by that time, there is usually an ear health problem requiring veterinary intervention to determine if the dog is infected, infested or needs treatment.

Before cleaning the dog's ears, inspect for potential problems. Take note of any matter in and around the ear canal, particularly excess wax. A dark wax may be a sign of ear mites.

Do not use water when cleaning your dog's ears.

A weekly ear cleaning with an approved cleansing solution, or a mixture described at the bottom of the page that you can prepare at home, minimizes or prevents dog ear infections.

If ear problems are discovered, soak a cotton ball thoroughly in the ear wash. Squeeze out excess and gently clean dirt, wax and other matter from the exterior area of the ear, and consult your veterinarian. Hold the ear flap up so the ear is tilted up; fill the ear with cleanser until it runs out. Do this while holding a towel to catch overflow from head shaking. Gently massage the base of the dog's ears so you hear a squishing sound. If your dog attempts to move around the ear may be infected or you may be massaging too vigorously to free the discharge, so be very gentle. Aggressive pressure is not required.

Unless the ear is infected, the dog will probably enjoy this part of the cleaning.

If you don't hear the squishing sound, you may not have enough cleaning solution in the ear or you are not creating enough movement. The cleaning will start at the part that protrudes from the side of the head or flops over, and also the external part of the ear that is gnarled, fleshy and, in some breeds, hairy around the entrance to the ear canal. From the external opening, the L-shaped ear canal descends vertically before taking a 90-degree bend for a horizontal jaunt to the ear drum. You should clean up to the external ear canal and no further -- the vertical part before the 90-degree bend! Use your finger as a gauge to a safe access area to clean into the external ear canal -- as far as you can see with a flashlight -- and gently clean with a cotton-tipped swab only if you have been instructed by your veterinarian.

Otherwise, use cotton balls or soft cotton cloths around the entrance to the ear canal, with a gentle, veterinary-approved cleaner. Be careful not to rub too hard as you can do more harm than good by rubbing the ears raw, leaving a nesting ground for bacteria and ultimately infection. Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes recommended but should be avoided because it leaves excess moisture and that can lead to the very difficulties you are trying to prevent. Finally, use an ear drying powder or cream and fold ear flaps back for about five minutes to dry canals.

You'll be surprised at the amount of debris you can remove.

If you would prefer to make your own dog ear cleaner, here are three good recipes your veterinarian will approve of. Choose one or the other, don't use them all at the same time, and never use them to treat an ear infection.

Recipe #1: Mix one part white vinegar with one part rubbing alcohol (50/50 mixture) in a squirt bottle and shake well.

Recipe #2: Mix 50/50 vinegar and water, massage it in the ear for 60 seconds, clean the dog's ear with cotton balls (not Q-tips). If your pet requires medication, apply it afterwards.

Recipe #3: For cleaning and to get rid of ear mites, soak a few crushed garlic cloves in oil (mineral oil, olive oil, or almond oil) overnight. Garlic helps kill the bacteria that can lead to ear infections. Put 3-5 drops of oil in the ear canal after thoroughly cleaning your dog's ears. Do this once a day for at least a month. Oil will smother and starve the mites.

Use dog ear cleaning recipes only as indicated above. Site owners or their agents will not be responsible for any injuries resulting in the use or misuse of the recipes. Use with your own discretion.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.callofthedogshop.com created to provide the things your dogs and pets need.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.

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