Dogs can develop dental problems just as easily as we can. Many dog owners don’t consider the importance of brushing their dogs’ teeth, yet alone having the vet make sure that teeth and gums are well conditioned and healthy. Canine dental care is important to the overall health of your dog.

As with people, dental problems can lead to related health conditions and diseases. An abscessed tooth can cause damage to surrounding tissues as well as threaten toxic poisoning if not treated. Chipped teeth and plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and pain. Some of the more common symptoms of poor dental hygiene are signs of brownish colored tartar at the gum line, foul breath, excessive drooling and reddened or bleeding gums. If your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms you should see your vet and discuss your dog’s overall health, including his teeth.

Plaque buildup on teeth can lead to gum infections, which in turn lead to weakened teeth that may eventually fall out. Dental hygiene means occasionally brushing your dog’s teeth as well as checking for plaque and tartar buildup and healthy gums. It’s also a good idea to occasionally check your dog’s mouth for signs of objects that may have imbedded themselves in tissues or been caught between teeth such as bark and stickers. In woodsy areas, it’s fairly common for dogs to pick up porcupine quills.

The best thing a pet owner can do to insure good teeth care is to maintain a regular schedule in which you provide oral care for your dog. Make sure that they get a balanced diet, with a blend of soft and hard kibble and foods that will keep their teeth strong and healthy. Chews, bones and dog biscuits created to help prevent plaque buildup are one of the best products you can buy to insure the health and longevity of your dog’s teeth and should not be overlooked. Remember, your dog relies on you for everything, so make sure that includes taking care of the dental health needs.

To start, you’ll have to get your doggy used to you fumbling around in his mouth. Ease him into it with a total-body pat-down; a chassis inspection that ideally should be performed on him each day. Have him sit while you examine his body to make sure everything is in working order and there aren’t any weird objects or critters lodged in unexpected places. Run your hands over his back and sides. Lift each paw and check the pads of his feet and between his toes. Gently lift his ears and peek inside. (If you see something peeking back at you, run away quickly!)

When you get to his mouth, approach with caution. Gently pull his lips back for a view of that magnificent gumline. Your dog’s teeth should be cushioned snugly by a set of pink gums. A healthy gumline is naturally bumpy… so if your dog’s gums appear straight rather than wavy, inflamed and/or cover most of the tooth surface, that’s a sign of trouble ahead. When WAS the last time you were in for a checkup?

If your dog is getting, well, long in the tooth, it’s probably a good idea to take him for a dental workup at the vet’s office before you officially start your daily dental hygiene routine at home. Either way, discuss dental hygiene with your vet before beginning a daily toothcare regimen.

Okay: it’s time to introduce your pal to “tooth brushing a la human.” You can purchase a dog toothbrush at your local Petsmart or other pet store. Try the traditional people-style brush with a handle, or if you’re sure you won’t lose a hand in his mouth, go for the rubber finger cap toothbrush that fits right over the tip of your index finger. Buy special dog toothpaste which comes in delightful flavors that appeal to dogs, like beef and chicken and the ever-popular cat flavor (joke). You can also brush his teeth with a salt water solution. Whatever you do… do NOT brush your dog’s teeth with people toothpaste. He can’t be taught to spit like a human, and people toothpaste is most definitely harmful if swallowed.

Offer your dog a little taste of the special dog toothpaste to get him used to it. Let him take a few licks and nibbles of the toothbrush. When he’s finished sampling the goods, nudge the brush into his mouth. Brush in circular motions along and under the gum line, paying extra attention to the upper molars in back. This is where plaque accumulates the most rapidly. Go from back to front, and be patient! This is a new and strange sensation for your dog, and he may even try to play a little tug of war with the toothbrush since you’re at the other end of it. Don’t expect a miracle the first time you try to brush your dog’s teeth. Next time should be a bit easier, and the time after that even moreso.

Train your dog to associate tooth-brushing with fun times. Talk to him and make it fun! When he’s all finished and showing off those freshly buffed fangs of his, give him a crunchy treat that also does double-duty as a plaque controller. Take him out for his daily walk. Tell him what a good boy he is! In time, he’ll grow to accept toothbrushing as just another pleasant ritual in his doggy day.

