Animal Dentistry – Do Dogs Suffer from Dental Cavities?

It is a least known fact that dogs may also suffer from dental problems and the worst - cavities. We normally ignore this point, as dogs do not eat anything sugary that can cause cavities or dental issues. However, recently, dog dental vet surgeons have come up with reports that 87% of dogs may suffer from cavities, which goes untreated until the signs of severity is seen. Moreover, this problem is increasing as people are feeding human food and sugary treats – of which all are not healthy or good for dog’s anatomy.

Tooth Cavities

People think that there is no place for dental cavities in dogs. However, cases of cavities in dogs have been increasing as per the vet reports. Early diagnosis can help to save the teeth rather than extracting these teeth. At the earlier stage, cavity starts damaging the tooth enamel and dentin. When left untreated this condition goes further down resulting into pulp inflammation, infection, discoloration and death of the tooth. Such teeth with cavities need to be treated by root canal therapy, on which your vet can provide you the clear picture. When root canal therapy is not sufficient as a treatment, further dental extraction has to be carried out as the ultimate option. Dental cavities can also result into some tooth fracture due to extensive tooth destruction. Slowly, this problem may lead to facial swellings or dental tract formation.

Early lesions are diagnosed by vets on observing and investigating the discolored areas of the teeth. Enamel tends to become soft and the lesions progress into dentin. This ultimately leads to severe dental issue.

Treatment for Cavities in Dogs

First stage tooth decay is detected with the help of explorer probe. Your vet will perform various tests – including dental radiographs before extracting or treating teeth. In case the problem is not severe, vet may opt for root canal therapy and then go along with restoration.

Various lesions may be treated and restored with “cavity preparation” method, which may be carried out with the placement of amalgam or composite restorations. Moreover, a few more visits to your vet can totally cure this dental issue.

Just an extra care can keep your furry pooch from getting cavities. Watch their diet, provide plenty of water, give dental treats to strengthen teeth and gums, and maintain regular dental regime of brushing at home. It is also crucial to take your pet to vet’s office once in a quarter for dental checkup. 

Read More info: https://www.discountpetcare.com.au/dogs-dental/t1/c116.aspx

Dazzling Ways To Get Along, Your Dog And Holiday Guests

When we know that guest are arriving to spend their holidays, we all get excited and start preparing for ourselves and the needs for the guest. But, don't forget your pet, you need to prepare him too. It can be joyful, but also stressful to your pet's. So with some advance planning and by training, you can make things more fun for your furry pal and less stressful for you. Here are some of the things, you need to keep in your mind to help enjoy the holidays along with your pet's too.

·         Dogs can get very sensitive with the changes in their routine and environments. When family members take time off from work and school, house guests come to stay, or other visitors roll through the home in droves, you need to try to preserve a few of your dog's routines, such as regular meal schedules and walks, exercise or play sessions.

·         Take your dog for a walk or let him play for 30 minutes, as this will make him more relaxed and calm, when guests are in  your home. You need to exercise him prior to their arrivals. Don’t allow your dog to greet unfamiliar guests; this just causes more stress for everyone, including your pooch.

·         Teach your furry pal to sit and stay; when the doorbell rings, put him in a sit-stay and do not open the door until he calms down. Practice this beforehand using friends and family members. Consider putting your dog on a leash, as visitors arrive, so that you can keep better control of him.

·         If there's considerably more activity than usual, plan some quiet times for your dog as well and then let him join you later to enjoy. The added stress and excitement of holiday festivities can increase your dog's thirst too, so make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink.

·         Make sure your dog wears his ID tags at all times and consider having him micro-chipped. In case, he slipped out the door with all the guest coming in and out of your home.

The above ways will surely, help you to enjoy the holidays with your guests and as well as with your pet's too.

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Fashionista Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Clean and Healthy

We think only about nails when it comes to our pet’s paw care. However, it is not only about trimming nails but beyond that. A total paw care includes looking after the pads, trimming the hair in between the pads and cleaning and trimming the nails. Just wiping the paws is not all enough. Paws soak up all types of things, whether dirt, grime or ticks, and bring them into your house. And, the worst thing is dogs usually lick their paws and accidently ingest all things – either toxic or allergic.

