Dogs Training Series Home dental care for your dog

Dog that like to chew on bones, toys and various shaped objects will be doing themselves a favor. This action provides natural dog cleaning. Unfortunately, it also can cause problems that can go unnoticed.



For instance, hard bones can chip a dog's teeth which can lead to tooth decay over time. Some of the best choices are soft toys with spikes that work into the gums and teeth as the dog chews. Apart from being less damaging on the teeth, these special toys help to strengthen the teeth and gums, remove food particles from the teeth, and exercise the teeth and gums overall.



Regardless of your dog's chewing habits, it's still necessary to make sure your dog gets proper dental care to avoid problems. Plaque can build up on the teeth and cause various diseases, including abscesses, gingivitis and other gum diseases. In time, these conditions will lead to tooth loss from decay. Unhealthy gums will weaken and cause the teeth to loosen and fall out.



If you notice any injuries or sores in your dog's mouth or if you see broken or coated teeth, take your dog to the veterinarian for immediate attention to prevent disease or to prevent any disease that is present from spreading through the dog's body.



Know your breed. Some dogs are more susceptible to certain dental problems. Pekingese, for instance, are more prone to developing oral disease because of the way their teeth sit in the mouth.



Purchase a proper dog tooth brush and toothpaste and clean your dog's teeth about once a week. This will do two things. It will remove and prevent plaque build-up which leads to tooth decay and gum disease. It gives you an opportunity to check your dog's mouth for any signs of trouble.



Look in your pet store for special biscuits and chew sticks that are formulated to help keep your dog's teeth clean. Feed your done after each meal to aid in food removal.



Dental wipes are also available in some areas which can be used to help prevent periodontal disease, which is common in dogs. These special wipes remove plaque and tartar.



Avoid feeding your dog soft foods unless you provide hard biscuits or kibble as well. Soft food tends to stick more easily onto and in between your dog's teeth, whereas hard biscuits are less likely to do so.



Keep your dog on a proper diet with sufficient chewable items to aid in cleaning the teeth naturally. Do not feed your dog sugary foods and avoid products that can damage the teeth. By making sure your dog receives proper and regular dental care, you can prevent many teeth and gum diseases that plague many dogs.
For more great tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Tips at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com .

Dogs Training Series Glucosamine in Your Dogs Diet

As you stand in the store pondering the plethora of varieties of dog food for your dog's diet, your mind can truly become overwhelmed. The numerous ingredients in dog food simply complicate things even further.



Who really knows what all of those ingredients really mean? You see glucosamine on some of the dog food labels. That sounds a bit familiar. Haven't you heard of glucosamine in the news? What exactly is glucosamine and why should it be in your dog's diet?



Glucosamine has proven to be beneficial to joint health in humans. Research has also shown that glucosamine in a dog's diet can be beneficial to your pet's health too.



Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that maintains good joint cartilage. It is one of the key building blocks to produce joint lubricants. The joint lubricant helps to keep the joints moving and functioning with ease. When included in your dog's diet, it will ensure your pet's joints work at their peak performance levels for years to come.



How does glucosamine work to help your dog's joints?



The added hydration and lubrication it provides to the joints will help to prevent arthritis in your dog. Owners of large breed dogs that are predisposed to having joint and hip problems should especially consider adding glucosamine to their dog's diet.



Shellfish is a good source of glucosamine. It is also available through a unique process of fermenting corn. This method creates a vegetable based glucosamine. One of the qualities of glucosamine is that it does not interact with other medications your dog might be taking.



Today, many high-quality dog foods have added glucosamine to their dog food following reports by dog nutrition researchers of its benefits to dog joint health. Glucosamine will be listed on the dog food label if it exists in that particular product. If it is not mentioned, supplements can be given.



Glucosamine supplements come in numerous forms. You can even give your dog a treat specially designed to supplement your dog's diet. The tasty treat eliminates the trouble of dosing your dog with pills.



Of course, it is always best to talk to your veterinarian about any changes to your dog's diet. He or she can give you advice about what supplements should be added and in what quantity. Ask your vet about the advantages of glucosamine and whether they supplements are necessary.



Protect your dog's joints by monitoring the amount of glucosamine in your dog's diet.
For more great tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Tips at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com .