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Did you know dental care for your dog is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy? Check out our website at AZPaws.org for more information.

The 4 Most Common Dental Problems for Dogs

By age three, 80% of dogs are inflicted with periodontal disease. Although veterinarians explain the importance of dog dental care, about 65% of pet owners report that they do not brush their dog’s teeth. When it comes to caring for your pet, oral hygiene should be a part of your routine. At the very least, your pet’s mouth should be examined at a dog vet clinic at least once every year.

Dog dental care is an essential part of pet healthcare and is vital for your furry friend’s happiness. You may not know what to look for when considering your dog’s oral health, so below, you can find a list of four common dog dental care issues.

Common Tooth Problems for Dogs

1. Loose Teeth: Just like kids, puppies lose their first set of teeth to make room for their permanent teeth. Your kids may start finding their own teeth beginning to wiggle around age five or six, but your puppy will start to lose teeth between four and six months of age (that’s around seven years old in dog years!). It is important during this time in your dog’s life to regularly check inside his mouth. Just like with people, a baby tooth may fail to fall out, and an adult tooth will come in where there is little or no room to grow, causing it to come in crooked. See your vet if you notice two teeth closely occupying the same spot.
If your adult dog is experiencing loose teeth, this should be a red flag. This usually results from some kind of trauma to the mouth, illness, or gum loss as a result of periodontal disease.

2. Periodontal disease: Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen and bleeding gums. This is the most commonly diagnosed dental problem in dogs. Plaque builds up on the teeth and becomes tartar. When tartar is under the gum line, gums become puffy and red and develop gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left untreated, progresses to periodontal disease, which causes the gums to recede, eventually leading to tooth loss. This leaves your dog vulnerable to infection, which can spread throughout his body.

3. Broken or cracked tooth: Dogs love to chomp and chew, so you need to be aware of what you dog has in his mouth at all times. Hard objects can crack or break a tooth. When this happens, the nerve of the tooth can be exposed, which can be very painful. The tooth also becomes vulnerable to infection.

4. Tooth root abscess: When an infection sets in as a result of any of the above problems, your dog may experience a tooth root abscess, which occurs if the root becomes exposed to bacteria. This will be incredibly painful, so you will notice that your dog is having difficulty eating or avoid eating altogether, facial swelling, and even an eye infection as the eye is located close to the tooth’s root. Inside his mouth, you will see a bump or swelling of the gums, which will appear red and highly irritated.

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.

http://www.azpaws.org/dental.html

 

The Importance of Dog Dental Care

Dogs are man’s best friend, as the saying goes. And if you have a dog, you’ll know that this couldn’t be more true.

Dogs are pretty amazing creatures when you think about it. Experts are still discovering all of the ways that dogs interact with humans, and make our world a better place. They can identify their owners by scent alone, whether they’ve just gotten out of the shower or have been sweating profusely all day. Many experts believe that dogs can laugh, although it looks much like panting and humans can’t tell the difference. Dogs have been known to sniff out cancers of the lung and skin, and it’s likely that they can detect emotions in others through their sense of smell, too.

Your own dog is definitely the best of all dogs, although you don’t need anyone to tell you that! If you’re like most pet owners, you’d do anything for your dog. From buying Fluffy’s favorite flavor of treats to letting him curl up in your bed on cold winter nights, it’s all the little things that matter the most.

One thing many pet owners forget about is the importance of pet healthcare, specifically in regards to dental care for dogs. Many pets aren’t big fans of having their humans brush their teeth, even when the “toothpaste” does taste like chicken. Although dental care for your dog might not be considered a “treat,” it’s still important. Paying attention to your dog’s dental health is just one way of keeping him happy and healthy.

If you just can’t seem to get much done with a dog toothbrush, here are a few other tips on dental care for dogs:
Treats: There are many kinds of chewy treats that are formulated specifically to clean your dog’s teeth. Keep in mind that most of these treats are made for different sizes of dogs. Even if your tiny chihuahua can scarf down a dental chew in two minutes flat, you don’t want to give him a bigger dental chew made for 50 lb. dogs.