Dog care supplies are categorized as basic, functional and pampering. Basic dog supplies include dog collars, grooming supplies, beds, kennels and food. The functional dog supplies include gates, doors, and fences, and dog treats, toys and aromatherapy massage oils are examples of pampering supplies.

Dog beds are among the most important basic supplies. Beds help keep a dog’s bones and joints healthy. Many pet shops stock dog-training supplies that are essentially training aids and equipment designed to make a dog’s training easier and more effective. They also include special dog collars designed to punish a dog for undesirable behavior. Doghouses come in different size and makes, including plastic and wooden houses. A good doghouse should be big enough for a dog to turn freely inside and must be durable enough to provide long-term shelter. Dog-grooming supplies include dog shampoos, conditioners; nail clippers, brushes and combs. There are also specific dog hygiene supplies for a dog’s ears, eyes and teeth.

There are three types of dog food — moist, dry and semi-moist dog food. Dog food should be nutritionally balanced regardless of its form. In addition, all dog food supplies should be stored properly in a cool dry place, so that the nutritional value is not lost.

Dog health care supplies are fast becoming an integral part of dog care. General dog health care supplies can be purchased without prescriptions. They include dog vitamins and supplements, flea, tick care dog supplies and dog dental care products. Pampering dog supplies include everything from dog crates, grooming supplies, toys, and costumes. These supplies are available online and dog owners can order by looking through online catalogues.

Common dental problems

- Periodontitis

It is very common among Shih Tzu and all dogs to have gum disease. At the age of two or three, many dogs have either periodontitis or gingivitis.

The most common dental problem for canines is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. This results in a film characterized by milky-white on the dog’s teeth as well as the gums. When this film gets combined with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, and very hard to remove.

- Gingivitis

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, happens when gum tissue suffers from an inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening, bone loss, and ultimately, loss of teeth.

- Tooth fractures

Tooth fractures occur when Shih Tzu or any dog chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves. The fractures result to infection inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease.

How to prevent dental problems

Your Shih Tzu can fight off these dental problems by removing the plaque before it actually develops as tartar. How to do it? The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your Shih Tzu in a mechanical fashion. The brushing would reduce much of the bacteria presence in the mouth, not to mention making your Shih Tzu’s breath smell sweeter. Make it a habit of brushing your Shih Tzu’s teeth on a daily basis.

Toothpaste: There are toothpaste products made especially for dogs. Brush your Shih Tzu’s teeth using dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is specifically designed for humans to spit the paste washings out. Dogs cannot do that, so pick dog toothpaste that is safe enough for your Shih Tzu to swallow.

Toothbrush: Using a toothbrush in its teeth will take some time for the Shih Tzu to get used to. Let your dog be acquainted and get used to this is by putting some garlic salt, mix the salt with water, and dip the solution in an old toothbrush. Hold the old brush, and let your Shih Tzu taste and chew it. Your Shih Tzu will start to realize that chewing a toothbrush is and tastes good. Make it a habit a few times, until he feels comfortable brushing with it.

Finger brush: You could also use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. A finger brush is a good alternative, although nothing could replace the good toothbrush. The finger brush just fits onto one’s fingertip and can let you brush the Shih Tzu’s teeth without the dog knowing it. Well, at least almost. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your Shih Tzu’s teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gum line’s margin as effectively compared with regular toothbrush.

Professional cleaning: If you don’t want to do the cleaning by yourself, you could take your Shih Tzu to a veterinarian and have his teeth professionally cleaned. A good veterinarian will take additional measures in ensuring your Shih Tzu’s clean teeth by anesthetizing your Shih Tzu, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gum line areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling finish.

Home checkup: Try to make it a regular habit of checking the teeth of your Shih Tzu for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, check promptly with the veterinarian.

Home safety: Of course, cleaning your Shih Tzu’s teeth does not mean you should disregard other areas of concern. Tough substances, such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves should be removed from areas where your dog could see. Buy your Shih Tzu chewing toys that are safer like rubber-made toys. You could also provide bones that are soft enough for your dog to chew.

