Latest news with #dogcare
Washington Post
a day ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Ask a Vet: Do I really need to brush my dog's teeth?
Q: Do I really need to brush my dog's teeth at home? And if so, how often? A: In short, yes, you should be brushing its teeth daily — especially if you own a small-breed dog. If this is unmanageable, a weekly brushing paired with a daily chew-based dental product is better than no brushing at all. While you and your dog probably both dread the task, this is more than a matter of fresh breath and sparkling teeth. Regular oral care can prevent serious infections of the mouth that can cause pain and prevent dogs from eating — and decrease the need for costly veterinary procedures that require anesthesia. And yes, it can help with that breath thing, too. Here's what you need to know about dental disease in dogs, and how to make brushing more palatable for both of you. Anyone who's been close to a panting dog knows about 'dog breath.' Sometimes it's because of something a dog just ate, such as a few prime litter fritters from a cat's litter box (a popular menu item for my black Labrador, Bodhi). But more often, a dog's bad breath results from periodontal disease — disease of the gums and structures that stabilize the teeth — which affects at least 80 percent of dogs over 3 years old. Under the right conditions, certain bacteria that are normally found in a dog's mouth can accumulate. These bacteria degrade protein in entrapped food, generating a mixture of foul-smelling substances, including sulfur compounds and 'death odor' molecules like putrescine and cadaverine. But overgrowth of these bacteria can have worse consequences than bad breath, especially in dogs that are predisposed to periodontal disease because of older age, diet, diseases like diabetes, and breed. To defend itself, the body sends fighter cells to the gum tissues. This cellular invasion leads to redness and thickening of the gums (gingivitis), creating pockets around teeth that — paradoxically — trap billions of bacteria in the form of plaque. The conditions also favor proliferation of 'bad' bacteria, which exacerbates the inflammatory response, creating a vicious cycle that can cause foul breath, tooth loss and pain. A dog with bad periodontal disease may paw at its face, become less interactive, stop eating, or drop food from its mouth. In some cases, debris and dead bacteria accumulate as pus around a tooth root. When a large collection of pus (known as an abscess) forms, it can burst into the nasal cavity, so that 'snot' drains from a nostril. Abscesses of the upper molars can distort a dog's eyeball, affecting its vision. According to Maria Soltero-Rivera, a specialist in veterinary dentistry at the University of California at Davis, severe periodontal disease in small dogs can weaken the lower jaw so much that the jaw breaks with minor impact, such as jumping off a couch. Like in humans, studies in dogs also suggest a possible link between periodontal disease and disease in important organs including the heart and kidneys. However, proving a direct cause has been difficult, as older dogs often have both periodontal disease and organ problems. All of this sounds extreme and alarming, but the good news is, you can prevent a lot of it by properly brushing your dog's teeth daily. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines say that the best way to treat periodontal disease in dogs is through scaling and polishing by a veterinarian (deep cleaning below the gum line to remove tartar and plaque), followed by daily at-home tooth brushing. The deep cleaning requires general anesthesia. But despite the proven effectiveness of daily brushing, a Swedish survey of nearly 60,000 dog owners found that only one in five owners who were instructed by their veterinarian to brush daily actually did so, even though they believed their dog's dental health was poor. The main reason given: Fido simply refused to cooperate. Soltero-Rivera adds that 'owners who ultimately succeed generally say that it takes them (and their dogs) about 3-4 months to build a habit.' Small-breed dogs are particularly prone to periodontal disease, because of feeding regimes, overcrowding of teeth, the shape of the head, or other genetic factors. In one of the largest health care studies conducted in dogs (2.8 million U.S. dogs), Yorkies, toy poodles and dachshunds had the highest chance of periodontal disease. Small dogs also had professional cleanings under general anesthesia more often than large-breed dogs. Small breeds have the longest lifespans, and anesthesia is riskier for older dogs. Unfortunately (and primarily for genetic reasons), these same small-breed dogs are typically the least cooperative when it comes to tooth brushing — including one of Soltero-Rivera's own chihuahuas, Princess Olivia. Proper brushing means targeting the outside surfaces of the gum line; brushing the teeth themselves does little to address periodontal disease. Although pet toothbrushes — including electric versions — are available, soft human toothbrushes work fine. Dog toothpaste is not necessary, but the flavors are designed to appeal to dogs, so using your finger or some gauze to spread a pea-size amount on the teeth before brushing can act as a reward. