DOG BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

By the time your dog matures, he’ll have 42 teeth (twenty on top and twenty-two on the bottom). All of them will need proper care throughout his life. It is estimated that four out of five canines experience some form of dental problem by age three. The side effects extend much further than a lost tooth or discomfort along the gum line. Bacteria can potentially enter your pooch’s bloodstream, leading to problems with his kidneys and heart.

Oral disease is one of the most prevalent medical issues suffered by pets throughout the country. For this reason, we’ll take a closer look at common dental problems experienced by dogs and the steps you can take to prevent them. We’ll explain why regular trips to your veterinarian are critical and describe how to care for your canine’s teeth at home.

Common Types Of Dental Problems

While cavities are rare among canines, plaque buildup is common. It typically forms as the result of small bits of food that accumulate between the teeth and gum line. If the food is allowed to remain there for prolonged periods, plaque will eventually form.

Over time, minerals in your canine’s saliva will transform the plaque into tartar. Tartar is a bigger problem because it is much more difficult to remove. Moreover, unlike plaque, tartar causes inflammation to the gums, a condition known as gingivitis.

If your dog develops gingivitis, you’ll noticed the gum line next to his teeth becoming red. You’ll also notice that his breath is bad. If the tartar is allowed to remain, it will continue to build underneath your pooch’s gums. Small spaces will eventually form between the gum line and teeth, which promote the growth of bacteria. This is the onset of periodontitis; it cannot be reversed. Your dog will likely begin to develop abscesses, infection, and other problems, including lost teeth.

It’s worth noting the factors that contribute to periodontal disease. First, some breeds are more susceptible to developing the problem than others. Second, genetics play a role. Third, your canine’s diet, age, and the dental care you provide for him at home also have a significant influence. Many owners would be surprised to learn that even the manner in which they groom their dogs can promote the accumulation of tartar.

Regular Trips To The Veterinarian

Proper dental care for your pooch should involve a two-pronged approach. You should make regular appointments with his veterinarian while also providing ongoing care at home.

The veterinarian will perform oral exams and cleanings, when necessary. The oral exams can help the vet identify problems before they worsen. For example, he or she can examine your pooch’s teeth and gum line for evidence of plaque and tartar. If gingivitis or periodontitis has already formed, the veterinarian can take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

Dental cleanings should be done on a regular basis for your dog. While it’s important to do them at home, the veterinarian will have the necessary tools to remove tartar buildup (brushing is insufficient). He or she will also have access to scalers that are necessary to remove tartar from beneath the gums. Once the tartar has been removed, your dog’s teeth should be polished.

Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth At Home

Home dental care for your canine involves two important tasks: brushing and examining. Ideally, brushing should be done each day, but even three or four times each week is valuable. It helps to remove food particles that become trapped between your dog’s teeth and gums. That prevents their setting the stage for plaque buildup.

You should examine your canine’s teeth once a week. Check for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Look for redness along the gum line. Check for bad breath. Take note of any tenderness your canine displays when you touch his mouth. If you notice signs of dental problems, make an appointment with the veterinarian.

Your dog relies upon you to help keep his teeth and gums in good condition. The more you and your veterinarian do to prevent dental problems from developing, the happier and healthier he’ll be.

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There are many reasons why we give our pooches treats. Sometimes, owners use them to reinforce desired behaviors. Other times, owners provide them in order to help their canines learn a desired response to a new command. Still other times, treats might be used simply as a way to express affection for our four-legged companions.

It’s important to realize the right treats can prove instrumental in motivating a specific behavioral response from your dog. Moreover, they’ll help ensure your pooch remains engaged during your training sessions, and healthy over the long run. On the other hand, the wrong treats can have the opposite effect, especially when given in excess.

Below, we’ll provide an overview of the different types of treats you can offer your canine. You’ll discover that some work better than others, depending on the circumstances and your goals.

Crunchy Versus Soft Treats

Some are hard and crunchy; others are soft and pliable. Treats of both varieties are available in different flavors and sizes. Generally, smaller is better because they are less likely to become stuck in your dog’s throat.

When you’re training your pooch, it’s a good idea to use softer treats. The hard and crunchy variety tends to break apart, which will distract your canine while he tries to clean up the pieces. Any distraction is an obstacle during training.

Treats That Taste Like People Food

There are many dog treats that are formulated to taste like foods normally eaten by people. For example, some taste like liver while others are reminiscent of seafood and various meats. While these morsels are effective for training purposes, a lot of owners mistakenly believe they are always preferred by canines. In reality, it depends on the dog. Some canines will enjoy them; some won’t. The only way to know whether your pooch likes these types of treats is to offer them and note his reaction.

Good For Oral Health

Some dog treats are designed to promote good oral health. They require a lot of chewing, which helps to keep your pooch’s teeth and gums clean. The problem is, if they’re swallowed, the wrong size can cause choking or problems in your canine’s GI tract.

If you’re going to give him treats that are meant to promote dental health, make sure they are the right size for him. Then, avoid letting him chew them unsupervised.

Table Scraps And Other People Food

First, some types of table scraps can be beneficial to your canine. For example, small pieces of lean meats and seafood carry nutritional value. The danger is that there are plenty of foods that can make your dog sick. Grapes, chocolate, onions, and macadamia nuts are all potentially harmful to your pooch. Plus, veterinarians suggest the quickest path to canine obesity is through table scraps because there are far more calories contained in them than in treats.

The takeaway with table scraps is this: they can be good for your dog’s health. However, owners can do plenty of harm if they’re unaware regarding the types of foods their canines should avoid.

An Indispensable Training Tool

One of the most compelling reasons to provide your dog with treats is to influence his behavior in a way that conforms with your wishes. In fact, most professional trainers extol the benefits of using food as a positive reinforcement tool.

When you purchase treats for your pooch, make sure they have similar ingredients to those you’ll find in commercial dog foods. Commercial brands are already formulated to deliver the vitamins and nutrients your canine needs. Don’t make the common mistake of providing him with certain treats just because the flavors appeal to you. Your pooch is bound to have different tastes. Let him decide the flavors he enjoys.

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