And, to avoid any complications because of this, paw care is essential. A few paw tips here will help you what to look for and what care you need to take in order to null all the chances of infection and helps you to learn how to inspect the pads for any infection, bugs, dirt, cracks, sores or allergy.

Wiping Paws

Firstly, whenever your dog comes back from outdoors, wipe his paws with plain warm water and some apple cider vinegar. You can even use paw wipes which are specially formulated for doggies. When buying these wipes look for the contents, as some pooches may be allergic to the ingredients. Your vet can even help you in finding the right product according to your dog’s health record. Wipe the paws to remove any dirt or parasites.

Cut the Paw Hair

Most pet parents think whether to cut/trim or not to trim the hair. As per vets, trimmed hair will reduce the chances of accumulating dirt and debris in the foot. Moreover, bringing in less mud from the outside. It also lessens the attachment of bugs and ticks. And, the hair remained intact protects the pads from all the outside elements.

Injured or Cracked Pads

With an injury in the pad, it is crucial to provide treatment without ignoring the wound or injury as this can lead infection, and sometimes even the complications of surgery. In case of cracked pad, it is essential to massage it with paw cream along with applying some soothing massage oil. This will heal the cracks as well as moisturize the pads. Normally, in winters, this type of problem is more compared to hotter months. 

For cold season, you can even bring dog booties, which helps in minimizing dogs’ traction and protects from dirt, and especially from ice salt which is usually used in this season. Mostly use them for walking rather than for running and playing.

Extra Special Care

Millennial pet parents want their furry pals to be more chic and the trend is fast catching up the fire with rest of the pet owners too. Numerous pet fashionista products are available on the market. Starting from sleek dog wear, cat wear to those funny caps and sweaters. Not limited to these, bandanas, hoodies, neck ties to many other fashionable accessories are on sale. Well, when it comes to paw there are thousands of shoes, booties in a wide variety and colors to pick from according to your choice. Moreover, these days, pawdicure polish pens too come in varied colors to make your furry pal paw look beautiful and colorful.

So, why not enjoy a great walk with your furry pal by just taking a little care of their paws. Have you ever tried a polish on your dog’s nail? Share a photo with us. 

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6 Time-Tested Rituals to Clean your Dog’s Teeth

As the granny’s saying goes that dogs are not prone to cavities as human beings do, there arises some speculations about how much truth there lies in this saying. Well, when looking with scientific binoculars, it does not stand true in the old good way saying. Though dog mouth seems cleaner, they can develop dental problems like plaque and tartar buildup and gingivitis. However, it is not just bad breath or yellow teeth that cause problem. Like humans, dogs may face numerous other canine dental issues which can lead to dangerous infections sometimes even life-threatening diseases related to heart, liver or kidney.

So, to avoid the outbreaks of dental issues, let us look at some of the best dental practices for your dog’s dental life.

Start at the early age!

When starting brushing at early age, grown dogs get easily accustomed to teeth cleaning. However, this can only be possible when you start working with your dog as a puppy and it also makes easier for you. Using finger brush or dog toothbrush like petosan or dentipet toothbrushes is quite helpful in starting the brushing ritual.

Pick the right tooth paste for your dog!

Quite crucial for daily brushing. People make mistake of using human toothpaste for dogs. Normally, human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is extremely poisonous for dogs. There are various dog toothpastes such as dentipet toothpaste available for dogs. These toothpastes you can find easily on online pet stores.

Importance of dry food over wet food

If your dog is quite fussy about brushing or your dog brushing regime ends into blood, sweat or tears, then there are still choices to opt for daily dental care. Kibbles and hard treats make the better option for your dog’s teeth compared to soft food. Wet or soft food is more likely to stick to the gums and teeth leading to the decay. So, kibbles designed with texture are more likely to help in controlling tartar or plaque buildup. However, you need to take care that these food is not too hard as it may damage teeth or hurt the gums.

