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Putting a Face on Little Dog Hygiene
Let's start at the "top"- have you taken a look inside your dog's ears lately? If not, it's time to start. Ears that are properly cared for will have much less chance of getting infected. So avoid spending the extra bucks at the vet by cleaning your baby's ears on a scheduled basis. Herbally based products are ideal and work wonders since the natural healing power of certain herbs actually kills fungus, removes odors, and relieves itching.
Does your Maltese or Poodle, (or any light-colored pooch), have those reddish stains beneath their eyes? Vets have different theories on what causes this unsightly discoloration known as tear staining. Some say it's excess tearing which causes the fur in that area to be constantly wet and becomes a breeding ground for yeast, (which turns brownish-red). Others say it could be blocked tear ducts. Diet has also been considered a culprit pointing at poor quality, carbohydrate-rich foods as the possible cause. Even unpurified tap water can be a contributor.
There are a limited amount of products on the market that truly seem to work in ridding your little one's face of those stains. Eye Envy, for instance, has quite a following amongst the small white dog crowd. Others believe in taking a very soft washcloth wet with nothing but warm water to cleanse the area every morning.
Are your dog's teeth not quite as clean as you'd like them to be? While some may believe that dry food is a way to keep them pearly white, others say that since our own teeth don't stay clean from eating food like pretzels, dry food may have no real effect.
There is no question, however, that regular at-home care will minimize tartar buildup and help prevent periodontal disease. From cleaning with finger-sized brushes to gauze type pads, or specially formulated rinses, there are many ways to keep vet dental visits to a minimum. It is also essential to regularly monitor the condition of your baby's teeth, as well as gums, (for redness, swelling, etc.); and if you're concerned about either, make that vet appointment a.s.a.p. Severe tooth or gum disease can travel to the heart if left unchecked, so it's always better to be safe than sorry!
For any aspect of your baby's hygiene, it's all about trial and error. The most important thing you can do is educate yourself as to what your options are in order to make the very best decision for your little love.
-S. Athanasiou |
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