Not many people understand the importance of dental care in maintaining the general health and well being of dogs. Just like humans dogs need regular dental care. It is the responsibility of owners to make sure that they get it. A responsible dog owner takes care of their dog’s teeth.
Food residue can accumulate on your dog’s teeth just as it does on your own teeth. It quickly leads to tartar and plaque build up causing tooth decay and gum disease. All the things you know about dental care in humans applies to your dog too.
If you neglect your dog’s dental care it can lead to pain for the dog. The pain will stop them eating and their health will suffer as a result. An even more serious result of tooth decay are diseases and ulcerated gums that can cause blood poisoning if left untreated.
Even if you avoid giving your dog sweet treats they are at risk of dental decay. So it is important to pay attention to dental hygiene when caring for your dog. Dental care is vital to maintaining your dog’s health.
Brushing is essential. A small soft brush is best. You can get a specially designed canine brush from your veterinarian or dog food supplier.
Remember that a dog’s sense of smell and taste is far more acute than ours so don’t use toothpaste that is intended for human beings. It is too strongly flavoured and would distress a dog. Canine toothpaste usually has a meaty flavour that your dog will like.
Begin your dental care regime when your dog is a puppy. They get used to having their teeth brushed and regard it as part of their regular grooming routine. Start with small sessions at first. You must build up your dog’s trust in order to let you clean their teeth.
Your choice of food is also important. Dogs need to crunch and chew their food. In the wild they are used to crunching bones. It is important to allow then to have a bone or chew toys. It is a valuable part of your dog’s dental care.
Dry food and biscuits are better than canned dog meat for dental care. They help to keep the teeth clean and do not build up on the teeth allowing bacteria to multiply. Some biscuits are specially designed for cleaning a dog’s teeth. These make a good treat for good behaviour. You will know that you have taken care of your dog’s dental health and your dog will feel rewarded.
If your dog has dental problems you will get a face full of bad breath every time he greets you. Eventually you will get a massive bill from your veterinarian. Dog dentistry is seriously expensive. What is more it is dangerous because it needs an anesthetic. So avoid it if you can be paying attention to your dog’s dental care.
Abhishek is an avid dog lover and he has got some great Dog Health Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, “How To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Health” from his website http://www.Dog-Tale.com/192/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
Breeding A Chihuahua Responsibly
Breeding a Chihuahua is not something you want to do without the right knowledge. These little dogs have many difficulties during delivery (whelping). They are physically fragile dogs and have bones that are very easily broken and as a result, things can go wrong. You need to consult with your veterinarian prior to taking on this endeavor. Your pet needs a clean bill of health before being bred. You should be able to talk to your veterinarian anytime you need them with questions or concerns about the health of your Chihuahua and whether or not the dog can physically handle whelping.
Breeding Chihuahuas:
There is a lot more involved to the process of breeding than simply picking which two purebred Chihuahuas to breed together. You need a complete history of genotype and phenotype of the animals involved to prevent any possible genetic complications such as heart problems, patella luxations, leg perthes, liver shunts or any other type of condition.
When is the Right Time to Breed?
DO NOT mate a female unless her weight is at least four pounds. You will also need to make sure she is at least one year of age. A Chihuahua should not be bred during the first, second or even third heat because of delicate health.
Possible Complications During Pregnancy and Delivery:
Since Chihuahuas are so small, it comes as no surprise that an average litter size is only two puppies. Chihuahuas can have litters in range from one to four puppies.
It is important to remember that even though litters are not big, stillbirths are quite common. Your female may need an emergency Casearian section. There is always a danger that the mother might not make it through the surgery.
The heads of Chihuahua puppies are large and as a result, many are to large to pass through the birth canal. You will need to monitor the birthing process and if there are any distress signals or a long delivery, you will need to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Another thing to consider is that Chihuahuas oftentimes have breech births. You will need to have immediate veterinarian care or the assistance of one to guide you through the birthing process to help the puppies in the event of an emergency.
Chihuahuas might suffer from other medical complications such as uterine rupture, or an infection of the uterus. The bacteria from the uterine infection may cause th
1000
e death of the mother or puppies, or both if left untreated. If you notice any pus mixed in with a bloody discharge before or after delivery, it could be a sign of an acute infection and your dog needs medical attention quickly. These may be signs of uterine infection and other warning signs include excessive urination, vomiting or a mother refusing to eat or nurse the puppies.
Your Chihuahua female may be afflicted with hypoglycemia, when the blood sugar levels drop so low the dog can go into shock, have a seizure or possibly die. The puppies may also suffer from hypoglycemia.
Shortly after giving birth, a female may suffer from Eclampsia or hypocalcemia, which is canine milk fever. The common warning signs of this disease include; lack of coordination, panting, eye twitching and severe spasming of the muscles. When this occurs it is very important that your Chihuahua gets immediate veterinary care.
If you are not sure about the health history of both the male and female, it is highly recommended you leave breeding to the professionals or purchase your Chihuahua from a reputable breeder, local rescue group or humane society.
By: John P Jackson
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
This page was contributed from www.GreatDogSite.com For more information on Border Chihuahuas, please visit www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Chihuahua/
Mail this post
Leave a reply