Chew bones and chew toys for cleaning teeth

Numerous chewy sticks, bones as well as chew toys are available that are helpful in cleaning teeth. These chew bones and sticks are specially designed to strengthen your dog’s teeth and gums apart from cleaning. However, you need to be careful that the toys or chews you are giving to your pooch is safe for your dog to chew on. On the other hand, hard objects can cause broken teeth.

A good bone can help your dog in number of ways, not only keep the gums and teeth clean but also helps in strengthening them. On the darker side, giving only chews for dental care is not at all preferable and effective and rewarding in the long run. Therefore, the best option is to talk to your vet.

When to visit your vet regarding dental care

While brushing is essential, it’s important that you look into your pooch’s mouth weekly or bi-weekly for any abnormal indications.

If you find any of the below signs you should definitely visit your vet.

Scratching on the face or mouth

Depression

Bad breath

Change in eating habits

Misaligned or missing teeth

Excessive drooling

Loose tooth

Red, swollen, painful or bleeding gums

Bumps or growths within the mouth

Yellowish-brown tartar crust along the gum line

How often you need to visit a vet for dental checkup?

Apart from routine dental care, you need to visit your vet for dental checkup. Though your dog has healthy teeth, you need to take him to vet office every once or twice a year. Usually, your vet will examine your dog’s teeth in a normal health checkup, but when they don’t, you need to ask them.

Dental care may be more arduous taking in your time and energy but proper maintenance can save a lot in a long run and can even a life protector. Ignoring oral health can enormously harm your dog’s teeth and gums with a bad buildup. Keeping your dog’s mouth clean is an ultimate gateway to good health.

Do share with us how often do you brush your dog’s teeth.

More info About Dog Dental Care Products: https://www.discountpetcare.com.au/dogs-dental/t1/c116.aspx

Five Mysterious Behavior About Your Cat

Have you notice your cat doing weird things that leaves you scratching your head in total confusion. Yet, these special behaviors like affectionate head-butting, kneading etc make you love them more. But to help you better understand about your elusive feline, here are five cat behaviors that people commonly consider mysterious.

Chatters At Birds:

If you own a cat you might have here a claking sound from cat, when she sees a bird fly by the window. Some behaviorist say's that, kitty makes the sound to bring out the frustration for not going outside and catching the bird. And others say that the rapid-fire movement of the jaw is a Pavlovian instinct allowing kitties to prepare their muscles for the act of killing prey.

Head-butts:

When a kitty head butts you, it is one kind of way to show you her affection against you. You can consider it like receiving a high five from your furry little. You can go ahead and head butt your cat, but make sure you don't hit hard, just a slow touch to reciprocate the strange affection.

Kneading:

The kitty tends to push with her front paws like treading or making bread. This behavior takes hold when feline are very young, as kittens knead against mom-cat's breast to stimulate milk flow. When adult cat kneads on your lap, it is declaring love towards you and if the cat is kneading on pillow or blanket they are particularly happy and satisfied.

Purring:

Cats purr for many reasons. Happy cats will purr and the kitty which is in deep pain will purr internally. Sometimes they purr, as they are waiting something to make them happy.

Chew Plastic And Other Weird Things:

If your cat chew items like plastic, carpet, clothes, wiring, milk jugs, blankets, she might be facing a condition known as pica. Kitty's can develop pica for medical reasons such as gastrointestinal disorders, or it can stem for anxiety. It is the same thing like humans bite their nails or twirl their hair when they are nervous.

Hope, it was fun to know these silly and mysterious behavior of your cat, which made you smile, surprise and love her more.

Find Here Cat Training & Behaviour Products: https://www.discountpetcare.com.au/cats-training-and-behaviour/t2/c138.aspx

How Do Cats Get Worms?

Compared to dogs, cats are more prone to internal parasitic infection. There are numerous intestinal parasites that infect felines, which are commonly called as “worms”. Infection caused due to intestinal worms can cause a variety of health condition with numerous symptoms. Some cats may not show the symptoms in the earlier stage and this brings in a potential threat to health leading to complications. Moreover, some feline parasitic worms are dangerous for human health also.

How do cats get worms?

There are different ways through which felines get infected with worms. Though the medium of transmission varies, the most common source of infection is through the ingestion of the feces of infected cats. Mother cats can even pass on the worms to their new born.