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend brushing as tolerated over 2 to 4 months. See the webpage of the UC-Davis Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service for a fun instructional video (and one for cats!). The good news is that the burgeoning pet ownership trend has generated a vast array of dental home care products. Companies have found all sorts of creative ways to deliver these products into a dog's mouth — including diets, chews, water additives and antibacterial gels. When used daily, some products can reduce periodontal disease and bad breath. Soltero-Rivera recommends chew-based products that you can indent with your nail (hard chews can break teeth). Nevertheless, proper daily tooth brushing remains about three times more effective than a dental chew or dental diet. Combining weekly brushing with daily use of chew-based products may be better than no brushing, reducing the need for potentially risky and costly anesthetic procedures. (A scale-and-polish treatment in the U.S. can cost owners more than $1,000 if extractions are required. Although anesthesia is essential, most dogs do not need antibiotics, which add expense and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and antibiotic resistance). Perplexed by the plethora of home care products? The Veterinary Oral Health Council, which includes several board-certified veterinary dental specialists, approves products using an evidence-based approach and lists them on their website. Your veterinarian can also provide personalized recommendations based on your dog's risk factors and temperament, and your lifestyle and budget. Jane Sykes is a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of California-Davis. She is a board-certified specialist in small animal (dog and cat) internal medicine with a special interest in infectious diseases. In addition to her veterinary degree, she has a PhD from the University of Melbourne, an MBA from the University of Georgia, and an MPH from Kansas State University, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice. She is the proud owner of two Labrador retrievers (Flora and Bodhi) and an orange tabby cat (Freckles).
CNA
5 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Man fined S$5,000 for providing dog 'staycay' services at unlicensed boarding facility
SINGAPORE: A facility that provided "staycay" services for dogs did not have the licence to do so. During an inspection, however, seven dogs were found being boarded at Urban K9 SG's Tessensohn Road premises on staycations. A director of Urban K9, Loke Wei Kang, was fined S$5,000 (S$3,900) on Wednesday (Jun 4) over the company's lack of a licence to operate a dog boarding facility. As the person in charge of overall operations at Urban K9, Loke was fully aware that the facility needed a dog boarding licence as he was informed of the requirement in 2023, a National Parks Board (NParks) prosecutor told the court. However, Loke failed to ensure that Urban K9 was licensed. He admitted to a breach under the Animals and Birds (Licensing of Farms) Rules. Loke was one of the directors at Urban K9, which operated a dog training and care business. It advertised these services in addition to dog staycations on its website. Owners could leave their dogs at Urban K9's premises overnight as part of its staycation service. Customers would typically leave their dogs at Urban K9 when they went overseas on holidays. According to court documents, NParks received feedback on the death of a golden retriever boarded at Urban K9 in January 2023. NParks then began investigations into Loke and Urban K9. In May 2023, the Animal and Veterinary Service, which is under NParks, informed Loke that Urban K9 required a dog boarding licence. However, Loke continued his business as usual. In July 2024, NParks received further feedback regarding the mistreatment of an animal boarded at Urban K9. Officers conducted an unannounced inspection on Jul 24, 2024, and found nine dogs there. Seven of these dogs were there for Urban K9's "staycay" services, even though the facility had no boarding licence. According to investigations, the number of dogs on staycations there could be between 15 and 20 during peak periods. Court documents did not state the outcome of investigations into the mistreatment allegations. Loke, who appeared in court without a lawyer, said in mitigation that he was the only person at Urban K9 who took steps to get the facility licensed, although he acknowledged that he did this when NParks' investigations were already in their latter stages. He added that he eventually obtained certifications for pet management and care in October last year. He said he was taking steps to move forward and had stopped offering boarding services as the lease for Urban K9's premises ends this month. Loke told the court he would be moving into new premises and would apply for the proper licence as he "starts afresh".
