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Bold Strokes: Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth



Wish your pooch could pop a breath mint? Better step up his dental care. Contrary to popular belief, dog breath isn’t supposed to stink. If it does, it could be a sign of gum disease.

To keep Max’s mouth in optimal health, the best thing you can do is brush, brush, brush.

Like their human companions, dogs can have gingivitis, receding gums, and even tooth loss from too much tartar buildup, so regular cleanings are a must. To make the experience go as smoothly as possible, follow these simple steps:

Buy the right brush: Get a doggie toothbrush, which is smaller and has softer bristles. You can also opt for one that fits right over your fingertips. For toothpaste, buy one that’s made specifically for your furry friend -- the human stuff can upset their tummies.

Prepare your pal: To get your dog comfortable with having his mouth touched, gently massage his lips. Next, dab them with a little toothpaste so he’ll get accustomed to the taste. (See if he’ll lick some off your fingers; if he does, reward him with a treat!)

Make your move: Gently lift up his lips, and hold the brush to his teeth at a 45-degree angle. Using small strokes, start by cleaning the upper canines, then finish the rest from top to bottom. Don’t fret about brushing the tooth’s inner surface -- doing the front is enough to tackle tartar.

Along with home brushing, your vet may recommend regular professional cleanings. Clean teeth and healthy gums can add approximately 3-5 years to your dog's life!


Friday Sep 10th - 2010

Pet Parking - Not Cool!

 

Even if the weather is cool, it’s still not safe to leave your pet in the car.

 

As long as the sun is shining, a car acts like a greenhouse, with the temperature rising to dangerous levels within a half hour. Cracking a window or running the air conditioning before parking only delays the rise in temperature for a matter of minutes.

 

Never leave your dog unattended in the car for more than a few minutes, and always carry water for your dog to drink.

 

 

Hot dog in car

 

 

Friday Sep 10th - 2010

How Young Is Your Dog?

 

Check out this article from DogAge.com and give your dog the best treat of all: a younger, healthier life. Take the one-of-a-kind DogAge Test, and get free life-extending advice for your furry best friend:

 

No more multiplying by 7 to learn your dog's age in people years. The DogAge Test measures your dog's biological age based on health, breed, risk of disease, and behavior. Visit DogAge.com and take the test:

 

http://www.dogage.com/

 

 

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