Dog Health Care - Tips for a Happier, Healthier Dog!

Do you love to cuddle with your dog? Does he love to get in your face and give you licks and kisses? Are you almost knocked over every time by the foul odor emanating from his mouth?

Dogs stink in general, and there's really no getting around that. However, when it comes to the oral hygiene of your pet, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Most dogs have bad breath, but there's a point where it can go too far. Poor oral hygiene can be a major dog health issue and can actually be a danger to your pet, significantly decrease his life span.

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If your dog starts to smell really bad, don't you give him a bath? One thing dog owners tend to neglect is taking care of their dog's teeth and gums.

They never look inside their dog's mouth, and as a result, 80% of dogs have some sort of oral health problem. Correct oral health care can extend you dog's life by up to 2 to 5 years, many experts say.

Some of the problems that can occur are the build-up of plaque, gingivitis, periodontis, caries and pyorrhea. If left unchecked, diseases like periodontis can lead to an infection, which could enter the bloodstream and damage the vital organs of your dog. This could make him very sick or could kill him.

They say this disease is the silent killer of pets: they seem fine one day, and the next they are gone. You can prevent this unfortunate disease and other health problems by keeping up with your dog's oral health.

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There are several different methods and products on the market to help you keep your dog's mouth healthy. The most common way is to simply brush his teeth.

You should brush your dog's teeth every day, just as you brush your own teeth every day. I know it sounds like a lot, and your dog might not like it at first. He'll get used to it, and if you find a toothpaste in a flavor he likes, it can actually be turned into a reward.

Another method is to put a sort of "mouthwash" in your dog's water. Combining mouthwash with brushing could be a good idea. There are several different products like this - just make sure to choose a more natural product so your dog isn't ingesting any harmful chemicals. A good brand many people choose is called Oxyfresh for pets.

Give your dog a chew toy that's meant for dental hygiene purposes. The dog toy brand Kong makes a good one. Even if your pet is a tough chewer, this one should last a long time.

Check up on and take care of your dog's teeth and gums regularly. The next time you take him to the vet, ask your veterinarian to take a look inside his mouth and give any recommendations to keep your dog's oral health on track!

Most people want their dog to have a healthy, shiny coat that that feels soft and silky. When a dog's coat and skin do not look healthy, it may be a sign that he's not getting the proper nutrients in his diet.

Some breeds naturally have softer, shinier coats, and some have rougher fur. The condition of your dog's coat can also depend on his habits, like rolling around in the dirt or lawn, as many dogs are thrilled to do.

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But no matter what breed you have, you'll want to make sure he is receiving the proper nutrition for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Many dogs lack the essential omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. This nutrient can come from three main sources: fish and fish oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil.

To give your dog the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, pour a few tablespoons of fish, flaxseed or olive oil on his food daily. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are the best supplements, but olive oil can do the trick.

You can find fish oil and flaxseed oil in most health food stores, and even in some pet stores. A few tablespoons of either oil each day will improve your dog's coat very quickly. You'll be amazed at what a difference it can make.

Make sure you're using a quality shampoo when you bathe your dog. Cheaper shampoos can often dry out a dog's fur and irritate his skin.

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Many people neglect to use a conditioner as well, which will remoisturize the fur after shampooing. Look into the different shampoos that are available at your pet store, and ask an employee which ones work the best.

Keep in mind that many different breeds have different needs for maintaining the health of their skin and coat. Some dogs should not be bathed as often as others, as this can over-dry their fur and skin. Each dog is different, so you might have to experiment a bit to find the right shampoo and conditioner for your dog.

Make sure to brush your dog often, especially if he has longer fur. Some shorthaired dogs are harder to brush; instead, you can use a wet cloth to wipe your dog's coat and remove hairs. Of course, be careful not to wipe your dog's fur too often, as this can dry out the coat.

If your dog has patches of hair loss, rashes, or dry, flaky or scabby skin, make sure to take him to the vet to have it checked out. There are a variety of reasons for bad skin conditions, and some of them will not go away unless they receive proper treatment from a licensed veterinarian.