Dental Concerns To Keep An Eye Out For
Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels
Dental Diseases and Concerns In Dogs
Dogs deserve to smile with a full set of pearly whites. If you’ve ever wondered why your fur baby’s breath isn’t exactly minty fresh or noticed they seem to be drooling a bit more than usual – here are some simple ways to identify and prevent dog dental disease.
What dental concerns can dogs experience?
From tiny puppy teeth to large canine teeth, we know dogs can’t clean their own. It’s important we help them out by paying attention to their smiles, brushing their teeth, and keeping up with regular vet visits to avoid plaque build-up, periodontal disease, gum disease, halitosis, and pain.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the structures supporting the teeth. It’s a nasty dog dental disease that starts with plaque build-up, eventually hardening into tartar. And if the periodontal disease dogs are experiencing isn’t treated early, it can lead to painful infections and even tooth loss!
- What it is: The most common dog dental disease, affecting the tissues around their teeth.
- Symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Why it matters:
- Can lead to tooth loss
- Can cause pain and discomfort
- May lead to infections that affect other organs
Gum disease
Gum disease is another common but easily treated dog dental disease. It often begins with gingivitis – where their gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Ouch! Over time, it can progress to periodontitis which causes further damage to their health.
- What it is: Inflammation and infection of the gums, often due to plaque build-up.
- Symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Pain while chewing which can be spotted by them not eating as much, eating slower than usual, or they’re hesitant around food
- Why it matters:
- If these symptoms are left untreated, they can lead to periodontal disease which dogs find painful
- Causes chronic pain and discomfort
- Affects overall oral hygiene
Bad breath
Yep, bad breath, or halitosis if you want to get scientific, is super common in dogs. But it’s a frequent concern if you’re disgusted every time you get close to their mouth. It can signify plaque build-up to more severe conditions like oral tumours or dog dental disease.
- What it is: An unpleasant odour coming from your dog's mouth.
- Symptoms:
- Persistent bad smell from the mouth
- Yellow or brownish teeth
- Extra drooling
- Why it matters:
- Often a sign of underlying dental issues
- Can indicate other health problems
- Causes discomfort for both you and your pet
Dental plaque
Dental plaque can form on your dog’s teeth just like it can form on ours. If you don’t brush their teeth, it can harden into tartar and create severe dental issues. Regular brushing can help you avoid it turning into a common dental disease dogs face.
- What it is: A soft, sticky film that builds up on the teeth from bacteria and food particles.
- Symptoms:
- Yellowish build-up on teeth
- Mild gum irritation
- Bad breath
- Why it matters:
- Leads to tartar
- Can cause gum disease
- Affects their overall dental health
Excessive drooling
If your dog’s drooling when there’s no food around, it might be worth checking out. They could be experiencing tooth pain, infections, or have foreign objects stuck in their mouth.
- What it is: Drooling more than usual, often linked to dental issues.
- Symptoms:
- Constant drooling
- Wet spots on their bed
- Pawing at the mouth
- Why it matters:
- Indicates discomfort or pain
- Can be a sign of oral tumours or dental diseases
- Needs medical attention if it keeps happening
What to do if your dog has dental issues
You know your dog, so trust your gut if you think something’s not normal. Perhaps keep an eye on things if you notice they’re not eating as much or have slightly worse breath than usual. If they show symptoms like bleeding from their gums or excessively drooling, it’s a good idea to chat with your vet.
When to see a vet
Get into the habit of seeing a vet when your dog’s not sick, so when something’s not normal, it’s not a big hassle to get them out of the house. You can do this by booking in regular dog dental check-ups at the vet, like you would with your own dentist. Your vet will organise a scale and polish if your dog has bad breath and plaque, and if there are further issues, they can take x-rays and offer further treatment. When you do your best to catch and treat dental issues early, you’ll have one happy dog. Remember, a healthy smile leads to a happy tail!
For more tips for your dog’s dental health, check out the PEDIGREE Help Hub.
©2024 Mars or Affiliates.
YOUR DOG MAY ALSO LIKE...