Some of the Major Symptoms of Worm Infection

Cats show different signs of infection according to the type of parasite they are infected with. However, some of the most common clinical symptoms of worm infection include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss
• Coughing
• Bloody Stool
• Worms visible in stool
• Constipation
• Trouble breathing
• Bloating or potbellied appearance to abdomen
• Anemia

How are Worms Treated?

If your pet is infected with worms, proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary. If you find any of the above symptoms prevalent in your tabby, visit your vet for treatment. It is not the best idea to treat your pet yourself when you are not confirmed with the presence of worms. Your pet will be diagnosed by your vet for worm infection. Finding from which worm infection your kitty is suffering, the veterinarian will devise the treatment.

There are certain Cat dewormers that treat only a particular intestinal worm. For example, a deworming product used for tapeworm infection cannot treat roundworms. There are also over-the-counter dewormers that are useful for preventing all types of worms. For example, cat drontal, cazitel are useful in preventing all types of worms. When used regularly, these worming products will protect your cat from any future infestation. 

How to Prevent My Cat from Catching Worms?

• Make sure your yard is free from feces. Pick poo before your cat tries to play with it.
• Keep your surroundings, yard, furry pal and house free from flea infestation.
• Ensure to keep your cat indoors to avoid exposure to infected cats, rodents, fleas and feces.
• Good hygiene habits need to be practiced. Wear gloves while cleaning feces and yard and changing litter box. It’s crucial to routinely dispose of stool.
• Ask your vet to prescribe an appropriate cat worm control product or worm management program for your feline friend.

Though worm infection in cats is precarious, a proper treatment and preventive strategy can help fight against this disease and aid in preventing intestinal worm infection in felines.

Overactive Thyroid or Hyperthyroidism – What Care Your Cat’s Need?

35 million or more households in America are home to one or more cats. The felines making their way to the heart of Americans have always been regarded as a family member. Every pet owner ardently works to provide the best care to their feline friend in order to protect them from any harmful diseases. However, there are certain diseases which are out of control. Hypothyroidism is one such disease.

Let us find more about this disease, its symptoms and ways to tackle it.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is caused when thyroid cells are developing at a faster rate than the normal and producing excess thyroid hormone. These hormones play an important role in the maintenance of body’s metabolism. Their crucial role is to increase the natural chemical processes that occur inside all cells. On the contrary, when the thyroid hormones are excessively produced, cellular metabolism functions at an abnormally fast rate leading to the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism.

Certain symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased vocalization
• Increased water consumption
• Increased urination
• Unusual aggression
• Thickened nails
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Unkempt appearance
• Weakness
• Restlessness
• Difficulty in walking

Please remember that hyperthyroidism is totally different from hypothyroidism. These two need not be confused. Hypothyroidism is less common in cats and it usually happens as a result of overmedication with drugs used to control hyperthyroidism or after radioactive iodine treatment.

Treatment

When symptoms of hyperthyroidism come fore, pet parents need to seek medical advice from a veterinarian for a complete diagnosis and treatment. However, some cat owners take their feline friends for regular health checkup insist of waiting for the signs to develop.

After diagnosis, based on the report, your vet surgeon treats your cat. The most common method that a veterinarian applies to treat your cat’s hyperthyroidism is surgery along with medication or radioactive iodine. Looking at the medical history of your cat, stage of the disease and evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment, your vet will determine the best strategy for the treatment of this disease for your furry pal.

Preventives

Hyperthyroidism being the most common disease in cats, pet owners can opt for preventives to control this disease. Certain cat supplements are specially formulated for cats that contain phytonutrients (nutrients found in plant foods, such as green foods) and glandular extracts. These supplements promote better immune system function and organ detoxification.

Additionally, cooked meat or fish can be added in the daily diet to supplement the required nutrients. However, care should be taken that the calorie intake does not exceed the standard quote.

As feline hyperthyroidism prevention is not clear, the disease seems to be fatal before the visible symptoms appear. Therefore, cat owners need to take their furry pals on regular health checkups along with providing the additional supplements and rich diet to ensure a long and healthy life for the most loved feline kid.