Toys: Some chew toys can be great for dog dental care. Chewing on a rope or a leather toy, for example, can help clean away plaque. Other rubber toys are designed specifically to help clean teeth. These may not be as good as brushing, but they’re definitely helpful in between brushes.

The Vet: Vet clinics typically offer cat and dog dental care services in the form of a good teeth cleaning. This is one of the easiest ways to make sure that your pup gets his teeth cleaned just like you do. These dog clinics typically anesthetize the animals before the procedure, but this is only so Fluffy doesn’t get too nervous or scared. It’s a simple and painless process, and it’s easily the most effective strategy for cleaning a pet’s teeth.

Caring for your pet is something that you, and only you, can do better than anyone else. Dog dental care might not seem like a top priority at first, but it’s something that really does matter.

Adopting a Rescue Dog? Here Are Some Tips!

If you are thinking about rescue dog adoption, please read about some tips that can help.

Adopting a Rescue Dog: 7 Tips To Help You Through the First Few Weeks

If you’ve made the big decision to adopt a rescue dog, it’s normal to feel both excited and scared for what’s to come. Here are a few basic tips to help you out during the first few weeks after you’ve adopted a dog:

1. Many rescue groups will have already given dogs and cats the vaccinations they need before adopters can take them home; if this is the case, you may be asked to pay higher adoption fees to cover the cost of the shots. These are usually just the basic vaccines, such as rabies, Distemper-Parvo Combo, and bordetella (i.e., “kennel cough”), so you may want to bring your pet into our clinic for additional vaccines (depending on where you live).

2. Most rescue groups will also take their rescue animals to a spay and neuter clinic before adoption. If a dog or cat has been spayed or neutered, some spay and neuter clinics make a small tattoo, which is a short green line, near the incision. Spaying or neutering your dog is very important: it typically extends their lifespan by one to three years, it decreases (or eliminates) the risk of uterine/testicular cancer, it decreases aggression (especially in male dogs), and it ensures that you don’t become the owner of a litter of puppies!

3. When you first bring your dog home, it’s normal for both of you to be nervous. If you find that your new pup is especially anxious around people (especially if he/she was abused before), try to give him/her some space to explore. Simply talking to your dog in a calm voice will help him/her feel comfortable around you.

4. Many rescue dogs actually feel more comfortable in a crate because it’s their own safe space. (If you don’t have a crate on hand, a large cardboard box tipped on its side can be a decent stand-in.)

5. Instead of buying new blankets and towels, fill the crate with some old shirts or blankets that you’ve used for a while; these will help your dog associate your “person smell” with safety and comfort.

6. Try to make your home as consistent as possible in the first few weeks. Dogs respond very well to rules and your pet needs you to be the “pack leader.” Everything from bedtime to mealtimes should be kept consistent until you both adjust to a new schedule.

7. Registering your pet in your town or city, or county, is very important, and you’ll need to have proof of vaccinations in order to get a dog license. This license is usually pretty inexpensive (around $10-$15) and many town offices provide a discount if your dog has been spayed or neutered. This proof can be obtained from your dog vet clinic or from a dog spay and neuter clinic.

Most importantly, remember that you are making a difference by opening up your home to an animal in need. You both have plenty of fun adventures ahead of you!

Thank you.

Expensive to Spay or Neuter your Pets, Think Again!

It’s Always More Expensive NOT To Spay and Neuter Your Pets

For decades, beloved American broadcaster Bob Barker reminded Americans daily to always spay and neuter their pets. Bob Barker may be gone from the airwaves, but that message is just as important as ever. Veterinarians know that every year millions of cats and dogs of all ages are sent to kill shelters and euthanized, or worse, suffer and starve as strays. Usually, these unwanted companions are the result of unplanned pregnancies that would have been prevented with spaying and neutering.

Think You Can’t Afford a Visit To Our Phoenix Spay and Neuter Clinic? Think Again…
Fortunately, in 2015, most pet owners understand that it’s crucial to spay and neuter, thanks in no small part to the advocacy of people like Bob Barker. Still, many people assume that they can’t afford the cost of veterinary procedures, and put off a visit to an affordable spay and neuter clinic like ours. But whether they realize it or not, dogs and cats often live second lives at night, wandering far and wide and coming into contact with strange pets, or worse, feral strays.