How to harness train your dog
Photo by Rajesh Kavasseri on UnsplashIf you're tired of your furry friend pulling on the lead when walking them on a regular collar, harness training may be the solution. While a harness is no substitute for proper training, it can be a big help during your dog’s walkies, as it provides more support and control for both of you. There are different types of harnesses to choose from, so it’s good to do your research to find one that suits what you’re after. It may take a while to get your pooch used to wearing one, so be prepared to give them the support they need while they adapt.The benefits of using a harnessThere are a few benefits of using a harness rather than just a regular collar. One main reason is that it can help prevent injury, as collars can put a lot of pressure on a dog’s neck and throat when they pull. A harness distributes the pressure more evenly throughout your dog's body, reducing the risk of hurting them. Harnesses also provide you with more control as you walk your dog, making it easier to guide them on walks and in other situations. All this said, it’s still important that your dog is wearing an ID tag when out in public, so you may want to keep their collar on as well or find a form of ID that can attach to the harness itself.Choosing the right harnessWhen choosing the right harness, there are different styles to pick from, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Front-clip harnesses can be great for dogs who pull, as they give you better control over their direction. Back-clip harnesses are easy to put on and take off but may not be as effective for controlling a strong or reactive dog. And dual-clip harnesses offer the best of both worlds but can be more expensive.Make sure you get the right fitOnce you've chosen a harness, it's important to make sure you get the right fit. To do this, you'll need to take a few measurements, including their chest girth and neck circumference. Be sure to check the manufacturer's sizing guide before you buy, as different brands may use slightly different measurements. A poorly fitting harness can be uncomfortable for your pooch and may not provide the support and control you need.Getting a puppy used to a harnessIf you’ve recently got a new puppy, it's best to get them used to wearing a harness early on. Puppies are generally more accepting of new experiences than older dogs, so it's a good time to introduce them. Start by letting them sniff the harness and rewarding them with treats when they show interest. Gradually introduce them to wearing it for short periods, increasing the duration over time.Getting an older dog used to a harnessIf you have an older dog who's never worn a harness before, it may take a bit more time and patience to get them used to it. Again, start by letting them sniff the harness, before gradually introducing them to wearing it for short periods of time, rewarding them with treats and praise. You may need to go at a slower pace, depending on your dog's temperament and previous experiences.Troubleshooting any problems during the training processLike with any type of training, there may be some hiccups along the way. If your dog seems uncomfortable or unhappy with the harness, try adjusting the fit or trying a different type. If they’re pulling or resisting the harness, it may be a sign that they need more time or training to get used to it. Be patient, offer plenty of rewards and praise, and seek the help of a professional trainer if needed. Harness training can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your dog. By choosing the right harness and taking the time to get your dog used to wearing it, you and your furry friend can enjoy stress-free walks and a happier, healthier life together. For more training tips and other pet-care advice, check out our Help Hub.© 2023 Mars or Affiliates.
READ NOW
How To Prepare For a Foster Puppy
Foster parents play a really important role in the rehoming of dogs, especially when puppies are involved. Animal shelters in Australia are often incredibly busy and it’s not always easy to find suitable adopters quickly.By fostering puppies, you can provide them with the love, care, and attention they need during their early development, until they have a loving forever home to go to. But there are a few things you need to plan and prepare for, before taking a foster puppy under your wing. Puppy-proof your homeFor starters, you’ll need to get your home ready for a new little furry roommate. Puppies love to explore the world via their mouths, so this is definitely something to keep in mind. Plus you’ll also have to suss out any potential escape routes and risks.Indoor considerationsIn those early months, puppies will get their paws and teeth on just about anything, so the first step of puppy proofing your home is checking for potential hazards. Move electrical cords out of reach and keep things like human foods, cleaning supplies, and medications in high up cupboards. You’ll also want to store away any smaller items that could pose a choking risk and identify any poisonous houseplants that will need to be moved. If you have stairs in your home, it’s wise to place safety gates at the top to prevent your foster puppy from falling down them. They’re delicate at this young age, so a fall could lead to a nasty injury!Outdoor considerationsSecuring your garden should be a top priority before welcoming a puppy into your home, as they’ll take any opportunity to explore new territories! Check your fencing to make sure there aren’t any holes, loose panels, or gaps underneath, and block off any potential escape routes you discover. If there are any toxic plants in your garden, place secure fencing around them or remove them altogether. And if you keep bins outside, make sure they’re lidded and secured to avoid the pup eating anything they shouldn’t.Supplies you'll needThe next step in preparing for your foster puppy is making sure you have everything they’ll need to feel