Doggy tips
If you have not had your dog spayed or neutered now is a good time to consult with your veterinarian.
Obedience training and behavioral problems are much harder to work on when Paul and Paula are constantly having thoughts of "romance". If your dog has not been neutered or spayed he or she will be much more likely to try to escape from your home to find a mate. Roaming dogs are a danger both to themselves and to other dogs and people. Dogs that have not been neutered often have aggressive problems especially toward other male dogs and children. Statistically intact male dogs have a much higher incidence of biting people than neutered males. Spayed females are much more relaxed and focused since they no longer have constantly changing hormones. Spaying and neutering are not substitutes for training, but it can help and often solve many behavioral problems that may otherwise end in disaster.
Your dog will lead a much longer, healthier, and happier life if you have him spayed or neutered.
February is National Veterinary Dental Month. Take care of your dog's teeth and gums to prevent Periodontal disease and tooth loss. Disease can spread from your dog's mouth to vital organs and poison his body. If this happens it can do permanent damage and can be fatal. Regular brushing, a minimum of once a week, with toothpaste and toothbrushes that are specifically made for dogs will reduce your dog's risk and spare you and your dog from frequent veterinary visits. Special breath sprays made with enzymes that fight plaque are also available and are convenient to use daily. Never use toothpaste or mouth washes designed for human use on your dog. It can upset your dog's stomach and make him very ill. Your dog's teeth should be checked annually by your veterinarian and professionally cleaned when needed. Feeding your dog dry dog food instead of canned food and always providing him with safe chew toys will also help keep his teeth clean.
It is easy to train your dog to allow you to clean his teeth. Start by allowing your dog to lick a pea sized drop of dog toothpaste from your finger. The toothpaste is specially flavored to be appealing to dogs. Once your dog tastes the toothpaste you should not have any problem placing a little on your finger and rubbing it on his front teeth. Special finger toothbrushes for use on dogs that fit over your finger make it an easy transition from your finger to the toothbrush. Gradually clean your dogs teeth starting with the front and working your way to the back teeth. You may want to use a dog toothbrush with a handle to clean the chewing surface of the jaw teeth. Some dogs will unintentionally bite down on your finger. Use lots of patience and praise and work gradually by doing only a little cleaning each day until your dog becomes accustomed to the procedure. Be careful not to scratch your dog's gums with the brush. Gentle application of the toothpaste is usually all that is necessary to keep plaque from building up on his teeth.