Here in Arizona, many pet owners don’t realize that there is an affordable pet clinic offering cheap spay and neuter procedures. Even if you think the cost of an affordable spay and neuter clinic is beyond your means, remember that the cost of caring for an unexpected litter of puppies or kittens will be much, much higher. That means a quick visit to our Phoenix spay and neuter clinic can benefit you and your pets in a number of surprising ways.
The Benefits of Neutering Your Pet and Responsible Pet Ownership

If you’re on the fence about scheduling an appointment, then remind yourself that spaying and neutering your pet can save you money and heartache in the future. Spaying a dog or cat helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, conditions that are fatal in 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Plus, neutering young pups can prevent testicular cancer. These simple procedures not only prevent unplanned litters, they also lead to better behaved pets less likely to run away from home. Incredibly, these life-saving veterinary visits extend pet lives by years, while also making dogs less likely to be hit by cars.

Don’t put off or delay these crucial operations because you’re afraid you can’t afford them. In the long run, our Phoenix spay and neuter clinic could save you more than the expenses of pet healthcare down the road; it could save you from the heartache that comes from a sick dog or cat.

Rescued Dogs From Phoenix Puppy Mill To Be Trained To Help Veterans With PTSD

This November, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office M.A.S.H. Unit freed 129 dogs from a Tonopah puppy mill outside Phoenix. Now, the MASH (MCSO Animal Safe Haven) Unit is housing the animals until they can find good homes for the pups; members of the public are encouraged to call if interested in adopting the rescued dogs.

According to the unit’s website, “Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s no-kill animal shelter, MASH, was created to house and care for animals that have been abused or neglected by their caretakers and rescued by the Animal Crimes Investigations Unit.”

Sheriff Arpaio said the puppy mill was known to investigators, who demanded the couple running the facility improve conditions for the animals. When that failed to happen, officers returned to rescue 129 bulldogs and pugs, which were being sold for up to $1,000 each. Charges against the puppy mill operators are pending.

In better news, the Sheriff’s Office says some of the dogs will be trained as service dogs to help veterans with PTSD.

The latest puppy mill bust shows the uphill battle faced by those who want to reduce the suffering of man’s best friend. Illegal puppy mills like the one in Tonopah lessen the overall efforts completed from the good work performed by Arizona spay and neuter clinics.

A Spay and Neuter Clinic Phoenix Pet Owners Can Afford…
Veterinarians estimate that each year there are millions of dogs and cats, of all ages and breeds, that suffer and die on the street and in kill shelters. Often, these stray and feral animals are the result of unplanned litters by pet owners that ignored the importance of spaying and neutering your pet.

Our affordable pet clinic operates the spay and neuter clinic Phoenix trusts to keep their animals healthy, while also avoiding the extra burden that comes from a pregnant pet. In many cases, our Phoenix spay and neuter clinic can perform the operation for less than $100, which includes the cost of all medications needed before, during, and after the procedure.

Plus, neutering your pet has a number of health benefits. Spaying and neutering a dog can extend his or her life span by up to three years, while spayed and neutered cats live for three to five years longer on average. These simple procedures also make dogs much less likely to run away from home, and studies show that 85% of dogs hit by cars have not been spayed or neutered.

If you own a dog or cat, please don’t wait to book an appointment with the most affordable spay and neuter clinic Phoenix has to offer. If you live outside of Arizona, don’t hesitate to contact a pet clinic near you today.

Spaying and Neutering Your Pets: What To Expect

Spaying and neutering your pets is important. If you don’t plan on breeding, you can actually lengthen your pets life. Visit our website at azpaws.org for more information.

If you’re looking into the services at a spay and neuter clinic, you probably already know that there are many benefits of spaying your pet or neutering your pet.

This sterilization process is actually likely to lengthen your pet’s life — and keep them healthier for those extra years, too (usually one to three years for dogs, and three to five years for cats). According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a spayed female dog has a dramatically reduced risk of uterine infections and breast cancer, which are often fatal, and neutering a dog (before six months of age) eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. Most towns and cities offer a reduced licensing fee for spayed and neutered pets, which definitely helps out your wallet (and gives you a few extra bucks to spend on a new toy for Fluffy). Most importantly, you’ll help lower the population of stray dogs and cats that are abused, neglected, and euthanized.

