With your dog’s head in your lap, hold it’s muzzle. With your other hand stroke it a number of times and then lift its top lip, exposing the teeth. Do this softly a few times to get your dog used to this new area being handled. Each time it lets you lift the gum without shaking, give a treat!

Do this repeatedly for the following couple of days till your dog gets used to your hands being over his muzzle and lifting its lip. Next, put a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let your dog smell and lick it. Then put more on its gums and teeth. Though it’s doubtful, if your dog is not keen on it try something you know it will like and continue rubbing it gently on its teeth and gums. Later on once it’s cushty, switch and use the dog toothpaste.

I do not think they're going to enjoy mint-flavored toothpaste as much, though you can try! Poultry-flavor or beef appear to be the very best. Every time you put a little toothpaste on its teeth and gums reward it with a treat, along with your ordinary verbal love-talk! It'll learn that this new experience is neither a threat nor unpleasant. Do this for the next few days to get it used to the procedure.

With a little piece of the compress or dental pad, dab on a little bit of toothpaste and carefully rub your dog’s gums and teeth. Slow, circular movements will not scare your dog. Spend only one or two seconds doing this to begin with. Praise your dog and give it a treat. Do this for the following couple of days till you believe your pet is prepared for dog teeth cleaning.

Time for cleaning your dog’s teeth: Fill up one side of the toothbrush with the dog’s toothpaste. Get positioned comfortably with your dog’s head on your lap. With one hand hold his muzzle and with your finger softly lift his lip on one side. With a circular motion, gently brush the teeth, going down so far as the gum line. As your dog licks off the dog toothpaste dab a touch more on the brush and continue where you left off, ensuring you get all the way along the side onto the back teeth.

Have a little break, give your treat and do the same on the other side. Don’t hurry, be gentle and loving. Dogs are creatures of regular habit like us, and daily dog teeth cleaning would be a good thing. Managing this every day will be a pleasant habit to start. You can both be spending special time together and it’s beneficial and fun.

A minute or two of your time isn’t much when you think of what you can save in veterinary costs and your dog’s pain and pain. Please remember that this is an exciting time for you and your dog. Don't forget to reward it frequently! With only a few days practice and a small amount of patience, your dog will cooperate and can even predict his teeth cleaning. Kissing your dog on his muzzle will be a treat for you too…no more bad breath and a clean set of expensive china!

Come to our site for information about cleaning dog teeth simply. We have tips and advice for using dog toothpaste in the right way.

Making The Switch To High Fiber Dog Food

Dogs are put on high fiber dog food diets for a few different reasons, but most often it is to help with digestive and intestinal problems. Of course all pet foods contain at least some fiber, and some contain far more than others, and from much healthier sources. Regular brands of commercial dog food typically contain fewer than 4% crude fiber, but those specifically formulated with additional sources of fiber will contain a minimum of 10%.

High fiber dog food may contain whole grains, corn and corn byproducts, beet pulp, or rice and soybean hulls. Vegetables like sweet potatoes are also found in high fiber foods as well as whole cereals and fruits like apples.

The great importance of fiber in our diets has been talked about for some time as most of us know we should be getting a certain amount. But most pet owners aren’t aware that it’s equally important for their dogs to be getting adequate fiber in their diets as well. Because a high fiber food for dogs will typically contain fewer calories as well as higher quality ingredients, they will need less food but still feel full, warding off conditions like obesity, which leads to diabetes and heart problems. Anal gland disease and constipation are other conditions that may warrant a high fiber food, which may reduce risks of colon cancer as well.

The bulkier your dog’s stool, the more stimulated their intestinal tract will be, which will help it digest food more easily. Fiber also absorbs liquid and can help regulate your pet’s bowel movement habits if they’re having difficulty in that department. And, if you’ve ever seen your dog scooting across the living room floor you may be aware of anal gland disease, in which two small glands located on either side of the anus responsible for secreting fluids become abscessed, infected, or impacted. Changing to a high fiber food will create bulkier stools, which in turn put pressure on the glands and in many cases, solve the problem. Bulkier stools will also help to solve the problem of constipation because of the extra stimulation to the intestines.