Mouthwash: There are some products in the market that deal very well in helping to kill the bacteria in your dog’s mouth and could actually help heal damaged gum tissues. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian on the best products in the market.

Dental problems do not only happen to humans. Shih Tzu and all dog breeds also have dental issues. It is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.

There are also things that dog owner can do to make sure their pet is getting the very best care. Dogs often get dirty and need regular cleaning and bathing. On a weekly basis, a dog’s teeth should be brushed, and its plate and water containers washed. If left unattended, it can lead to bacterial and parasitic infections and painful tooth decay.

Puppies and senior dogs are vulnerable to colds, so their time spent outdoors should be brief during winter months. In addition, when temperatures drop, their sense of smell diminishes, so they should not be allowed to roam free. Dogs, when left to stray, often emit a bad odor. The odor might also be due to excessive skin oil. Usually shampooing during a bath gets rid of the odor.

A change in diet also helps in decreasing the odor. Dogs must be kept on a low fat diet, since excess oil trapped in the pores of the skin can lead to odors. Some foods contain yucca schideriga extract. This extract from the yukka plant results in stools and urine that is odorless.

Tight security saves lives. Dogs should be confined to safety in escape-proof kennels and behind fences. All dogs must have sturdy collars with tags and should be taken for walks on a leash. The outside world is full of speeding cars, unfamiliar animals, pesticides and pet thieves.

Every dog needs to be examined and vaccinated by a veterinarian occasionally. Illnesses that are diagnosed early are often treatable, so regular examinations by a veterinarian are very important. Even the healthiest dog may fall ill, calling for immediate emergency care. Older dogs may be in pain from age-related deterioration and need adequate care.

Feeding Time

Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to them. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.

Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won’t be as much of an obstacle.

Many cat owners find that their cat’s coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.

Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet’s eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.

Grooming Elderly Cats

Another element of proper care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn’t just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.

It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don’t want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat’s coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.

Vet Visits and Medication

When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.

Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.

Pet Insurance

Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll them into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.

The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.

Activities of the Elderly Cat

The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is “chase their owner.” Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.

Most cat experts agree that a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is not impossible. In fact it should be done regularly to prevent teeth and mouth problems and to maintain the general condition of your dog’s mouth and other related organs.

In order to make brushing easy and enjoyable, it helps if you know the proper techniques apart from gathering everything that is needed. Veterinarians recommend that dog owners must brush their dog’s teeth at least every other day. This is to prevent plaque and build up of tartar. If plaque is not removed, tartar is formed. Tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. Tartar also causes bad breath. Disease such as periodontal disease and other teeth and mouth related diseases might be avoided if proper brushing and cleaning of your dog’s teeth is done.

First step in brushing your Puggle dog’s teeth is to have him get used to you putting things in his mouth, especially with cleaning items such as toothbrush, dental sponge or pad. In choosing your dog’s toothpaste, remember that dogs and humans have different sense of taste. Dogs don’t like tingly and minty taste of human toothpaste and toothpastes designed for people may upset your dog’s stomach. So make sure to get specifically made toothpaste as well as toothbrush for dogs. Once your dog is used with the cleaning items you are going to use, brush your dog’s teeth which are easy for you to get at. Then slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. As much as possible, make brushing appear to be enjoyable and always remember to praise your dog at the end.

Apart from regular dental care at home, it is also important to have your veterinarian examine your dog. A thorough dental exam can identify potential mouth problems such as plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease and fractured or abscessed teeth. Once it has been found out that your dog’s teeth have tartar, your veterinarian needs to remove it and polish the teeth.

Brushing is not just an only way of cleaning your dog’s teeth. Veterinary dentists suggest that giving your dog hard kibbles and toys such as rope toys or rawhide chips will prevent plaque from accumulating on the teeth.

All types of teeth and gum diseases can lead to serious health problems to your Puggle dogs. Therefore, as dog owner, you have to look out for your dog’s teeth and gums to prevent your beloved pet from damaging his dazzling smile.