How to Brush Your Dog's or Cat's Teeth

Brushing your cat's or dog's teeth is simple after you've had a few practice sessions. Try to do this every day to promote healthy teeth and gums.

1.)Have a veterinarian check your pet's teeth before you start a tooth-brushing program. If your pet has gum disease or damaged teeth, the process will be painful and he will associate pain with tooth brushing. He may even bite you.


2.) Get your cat or dog used to your looking into his mouth. After each time you do so, reward him with a treat or praise.




3.) Buy a pet dental kit, including toothpaste (made for dogs and cats) and a toothbrush, at a pet store or from your vet. Follow the kit's instructions for use. Research alternatives, such as a finger toothbrush, if your pet refuses to let you brush his teeth with a toothbrush. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.


4.)Place your cat or dog on a comfortable surface while brushing his teeth.


5.) In general, try to use minimal restraint on your pet while brushing'especially if it's a cat. However, it may be easier to handle an especially reluctant cat by wrapping him in a towel to keep him from scratching or trying to escape.




6.) Brush your cat's or dog's teeth with a gentle, massaging motion.


7.)Reward your cat or dog with a tartar-control treat after the procedure.



Tips and Warnings:

#Starting at age 3, bring your dog or cat to the veterinarian for an annual teeth cleaning.

#Try to brush as part of daily quality time with your pet. He will come to associate tooth brushing with affection and praise.


Notes:

Melmhlaka:Fluoride, an ingredient in most human toothpastes can be harmful to dogs. They'll prefer the meat or chicken flavored ones anyway. I can't get my Rottie to enjoy her tooth brushing at all no matter how many treats or how much praise I give. Some dogs are just dirty!

This is a serious subject of vital importance.Studies of dog teeth and mouth issues show a whopping 98% of cases of bad breath in dogs are caused by periodontal disease, resulting from tartar buildup on the dog’s teeth and gum infections.80% of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease by age three. Infection due to periodontal disease can enter the blood stream, potentially infecting the heart, kidneys and liver, and may lead to other health problems in the pet’s latter years.This should be seen as a serious warning that, left unchecked, can lead to serious health problems and very possibly the shortening of our pets’ lives.


Source: www.ehow.com

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How to Clean a Dog's Ears

Dogs need to have their ears cleaned just like humans do, but certain precautions need to be taken so that no infections follow as a result. If you want to start cleaning your dog's ear yourself instead of taking it to a grooming expert, read on for some easy-to-follow instructions.

1.)Use an ear wash formulated for ear cleaning. It's important to never use undiluted peroxide on your pet's ears as it may cause burning.



2.) Soak a cotton ball thoroughly in the ear wash. Squeeze out excess ear wash.


3.) Place the cotton ball in your dog's ear and gently rub up and down.


4.) Allow your dog to shake off excess moisture. This is important for preventing ear infections.


5.) Soak the tip of a cotton swab in the ear wash and run it along the nooks and crannies of your dog's ears.



6.) Avoid putting the swab down your dog's ear canal; leave this type of cleaning to the veterinary medical staff.


Tips and Warnings:

#
Never use pure undiluted peroxide on your pet. The peroxide can harm your dog!
#
If your dog has chronic ear infections, consult a veterinarian. Chronic ear infections could be a sign of allergies or other problems.
#
If the ear canal looks abnormal, clean only the outside and consult a vet.




Notes:
Hazelheart:
You should always use an ear powder after cleaning the ears. The ear powder helps dry the inside of the ear, thus possibly stopping ear and/or yeast infection of the ear. The ear is a very typical place for a yeast infection in a dog.

comeonkharma:
I always do my dog's ears in the shower after I bathe her. The warmth and moister soften the wax. This improves the effectiveness of the ear cleaning product and less qtip hassle is needed. Also, cleanup is a breeze!


Archie:
I've to keep that in mind always as I used to swap soaked cotton swap quite deep inside my dog's ear, in order to be cleaner. TQ for sharing.



Source: www.ehow.com