But let’s be honest here, most pet owners are a bit nervous before the procedure — and that’s completely normal. The best way to keep your pet healthy and safe is to prepare yourself and know exactly what to expect from an affordable pet clinic that also serves as a dog spay and neuter clinic, so with that in mind, here are a few things you should know:

  • First (and most importantly), both spay and neuter procedures are pain-free. Your pet will be under general anesthesia the whole time, just like humans receive for a surgery. The anesthesia is measured out precisely according to your pet’s size. Pain medication helps with the post-operative discomfort

 

  • For female cats and dogs, a small incision will be made in the abdominal wall to remove the uterus and ovaries; for male cats and dogs, only the testicles are removed.

 

  • The procedure won’t take too long but many clinics prefer to keep pets for a few hours, just to monitor the animal’s recovery. After your pet is discharged, it’s important to keep him or her away from other animals and allow for a recovery period for the anesthesia to wear off and the wound to heal more.

 

  • Pain medication will be provided for you to administer at home after the procedure, but many animals do just fine without it (or only need one or two small doses).

 

  • It’s normal to see slight redness and/or swelling right after the procedure; this goes away quickly.

 

  • Most pets can return to their daily activities within a week, although they may have to wear The Cone of Shame during the recovery time in order to keep them from licking or biting the incision.

The most important thing to know is that spaying and neutering your pet is good, and you’re giving your furry friend the healthiest and happiest life possible when you do so.

12 Things Every Puppy Owner Should Know

The key to a great life with your puppy is getting off to the right start. What should you know about puppies? Here are 10 things that are good to know before you raise one of your own.

1] Don’t hit or smack your puppy.

Punishment teaches a dog nothing except how to avoid the punishment. It is far better, and far more humane, to teach a dog what to do by rewarding them rather than punishing them for doing the wrong thing. The use of punishment can be very upsetting for puppies and may encourage them to react defensively by barking, biting, or snarling. In some cases, remote devices can be used to deliver corrections via noise or unpleasant smells (e.g. a motion-detected noisemaker to discourage dogs from stealing food off a counter) but this is the only type of acceptable reinforcement of this type.

2] Learn how puppies understand their mistakes.

This is a very important part of the way your puppy’s brain works. Dogs learn when there is a connection between their action and the consequence, so punishment (or a reward) hours after the deed occurs is not a useful training tool. Let’s say your puppy knocks over the trash and has a blast digging in it while you are at work. You get home and see trash all over the kitchen. Your puppy walks in or you drag him in the kitchen and scream at him. Your puppy does not associate the punishment with the fact that he or she did the bad deed. Instead, they associate your reaction with the act of you returning home or the sight of the trash knocked over. If you don’t catch your dog “in the act” of doing something naughty, forget about trying to correct their behavior…it won’t do any good.

3] Crates can be an important training tool.

A crate can be your puppy’s home-away-from-home or a comfortable retreat for when the rest of the family gets to be too much. Crates are also great tools for housetraining because dogs don’t like to soil their immediate environment. In addition, inside a crate is probably the safest place for a puppy to ride when traveling by car, and when pups have to fly cargo, crates provide a touch of the familiar on the plane. For more information on crate training go to Crate Training Your Puppy.

4] Puppy teething is a pain.

Similar to human babies, teething is the term used when a dog’s adult teeth push out their juvenile or “milk” teeth. This usually occurs between 12 and 20 weeks of age. The process can be painful and puppies often chew on items to soothe themselves. It is critical to have safe chew toys during this time, as unsafe toys are not digestible and, if swallowed, require an expensive surgery.

5] Learn the signs of puppy illness.

Puppies can get sick quickly, so early detection is crucial. Learning what symptoms to watch for and what questions your vet may ask can help narrow down the possible causes and determine a diagnosis as quickly as possible.

6] Calculate how long puppies can hold their urine.