at home. Most foster organisations will provide you with some of, if not all, the essentials, including food, bowls, bedding and toys. Some also cover initial medical expenses, such as vet checks, and worming and flea treatments. Ask the organisation you are fostering your puppy through for a list of what you’ll need to get yourself.FoodThe organisation you’re fostering your puppy through will be able to let you know what they’ve been eating and advise you on their dietary requirements. They may even provide you with a supply of food, or cover the cost of buying some. These arrangements will vary between different organisations and are worth clarifying up front.ToysAs mentioned, it’s possible your foster pup will arrive with a toy or two, but it’s always nice to have a welcome gift there waiting for them. Before you go overboard and buy lots of toys, get to know their personality and what they like to play with. If a soft toy barely lasts a day before losing its stuffing, perhaps opt for something more durable like a soft rubber chew toy. These are great for soothing your pup’s sore mouths when they’re [teething], just be sure to select toys that are gentle on their teeth, if you can’t indent it with your thumbnail, it’s probably too tough for their teeth.Have veterinary arrangementsThe cost of veterinary care, such as vaccinations, will generally be covered by the organisation you’re fostering your puppy through. For this reason, many organisations look for foster homes local to where the puppy has been staying, so they can continue receiving care at the shelter itself or at an affiliated vet practice. If this isn’t the case, it’s important to have some sort of veterinary plan in place, so your pup can continue their routine vaccinations and get any care they may need. Discuss this thoroughly with the fostering organisation beforehand, so you have all the necessary information. Fostering a puppy is a really special and rewarding thing to do, but it’s important you’re fully prepared. Make sure you do plenty of research and get all the necessary information from your fostering organisation before you commit to the arrangement. Check out the [PEDIGREE Help Hub] for more advice on fostering or adopting a dog, as well as lots of handy tips on training and caring for them. @2023 Mars or Affiliates.
READ NOW
Basic Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Photo by Ivan BabydovBasic Tricks to Teach Your DogDogs are smart animals capable of learning all sorts of things, so teaching them basic tricks can be a fun activity to enjoy together. Not only is it a great way to bond with your pooch, but it also provides them with valuable mental stimulation and obedience training. Some of the basic tricks to teach a dog who’s new to this sort of thing include roll over, high five, and speak. These can all be taught with the use of treats, verbal cues, and hand gestures, along with some loving support, of course!Why teaching your dog tricks is importantTrick training can bring a new and challenging aspect to your pup’s life, making it more fulfilling and rewarding. Some of the benefits of teaching your dog tricks include keeping them engaged, enhancing their obedience skills, building confidence, and creating a strong sense of trust and communication between the two of you. Just be sure that your dog is always enjoying themselves during their training by keeping an eye on their body language. If they appear tired or reluctant, it’s probably time to call it a day.Five basic tricks to teach your dogIf you haven’t taught your dog any tricks before, start with something simple that you can guide them through in a few easy steps. Teaching a dog to sit on command is one of the first things many pet parents start with, followed by other basic tricks like roll over or high five. Whichever you choose, be patient and consistent, and hopefully your pooch will nail it in no time!SitTeaching your furry friend to sit isn’t just a good starting point for trick training, but also for teaching them good manners and obedience. This basic command will come in handy when you have visitors over, are waiting to cross a road, or need to keep your dog still for grooming. To teach your dog to sit, follow these simple steps:Hold a treat just above their head and move it towards their tail, while saying the command “sit”. As they begin to follow the treat, their back end will hopefully lower to the ground.The moment that they sit down, give your dog the treat, along with lots of praise.Repeat the trick several times, then try the command without the treat, rewarding them with praise alone.Down The “down” position is a great command to teach your pup, as it’s the starting point for other tricks like “roll over”. It’s also good to have up your sleeve when you need your dog to settle down, especially if they’re being too excitable or you’re in a public space.It’s simple to teach, just do the following:Start with your dog standing and hold a treat by their nose.Guide it down from their nose to their chest and then down to the floor, while saying the command "down".Practice a few times and then try with the command and no treat.Roll OverTeaching your dog to roll over not only keeps their mind and body active, it’s also a handy trick to have mastered if you need to inspect your dog’s stomach, such as during veterinary examinations. To get started, first you’ll have to teach them the “down” position (see above), before moving onto the roll.Just follow these steps:Get your dog into the “down” position and hold the treat close to their nose. Move it slowly towards their shoulder, encouraging them to roll over onto one side.Move the treat from their shoulder to their backbone, so they roll onto their back.Continue moving the treat round to their other side to complete the roll and reward them with the treat and lots of praise.Repeat this until they get the hang of it, then try adding the verbal cue “roll over”. After some practice, remove the treat from the