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dogs in danger as grass seed season approaches
As grass seed season approaches, vets are warning dog owners to be aware of the pointy seeds. Over the next three months, pooches are at risk of getting the dangerous seeds wedged in their fur. The seeds are commonly found in ears, paws, armpits, chest and sometimes eyes. Dogs with longer or curlier coats should be trimmed (Image: Denise Bradley) Last year, a dog in Norwich was rushed into surgery after inhaling a grass seed that punctured her lung. Dr Rosemary Smith, who runs a mobile veterinary service named Paws Indoors across Norwich and South Norfolk, has advised dog owners of what to be aware of. "The ends are very sharp and can pierce the skin," she said. "The long strong hairs that are rough and ratcheted force the seed forward." Symptoms include head shaking, licking at a paw, swollen paws or lameness. READ MORE: "The shaking is usually troublesome to the dog as the seed is quickly shaken to the bottom of the ear, out of sight, where it irritates the delicate eardrum," she added. To help prevent the seeds from causing serious issues, dogs with longer or curlier coats should be trimmed and owners need to inspect their furry friend after each walk. Although seeds can be removed at home if they are loose and easily picked out, Dr Smith advises seeking veterinary attention if "your dog suddenly and persistently shakes its head, or is persistently licking its paws". In the more severe cases, where a seed may have broken off, exploratory surgery may be required.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
How To Keep Your Dog Comfortable And Your Home Clean On Rainy Days
Welcome to Pet Peeves, a monthly series that aims to provide pet care solutions and expert advice for challenging scenarios that involve your beloved animal companions. Walks in the rain when you have a dog are often unavoidable—and when the weather is warm, you might want to keep your pup out longer than you would the wintertime, which means more potential for mud and mess. Even if you have outdoor space that they can use, you still need to take measures to dry them off and keep muddy paw prints from getting all over your home. Not to mention that many pups can also be fearful of thunderstorms (or simply not want to do their business in the rain because they don't like the feel of it), which can add another layer of stress for dog guardians during inclement weather. Dogs and rain aren't the most pleasant combo, but we rounded up tips for how to make the best of wet ... More weather, including how to keep your pup comfortable and your home clean. Whether you're a longtime dog owner dealing with the challenges of a senior pet in wet weather or have a new pup in the home, I've rounded up some expert tips (plus a few tried-and-true products) to help navigate rainy days with your pooch. I chatted with Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, chief veterinarian at Roo, about what to keep in mind when it comes to potential health issues that rainy weather can contribute to or exacerbate, as well as Juliana DeWillems, owner of JW Dog Training, for advice on keeping fearful pups comfortable during storms. While booties can be a big help in keeping your dog's paws clean and dry when it rains, pups are notoriously finicky about their tolerance for them. I've used Pawz dog boots, which work well (if your dog keeps them on); Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear writer Alicia Betz also used these when her dog Silas had a cut and it needed to stay covered. 'They stayed on his feet really well and kept them completely dry,' she says. If your pup isn't a fan of boots, though, you might instead want to invest in a paw cleaner like the Mudbuster, which Betz swears by as well. It comes in three sizes and uses silicone bristles to remove any dirt. Just add a little water, twist gently around your dog's paws and pat dry. Amazon Raincoats can also help keep much of your dog's body dry, and you don't have to break the bank to find one that's functional. This adorable doggie raincoat does an excellent job at protecting your pup in wet weather, it's easy to take on and off, and it also features a hood—which, again, will come in handy so long as your dog doesn't mind the feeling of it. Otherwise, Findlaytor recommends using an oversized umbrella for the most efficient rain coverage. Amazon If you have a dog with touch sensitivity, DeWillems advises keeping a snuffle mat by the door and crumbling a bunch of treats into it to keep your pup busy while you wipe them off. (Here's a video of this in action.) Another option, she notes, is to stick a suction lick mat on a door and smear peanut butter, cream cheese or any other treat on it while you dry their paws and body. (See what that looks like here.) 'The underlying theme in both of these tricks is that your dog is kept occupied using an activity and treat that they love—high value treats can be key here,' she says. 'This accomplishes a lot: Your dog stays in one place without restraint, their mouth is occupied so they can't try to grab the towel and a positive association is being made.' As far as keeping your home clean, you might want to consider a furniture cover to use on particularly wet days as an added layer of protection. I'm a big fan of Orvis' products for pets; the brand's couch covers, which come in three sizes and three colors, get rave reviews. (And if you're traveling with your pup in the rain, a dog car seat cover is a must.) If your dog isn't necessarily terrified of thunderstorms but simply won't step outside the door when it's raining (as someone who once had a 50-pound pit bull too scared to go out in even the slightest drizzle, I understand your pain), there are a few tactics you can try. 