Young puppies of 2, 3, and even 4 months of age have limitations when it comes how long they can go without using the bathroom. The younger a puppy is, the less control they have over the muscles that start and stop the flow of urine and the more frequent their potty breaks need to be. The usual formula for estimating the number of hours for which a puppy can hold its urine is N + 1, where N is the puppy’s age in months. For example, a 3-month-old puppy should be able to hold its urine for approximately 4 hours in a pinch (3 + 1). This means that if you have a properly toilet trained 4-month-old puppy (who theoretically can hold its urine for 5 hours) and you shut that puppy in a crate for 6 or 7 hours, you are courting disaster. Puppies that are crated for longer than they can contain themselves will be forced to soil themselves or potentially develop infections from holding their waste too long. This creates problems down the line as soiling within the crate destroys a valuable instinct to keep the “nest” clean.

7] Many human medications and foods are toxic to puppies.

Don’t give your puppy a medication or human food without first checking with your veterinarian. For example, ibuprofen, aspirin, Tylenol, grapes, raisins, and onions are all toxic to dogs and even a small amount can make a tiny puppy very ill.

8] Know how to socialize your dog.

Create a happy puppy with good socialization skills so they grow into a friendly, well-behaved adult. Encourage your puppy to have positive experiences with a variety of people and pets. For more tips, go to The Importance of Socializing Pups.  

9] Your puppy needs an interactive home.

Create a trusting relationship between your dog and all family members in your home by providing tons of positive interaction. Puppies are very impressionable and it is up to you to give them a healthy background of positive experiences. Negative experiences such as yelling, punishment, or abuse can cause psychological trauma that will impact them for their entire lives. If you care for your puppy when they need it, have reasonable expectations for their behavior, keep them safe, and gently reinforce good behaviors, all should be well. Here is great information on how to talk to and handle your new puppy, an important part of interacting with your dog.

10] You can prevent your puppy’s fears.

You would not believe how many adult dogs hate to have their nails cut or their owners can’t brush their teeth. I’ve seen dogs who needed more than 6 people to hold them down just for a simple nail trim. Puppyhood is a great time to interact with your dog and prevent this type of problem. Gently massage his paws and help him get used to having his mouth and feet examined. Start by gently looking in the mouth and touching the gums. Show him that this kind of contact is a positive and normal thing. You can also start to gently brush your puppy’s teeth. Give praise when your puppy behaves well and work up to regularly brushing the teeth and trimming his nails.

11] Separation anxiety in puppies can be prevented.

Dogs are social animals that form strong bonds with people, but sometimes those attachments can become unhealthy. When this happens, it can cause separation anxiety that manifests as destruction of the owner’s property or as other behaviors that may be harmful for the dog or annoying for people sharing the dog’s immediate environment. It is important to realize that dogs with separation anxiety are not doing these things to “get even” with the owner for leaving, out of boredom, or due to lack of obedience training. They are not being destructive out of spite or anger, but rather because they are truly distressed when their owner leaves. Thankfully, you can prevent this kind of unhealthy attachment. A great way to do so is to work on creating an independent dog that is able be away from you during the day without stress. (Remember, only reward him if he keeps calm and don’t reinforce behaviors that you don’t want to continue.)

12] Good puppy behavior should be reinforced.  

When your puppy is behaving appropriately, reinforce the behavior by providing a treat or praise right when they perform the desired behavior. This helps make sure your puppy knows what is expected of him. It can even be as simple as praising your dog for calmly lying at your feet. This technique can really help prevent problem behaviors such as dominance aggression, nipping at children, running to the door, barking, and more.

 

Written by: Dr. Debra Primovic – DVM Published: February 16, 2015 Last Modified: September 14, 2015

3 Reasons Why Dog Dental Care Matters More Than You Think

Many pet owners know that procedures like spaying and neutering help pets stay healthy and well-behaved. These procedures also help reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals, which makes them undeniably important.

But when was the last time you thought about your dog’s dental health — or even considered bringing your dog to a pet dental clinic?

The truth is that pets need dental care just as much as we do. This is especially true for our dogs, whose teeth can experience plenty of plaque and tartar build-up over time.