But, as is the case with just about anything, too much fiber can be bad for your dog’s health. Besides diarrhea and excessive flatulence, too much fiber can inhibit the way the body absorbs the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs.

Three of the Best Choices When It Comes To Dog Food With High Fiber Content:

Here are three of the best brands of high fiber food based on ingredients, price, and consumer opinion:

- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Calorie Control CC 26 High Fiber Dog Food: This formula for adult dogs is designed to promote weight loss in addition to providing more fiber. The food provides 18.30% of crude fiber and it must be purchased with a prescription from a veterinarian. Prices range from $20 for a 6-pound bag to $74 for the 33-pound size.

- Doctors Foster and Smith Adult Lite Dog Food Chicken Brown Rice Formula: This food contains 13% crude fiber, reduced calories, and has whole grains including barley and brown rice, fruits like apples, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots. A five-pound bag averages $10 and the 23-pound size is $35.

- Adult Light Dog Food from Hill’s Science Diet: Containing multiple vitamins, soybean meal and mill run as well as ground whole grain corn, this formula from Hill’s Science Diet provides eighteen and a half percent crude fiber. The biggest bag of this high fiber dog food, which is 40 pounds, averages around $50 and the smallest is five pounds, which averages around $14.

Although it may seem like a good idea for you to switch to a high fiber food for your pet’s health, always consult with your own veterinarian first as there may be other underlying health issues to consider. When switching brands or types of dog foods after the approval of your vet, the process should be a gradual one to avoid stomach upset or the risk of causing additional digestive problems.

Medical Disclaimer: Please remember that the content in this article reflects the author’s opinion only and is intended for informational purposes. This article should not be considered to be medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before you change your dog’s diet in a significant manner.

Visit my blog to learn more about high fiber dog food. You’ll also read about how to effectively compare dog foods and ways to make your own dog food.

Should You Invest In Dog Health Insurance?

The relationships we share with our pets are often irreplaceable. Their companionship and constant presence can be both soothing and invigorating. Unfortunately, pets suffer health issues and occasionally require costly medical attention in the same way people do. When an emergency occurs and it becomes necessary to visit the veterinarian, many owners are stunned by the costs of performing tests and procedures. If they are unable to afford it, the alternative can be heartbreaking. Pet insurance was created to provide owners with an alternative.

Today’s article will focus on how this unique breed of coverage works. We’ll describe what you can expect after investing in a policy for your dog and how it can reduce the costs of veterinary care.

How It Can Reduce Veterinary Costs

Medical care for canines has come a long way over the past 20 years. Many procedures that are common today were not even possible a few decades ago. As a result, dogs can live longer, healthier lives and receive treatment for a variety of illnesses and disorders that would otherwise have deadly consequences. Of course, as with medical attention for people, the costs of veterinary care have skyrocketed.

For example, a condition called “bloat” (also referred to as gastric torsion) might cost more than $5,000 to treat. Because the condition is life-threatening, an owner who cannot afford treatment may be forced to euthanize his canine. Even a relatively minor leg fracture can cost several hundreds of dollars to set.

To be sure, performing tests and providing treatment for your pooch can be expensive. That is the reasons dog health insurance was created. It allows owners to invest in a policy that helps allay the high costs of veterinary treatment. If your dog becomes sick or is injured, the policy covers the expense.

It works in a similar manner as your health insurance policy. When you visit your veterinarian, he or she will present you with a bill covering the procedures that were performed on your canine. After you pay the bill, you would file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Your provider would then review your claim and send you a check to reimburse you for the treatment provided by the veterinarian.

Is It The Right Decision For You?

Only you can know whether your budget is able to accommodate the premiums attached to a dog health insurance policy. In truth, the premiums are usually slight, especially when compared to the amount of coverage a policy offers. Given that a large portion of veterinary care is attributed to unexpected circumstances (i.e. injuries, sudden onset of illness, etc.), it’s an investment that every owner should at least consider.

The worst possible scenario is to find yourself in a situation that forces you to choose between absorbing a significant veterinarian bill or allowing your pooch to perish. A dog health insurance policy can help you avoid that tragic circumstance.

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