'I'll tell owners, put your dog on a leash and still walk them out in the backyard, even though it sounds weird,' says Findlaytor. 'I have seen dogs that, just having a leash on, it makes them feel like, 'Hey you're here with me, and I'm here with you, and and I'm okay to do my business.'' If you have a covered porch or patio area, you can also try using a patch of artificial or real grass. I have a subscription to DoggieLawn (it's also available without a subscription via Chewy), which I use primarily for my senior arthritic dog so she doesn't have to go up or down any steps when it's raining. There are also plenty of artificial turf options to choose from. Otherwise, training your dog to use indoor pee pads might be necessary. Chewy Things can be trickier if you've adopted an adult dog who's already rather set in their ways—but if you have a puppy, 'the best time to work on a dog's fear around rain and rainy days is before it starts,' says DeWillems. 'This is a part of puppy socialization that many pet parents don't think about: Getting them used to going outside when it's wet.' She advises using treats and playtime to introduce them to the feeling of wet grass, the feeling and sound of rain and even the sounds of thunder; she recommends using a recording where you can turn the volume way down to start. 'As is the rule with all puppy socialization, exposure alone is not enough," she says. 'It has to be positive.' Both Findlaytor and DeWillems note that the ThunderShirt can be effective for some pups, but it requires regular practice. 'One thing that is important if you use a ThunderShirt is that you don't only put it on your dog when there is a storm," DeWillems says. "That's a great way to teach your dog to worry any time they see the ThunderShirt. Put it randomly as much as you can outside of storms.' Most importantly, be present to help and comfort your dog. 'Our dogs really need our support in these moments of fear and stress,' she adds. Chewy For dogs whose fear of stormy weather is more severe (think: hiding, panting, pacing, trembling), you may want to talk with your veterinarian to see if anti-anxiety medication is an option for them. If your pup shows more mild fear, however, DeWillems recommends calming pheromones and supplements, particularly the bSerene line or Adaptil products. Some dogs may also respond well to sound-reducing ear covers, or you can turn on a white-noise machine or use a box fan to drown out the sound of the storm. Rainy weather brings with it more potential for ear and skin infections, says Findlaytor, so it's important to make sure not just their coat but also their ears are dried well after a rainy-day walk: 'The more water dogs get in their ear, the more I tell owners, it's almost like you're watering little seeds of bacteria or yeast in your dog's ear, so it's easier and easier to get infections in there. Same goes with their skin.' You also want to avoid having your dog drink from any puddles; parasites like Giardia, which cause diarrhea and an upset stomach, can lurk in there, and bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli may be present wherever there is runoff near deer. Leptospirosis is another disease transmitted by animals like deer, raccoon, squirrels and rats via their urine, which can be present in contaminated water; you may want to talk with your vet about vaccinating your dog against it. As a city dweller where rats are seemingly at every corner, I always make sure my pups are up to date on their lepto vaccination. If you have a senior dog, Findlaytor advises avoiding slippery surfaces as much as possible. Walk on grass, gravel or any other stable surface. 'You don't realize it, but when they're elderly, [many dogs are] almost doing a handstand. We'll see that they have really big, kind of almost buff shoulders and really lean hips, because they don't get as much arthritis in their shoulders and elbows as they do their hips and knees,' he says. 'They kind of lean forward, so I tell people traction control is really important.' If your pup is on any kind of pain management for arthritis, he also recommends administering it in the evenings, after your walks are done, if possible—this way your dog doesn't overdo it and is more aware of their own limits. It's also essential to make sure your pup's paws are fully dried off before they come inside, to avoid any accidents on slippery floors. 'The most dangerous time of your walk is right when you're walking back in the door, if you have a slippery surface,' Findlaytor says. In general, yoga mats and runners are great to place around your home to provide more traction for senior and arthritic pets. Findlaytor adds that for pups using wheelchairs, it's especially important to keep them as dry as possible: 'We found that when it rains, that nylon material kind of actually swells … so we'll have a wheelchair that fits really well in dry conditions, but causes a lot of tummy rashes and abrasions when it's wet.' He advises people to try everything they can not to get those wheelchairs wet, or, if they do, make sure to take a blow dryer and dry them out thoroughly. The Forbes Vetted home team covers a wide range of pet products, from litter boxes to the best dog beds, as well as pet care topics, like how to make traveling with pets less stressful and tips for keeping your senior pet comfortable. We strive to help readers make smart, expert- and editor-backed purchases and decisions for their pets. Have a question for us? Email efavilla@ with the subject line 'Pet Peeves.'
