Does Your Dog Hate Having His Teeth Cleaned?

Yeah, mine too. I realize it's a necessity, though, especially since according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80 percent of dogs exhibit oral disease by age three, and it is one of most commonly treated health problems in small animal clinics. Bacteria buildup in a dog's mouth can also be at the root of other, larger problems, such as diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Still, my dog clearly doesn't grasp all of these risks, because the last time I tried to clean her teeth, she dramatically gagged, dribbled the paste all over my carpet, and then hid under the bed.

So, since my attempts at cleaning her teeth weren't exactly going well, I was looking for an option to help supplement them. (I know there's the whole professional-cleaning-by- your-veterinarian option, but I'm putting that off until I'm told it's necessary, rightly or not.) My vet suggested dental chews to help clean her teeth between brushing sessions. I highlighted a few below in the hopes that it may be helpful to you. Obviously, I'd discuss with your vet prior to using. 

CET Oral Hygiene Chews
$7.99
1-800-PetMeds
My own vet recommended these, and Riley loves them. According to the site, these "great tasting" chews "feature an exclusive dual enzyme system: a natural antiseptic plus an abrasive texture coupled with chewing fights plaque and tartar buildup."

Bluechews by Vetradent
$14.99
PetSmart
Apparently, these are "wildly palatable canine dental health bars," which are "clinically-proven to reduce tartar by 61% and plaque by 22%. Bluechews have been awarded the coveted Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval for both plaque and tartar control."

Ark Naturals Breath-Less Brushless Toothpaste
$15.99
Only Natural Pet Store
Despite the name, these are chews, not actual toothpaste. According to the company, these chews have "real toothpaste" on the inside. These chews have ridges that "are proven effective for teeth scrubbing"; they're highly digestible; they are wheat, corn, and soy free; and they are made with human grade ingredients.

Protecting Your Dog's Feet During the Winter

Living in an urban area, protecting your dog's feet during the colder months becomes an issue simply because so many shop owners and buildings put out salt on the street. If you weren't already aware, the salt that's laid out all over sidewalks can do a whole lot of damage.

First, lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate and dry out your the pads of your dog's feet, causing them to crack and become infected. (Salt—as well as antifreeze from cars—can even cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked.) Secondly, small balls of ice can also form in the sensitive spaces between a dog's toes and pads. So, as a rule, it's a good idea to wipe your dog's feet clean with a paper towel saturated with warm water as soon as you get back into your house or apartment. But if you want to be even more careful, below are a few more options:

Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax
Activedogs.com
$11.99-$27.99
I have used this many times on my dog, and it is amazing. Developed in Canada for sledding dogs, this wax forms a barrier to protect the pads of your dog's feet. It's made from 100% natural (and safe) waxes, and it guards the feet from ice build-up, salt, and chemicals. You simply spread a thin later on your dog's pads before going outside. Just think of it as heavy-duty Chap Stick or Aquaphor.

Muttlucks Dog Boots
Drs Foster and Smith
$44.99-$52.99
These are probably the most popular dog booties on the market, and they promise to keep your dog's feet dry and warm. They're made with heavy-duty leather soles; they're fleece-lined; and they Velcro around the dog's ankle. They may take some getting used to (for both you and your dog), but they're worth it especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate. (Riley even had a pair...until she ate them.)

Pawz Rubber Dog Boots
Metropawlis Pet Boutique
$15.00
Also quite popular, these rubber boots are inexpensive, reusable, biodegradeable, and easy to put on because there are no straps. They are made in a variety of bright colors and sizes, and they come with 12 in a package. Pawz are not the most aesthetically pleasing dog footwear around, but they definitely do the job.

Neoprene Dog Booties
L.L. Bean
$39.00
Similar to Muttluks—although more like a durable sock—these are made of flexible neoprene and come in both orange and black.

Bark'n Boots Grip Trex
Ruffwear
$59.95
For the hardcore canine athlete, these are great for runs in snowy climates. According to the company, they have "an upper inspired by human shoes, and a high performance Vibram® sole."

30 Pet Health Innovations

Another favorite website of mine, Trendhunter, recently did a slideshow of 30 recent pet health innovations. It includes everything from pills that combat dog obesity to anti-stress pet vests to doga (yes, that's doggie yoga). It takes just a couple of minutes to click through. I promise it's totally worth it.

To view, click here.

How to Save Money on Pet Care

Last week, CNN picked up a RealSimple.com article on how to save cash while still taking good care of your pet. The story suggests things like skipping the groomer and giving your dog an at-home bath; buying pet food in bulk; and reducing checkup costs by taking your dog to a veterinary college.

To be honest, I wasn't totally sold on every single suggestion, but some were definitely helpful. To read the story, click here.

WebMD's New Pet Site

One of the best resources on the Web now has a pet site, WebMD Pets, and it's pretty amazing.

I checked out the site today, and it has a ton of useful information, including stories such as:

• "Training Tips for Big and Little Dogs"
• "Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog"
• "The Controversy Over Pet Examinations"
• "Dogs and Flu: What You Need to Know"
• "Best Breeds for Your Lifestyle"
• "6 Signs of Illness in Your Dog or Cat"

There is so much there, you really just need to check it out for yourselves. You can watch instructional videos, take quizzes, and even ask a veterinarian your questions.

http://pets.webmd.com/