routine and just use the verbal cue. Shake or High FiveIf you want to put a smile on the faces of your friends and family, you can start by teaching your pooch to shake their hand or give them a high five. The same steps can be used to teach either trick, simply choose between the commands “Shake” or “High Five” and use the following technique:Start off by teaching your dog the “paw” command by holding a treat in your closed hand and letting them sniff and paw at your hand until they realise where the treat is.When they lift their paw, reward them with the treat and lots of praise.After they’ve learned to lift their paw, add your chosen verbal cue. Over time, remove the treat and just use the verbal cue.SpeakTeaching your dog to speak on command is great fun, and believe it or not, a very useful behaviour too. This is because once you’ve taught them to bark on cue, you can also train them to stop barking on cue. This technique is simple but will need consistent training to be effective:Have a treat ready and create a situation where your dog is likely to bark, for example, playing with them, tempting them with food, or waiting until they ask to be let out into the garden.When your dog barks, reward them with the treat and use the command “speak”.Repeat the process until your dog learns to bark on command.If you want to train your dog to stop barking, you can use the same technique, but don’t give them the treat until they are quiet and use a command like “quiet”.Teaching your dog basic tricks can be fun for both you and your pooch, while also improving their obedience skills and keeping them mentally stimulated. Simply stay consistent with practicing and they’ll be performing these tricks with ease in no time. For more tips on training your dog, check out our help hub. © 2023 Mars or Affiliates.
READ NOW
Raising A Therapy Or Guide Dog Puppy
Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on UnsplashPedigree What It Takes To Be A Therapy DogsFostering Future Therapy Or Guide DogsPreparing to become a foster carer for a therapy or guide dog isn’t quite like bringing home any regular four-legged friend. These incredible creatures provide invaluable assistance to people with disabilities, mental health conditions, or those in need of companionship and support. Before they can become fully-fledged assistance animals, they need to go through an important stage of growth and learning.What does fostering therapy or guide dogs involve?Fostering a future guide or therapy dog is a deeply rewarding experience, yet it comes with a set of responsibilities. It means welcoming a puppy into your home, treating them as part of your family, and committing to their care, socialisation, and early training. This period in their life is so important because it sets them up to become a best friend and assistant to someone who needs them.What is required of you?You will be nurturing,training, and preparing a puppy for a life of service, so you’ll need a whole lot of patience, commitment, and a willingness to learn new training techniques. It is usually best if you are around for daily walks and outings and able to cope with the physical demands of training. Make sure you follow the guidelines provided by the organisation you foster for, as these are designed to ensure the puppy's training is consistent. Remember you will have to hand your furry friend over to their new owner eventually –this can be an emotional and joyful moment. You will learn lots about dog behaviour and make a big difference to a puppy and the person who will receive them.The application processThe process can vary between organisations, but generally, they want potential fosterers to complete an application form, attend an interview, and allow a home inspection. They need to know that your home and lifestyle are suitable for fostering one of the severy special pups in this first stage of their life.How long do you foster for?Typically, fostering lasts from eight weeks old until they are between 14 to 18 months. This gives the dog a chance to mature and get ready forthe next phase of their intensive training before they start their service or therapy role.Your role in training and preparing the puppyYour main role will be to socialise the puppy, introducing them to various public settings, people, and other animals. You'll also be responsible for their basic training, including commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” as well as house and leash training.What kind of dogs will you train?Most therapy and guide dogs are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and temperament. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are among the most common, but many organisations also work with other breeds or mixes that have similar traits.Do you get paid?Fostering a guide dog puppy is a volunteer-based commitment, so you don’t typically receive money. However, most organisations cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and training expenses.Support available to youRest assured: you won't be on this journey alone. Organisations offering fostering programs for therapy dogs provide extensive support, including access to trainers, veterinarians, and a community of fellow foster carers. They're there to guide you through any challenges and celebrate every milestone.Applying to fosterIf you're interested in becoming a foster for a future therapy or guide dog, the first step is reaching out to an organisation like Guide Dogs Australia. They will give you detailed information about their specific requirements, the application process, and what you can expect as part of their fostering community.Getting involved in fostering future therapy or guide dogs is a significant and incredibly fulfilling commitment. You not only contribute to the puppy's growth and development but also play a part in transforming someone’s life for the better. To learn more about fostering a dog, check out the [Pedigree Help Hub]. ©2024 Mars or Affiliates.
READ NOW