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to have a happy dog: Experts reveal nine-part formula to help your pet live their best life - so, does it sound familiar to you?
Do you ever catch yourself wondering if your dog is truly happy? While a waggy tail can be a telling sign, it's hard to know for sure if they're satisfied day-to-day. Now, one of the UK's leading dog behaviourists has created a nine-part formula to help your dog live their best life. Dr Tom Mitchell, a well-known figure in the world of dog behaviour and training, said: 'There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to happiness. 'Every dog is unique, and as their owner, you know them best. 'Think of this formula as your toolkit, ready to be tweaked to suit your dog's personality and lifestyle'. He has detailed how much affection, play and training each owner should aim for. So, will you give his formula a go? CALM SETTLING (at least 60 per cent of the day) Dr Mitchell said dogs 'thrive on calm' and as much as 60 per cent of their day should be in a relaxed atmosphere. Calm time can let your dog decompress and helps their brain stay balanced and resilient, he explained. Owners could create a quiet room at home, with their dog's favourite blanket and some gentle background music, with a few chew toys to keep them relaxed without over-exciting them. SLEEP (at least 10 hours) A 2020 study found dogs sleep about 10 hours a day, helping them process the world around them. Well-rested dogs are calmer, happier and better learners. Dr Mitchell said owners could try and reward their dog with a treat for making good sleep choices – for example choosing to take themselves off and settle down in their bed. Setting up a cosy sleep space could help, as well as using calming sounds like soft music and avoiding disruption before bed. NUTRITION (balanced and gut friendly) Looking after your dog's diet is key, Dr Mitchell explained, and it is closely linked to their happiness. 'Not only should you feed a diet rich in high meat content and natural ingredients but also ensure it is rich in prebiotics – these help maintain a healthy digestion and act as the fuel for the micro-organisms doing the hard work of building those happy chemicals,' he said. 'The national dog owner obsession of how their dog's poo is looking isn't misplaced; the easiest measure of how your dog's gut is doing is by assessing their poo.' PLAY (30 minutes total, in 5-minute bursts) Short, frequent bursts of play have been shown to improve learning and reduce stress. Owners could try and range of play activities including a tug-of-war, hide-and-seek with treats or even an obstacle course. AFFECTION (at least 20 minutes, but there's no maximum) Stroking, cuddles, or simply sitting together builds trust and connection, Dr Mitchell said. However, it's important to know when your dog has had enough. Observing their behaviour is key – for example, lip-licking, panting, moving away or going very still can be signs your dog isn't enjoying it. MOVEMENT (1-2 hours daily) Daily movement helps keep joints healthy and minds alert, Dr Mitchell said. And not every dog need to hit the great outdoors to stay active. Indoor-friendly ways to keep your dog moving include food-dispensing toys, training sessions and indoor obstacle courses. Daily movement is important for all dogs. While chasing sticks is fun to do outside, there are also indoor-friendly ways to get them moving ENRICHMENT (1 hour of 'figuring stuff out') In a 2019 study, it was shown that simply by incorporating enrichment into the lives of dogs in a rescue centre, they were more likely to pass the behaviour tests to then go on to find their loving homes. This could involve challenges such as puzzle toys, snuffle mats, trick training or a new walking route. SOCIAL INTERACTION (every day) Most dogs prefer human company and quality interaction – such as play dates with friends and family - is vital, Dr Mitchell said. 'Contrary to wolves, domestic dogs get a larger oxytocin surge from interacting with their human family than other dogs, so if your dog can be unpredictable with other dogs or finds them a bit scary right now, rest assured the most important interaction in your dog's life is with you,' he explained. TRAINING (four 3-minute sessions daily) A few fun, reward-based sessions a day can build confidence and strengthen your bond with your dog. Name training, lead training and confidence training can all help. 'The best thing about this formula,' Dr Mitchell said, 'is that it's completely flexible. 'Each component can be tailored based on your dog's individual personality and their likes and dislikes! 'You know your dog better than anyone - and this gives you the tools to shape a life full of tail wags, calm evenings and joyful adventures.' Dr Mitchell teamed up with Harrington's, a natural pet food brand, to create his 'happy dog' formula.