Brush up on the need to provide dog dental care to your four-legged friend with these three reasons why pet dental hygiene matters just as much as the importance of spaying and neutering your pet:

Regular dental checkups prevent pain

Unlike other people, our pets aren’t able to tell us when they’re in pain. As a result, you may not be aware that your pet is in pain until the problem becomes extreme. Regular dental checkups can help prevent this from happening, ensuring your dog doesn’t have to deal with painful tooth-aches. Your dog will be a much happier member of your family when he or she isn’t experiencing dental pain!

Pet dental care prevents tooth loss

Did you know that a full-grown dog will have 42 teeth? Each of these teeth is essential for chewing, biting and functioning. If your dog loses one or more teeth, this can be extremely painful and lead to serious health complications. By bringing your dog to a dog dental care clinic regularly, this tooth loss can be prevented.

Caring for your dog’s teeth will prevent numerous health problems

Much like spaying or neutering your dog can lengthen her or his lifespan by one to three years, ensuring your dog gets regular dental care is important for making sure he or she lives the longest, healthiest life possible. Dental care can help prevent periodontal disease, which has negative effects for the heart and other organs. And when your pet is healthier, your pet will be happier, as well.

The 3 Rookie Mistakes That New Pet Owners Can’t Afford to Make

Bringing a new pet home for the first time can be one of the most exciting feelings, especially if you’ve never been a pet owner before. There’s a reason why we have such a close bond with our animals.
However, the old saying that pets are a big responsibility isn’t just a cliche. As the primary caretaker of your four-legged friend, it’s up to you to make sure your pet lives a long, healthy life.
Many first-time pet owners make rookie mistakes when caring for their pets — but sometimes, these mistakes can cause serious harm to your pet’s health and happiness. Be a better pet owner by avoiding these three common mistakes that new pet owners are prone to making:
Ignoring unusual behavior
When your pet is acting abnormally, it shouldn’t be interpreted as something that will go away in a few days. As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of your pet’s unique rhythms and behaviors. If you notice behavior that seems out of character for your pet, it’s time to bring your pet to a veterinary professional.
Encouraging bad habits early
It can be tempting to let your pet get away with misbehaving — they are adorable, after all! But once you find that these bad habits are hard to break, they might not be as adorable as they initially seemed. Because of this, it’s best to avoid encouraging them; don’t feed your pet scraps from the table or let him or her sleep in your bed unless you’re prepared to deal with doing this forever.
Avoiding spay and neuter procedures
It’s something we all ask: why spay and neuter your pets? The answer is that bringing your pet into the modern spay neuter clinic shouldn’t be optional — spaying and neutering keeps your pet healthier and better-behaved, and helps cut down on the number of unwanted animals euthanized in shelters every year.

Why Summer is the Right Time to Spay and Neuter Your Pets

It’s not just the mercury in your thermostat that rises during the hottest months of the year. In fact, summer is prime season for dogs and cats to have new litters of puppies and kittens. That’s why veterinarians and spay and neuter professionals across the country are advising pet owners on the importance of spaying and neutering your pet this season.

Still not exactly sure why you should spay and neuter your pets this summer? Here’s a look at the top three reasons to invest in this highly-important procedure before the end of the season:

Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

As stated before, summertime is the top season for unaltered dogs and cats to reproduce. During this time of year, animal shelters become overwhelmed with litters of puppies and kittens whose owners simply couldn’t care for them; as a result, millions of these animals are euthanized. The number of stray animals spikes as well. While the idea of your pet having babies might seem cute for a time, it’s much more ethical to have him or her spayed or neutered.

Spaying and neutering makes your pet more obedient.

Another reason why you should spay and neuter your pets? This procedure makes pets more obedient and better-behaved. Pets who are spayed or neutered are less likely to wander away from home. When an astounding 85% of dogs who are hit by cars are unaltered, the procedure could actually save your pet’s life, as well.

Spaying and neutering keeps your pet living longer.

Spaying and neutering, which removes the animal’s reproductive organs, is the only 100% effective way to prevent certain cancers and infections. Spaying, for example, prevents uterine infections and breast cancer, the latter of which is fatal for 50% of female dogs and 90% of female cats. As a result, you’ll be able to ensure a happier, healthier life for your pet.