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How to Keep Your Dog’s Smile Healthy

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so it’s time to take a look at your pet’s oral health by bringing them in for our dental services. There are many problems that can grow without a proper dental hygiene routine. Failure to take care of your pet’s teeth can lead to plaque build-up and, eventually, periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can create many issues for your pet. If left unchecked, it can cause them a tremendous amount of pain. Tooth loss can cause a pet to stop eating or not eat enough. It can also cause behavioral changes and other problems.

Warning Signs

There are a few warning signs that can alert you to the need to see your veterinarian. These warning signs indicate the presence of gum disease in your pet. You should watch out for:

  • Bad breath- your pet’s breath is usually unpleasant, but excessive breath odor may indicate periodontal disease
  • Yellow or brown teeth
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food

Prevention

The best approach to dental health is prevention. Implementing a sufficient dental care routine can help you avoid these problems. You should take your pet in for annual dental exams. A dentist will be able to check for signs of disease, as well as use anesthesia to perform a deep cleaning of your pet’s teeth.

Similarly, you should get your pet accustomed to having their teeth brushed. Using lots of treats can encourage your pet to be patient with you brushing their teeth. Ideally, you should brush their teeth daily. Human toothpaste is not safe for pet consumption, so ensure that you are using toothpaste specifically formulated for your pet.

Taking proper care of your pet’s dental health can save them a great deal of pain and improve their quality of life. To learn more about how to care for your pet’s teeth, or to schedule a cleaning for your pet’s teeth, contact us at Skyline Animal Hospital today!

Getting a new pet is an exciting experience for you! However, it can be terrifying for the animal in question. Though life would be much easier if we could properly communicate with our pets, we can’t explain what is happening. Here are 4 tips that can help your new pet adjust to their environment and provide the smoothest transition possible.

1. Take It Slowly

You should limit the animal’s exploration to a single room until they are more comfortable. Though you’ll likely want to bond with your pet immediately, this can be overwhelming for them. Be patient with your animal and allow them to come to you. Give them as much affection as they seem comfortable with, but otherwise, allow them to explore on their own.

Separate any other animals and introduce them slowly, preferably one at a time in a calm environment. There likely is an established hierarchy in your home and the animals will have to figure out how the new arrival will impact it. Don’t leave animals unsupervised together until they have accepted each other.

2. Diet Transition

Quickly changing their diet, along with their environment, can add stress and cause stomach problems. You should find out what food the animal has been eating. If you decide to change the brand of food, you should mix them and slowly increase the proportions of the new food.

3. Safe Space

It is important to keep the environment calm until the animal settles in. You must provide a safe space where they can go when they feel overwhelmed. Many dogs prefer a kennel, because it provides an enclosed den feel. You can also use a bed or other designated area.

4. Routine

Pets, especially dogs, thrive on routine. Establishing a regular routine will help them adjust more quickly to their new home. It will also teach them what to expect on a daily basis, which will help them feel more comfortable.

Ease your pet’s transition into your new home. These tips will help your animals and family adjust to each other. This can be a difficult time for your new pet, so do everything possible to simplify the process.

Pet ownership is a responsibility, so it is important to know the dangers your pet may face. Dogs and cats don’t have as many sweat glands as humans, so it is much more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. During these hot summer months, it is necessary to know how to prevent heatstroke, the signs of heatstroke, and what to do if your pet is showing signs of heatstroke.

Prevention

Providing access to a shaded, cool environment is important in preventing heatstroke. Constant access to clean, fresh water should always be provided. Never leave your pet in cars or enforce exercise during hot weather. Attempt to limit sun exposure during the hottest points of the day.

Symptoms

The symptoms of heatstroke are very similar between cats and dogs. There are many symptoms that point to heatstroke. You should pay close attention to your pets’ behavior, especially during hot weather. Signs of heatstroke include:

  • Increasingly rapid panting- this is how they help release heat from their bodies
  • Drooling or salivating
  • Agitation
  • Bright red tongue or gums
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle tremors
  • Seizures
  • Collapsing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

What to Do

Heatstroke can cause severe damage to the organs and can even cause death. For this reason, heatstroke is always considered a medical emergency. First, you must maximize heat loss. You must provide water and attempt to dampen their fur with cool water. Don’t use ice cold water, because this can cause the animal to go into shock. Use fans to increase the amount of heat loss. Then, you should take the animal to the veterinarian immediately. A veterinarian will have tools that they can use to help stop the effects of heatstroke, as well as determine the extent of damage.

Heatstroke is one of the most dangerous aspects of summer. Knowing the symptoms will help you stop heatstroke before it does serious damage to your pet. If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, contact us at Skyline Animal Hospital immediately!

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Skyline Animal Hospital
1095 W 12th St
Ogden, UT 84404
Monday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Fri - Sun Closed

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