Care Tips
How to Brush a Dogs Teeth
Make brushing your dogs teeth a daily routine. Be consistent and your tooth brushing experience will be great!!!
If your dog isn’t accustomed to tooth brushing don’t worry, start out by rubbing your dogs gums with your index finger. This will make your dog get used to his or her gums being massaged.
Gradually introduce the toothbrush with toothpaste for dogs; these are specially made with flavors that a dog can’t resist. Use a toothpaste that appeals to your dog, put a small amount on the toothbrush and start by brushing the back teeth then work your way up to the front teeth. Use a back and forth motion to brush the teeth.
Do not use toothpaste formulated for humans as it can cause an upset stomach in animals.
Oral Disease
Oral disease is the most common health problem for pets. By the age of three, approximately 80 % of dogs and 75 % of cats have developed periodontal disease.
If the teeth have a lot of tartar on them or the gums are swollen or bleed easily then this should be brought to the attention of your vet. Left untreated, the infection can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss and can even spread through the bloodstream and cause kidney, liver, lungs and heart problems.
By preventing oral disease, you can help your pet live a healthier, happier life. Do not feed your pet table scraps, this can increase the formation of plaque and tartar. Dry, crunchy pet food can help clean plaque from the teeth.
Common signs of Oral Disease
- Yellow-brown tartar near the gum line
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Abnormal drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Sneezing and nasal discharge
- Loose or missing teeth
- Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
- Behavior changes
Thanksgiving Dinner For Dogs
You can easily create this tasty meal for your special friend using your cooked, skinless, turkey leftovers or by following the roasting instructions for uncooked turkey pieces.
Preparation time: 30 Minutes
Makes: Nine - 1- cup servings
Ingredients:
3 pounds skinless turkey pieces (light and dark meat)
1 cup (about 6 ounces) oatmeal
1 pound sweet potatoes, cubed
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
4 tablespoons turkey gravy
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a roasting pan.
2. Roast turkey until meat juices run clear when pierced with a skewer. Boneless breast or thigh, 30 to 45 minutes; boned breast or thigh, 45 to 60 minutes. Let cool.
3. Remove all bones; dice meat into large pieces.
4. If using fresh sweet potatoes, roast with turkey for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender. Let cool, then peel and dice.
5. Meanwhile, cook oatmeal according to package instructions.
6. Mix turkey meat, oatmeal , sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce together. Pour gravy over the mixture.
Serving size:
Small dogs, 3/4 cup; medium dogs, 1 1/2 cup; larger or more active dogs, 3 cups.
Taken from the book The Healthy Dog Cookbook: 50 Nutritious and Delicious Recipes Your Dog Will Love.