What causes bad dog breath?

In most cases dog breath is caused by a build up of plaque. Just like in humans, mouth hygiene is important for dogs.

If plaque is left to build up to dangerous levels it can cause more serious infections. Making sure your dogs mouth is hygienic is very important.

How can I cure dog breath?

In many cases simply brushing your dogs teeth several times a week can go a long way towards curing dog breath. Most dogs won’t like their teeth being brushed straight away but if you do it from as young as possible they are more likely to accept it.

If you try to brush your dogs teeth without it getting used to you being around its mouth first then don’t expect much co-operation from the dog. Instead, build it up slowly and make sure whenever your are handling the dogs mouth it is in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

You should also make sure you use a specially made dog toothpaste as they are flavoured in a way dogs will enjoy.

Signs Of Canine Stroke

Like humans dog strokes can be extremely sudden and unexpected, but the actual signs are usually different to humans once the stroke has taken place. It’s possible that if you weren’t around to witness the stroke that you won’t realise it ever happened. These are the things to look out for that may indicate a canine stroke:

• Blindness in one or both eyes
• A change in the behaviour patterns of the dog. You’ll know your dog better than anyone, so if the dog is acting in a strange way it may mean there is something wrong.
• Trouble with balance
• Head tilted and possibly not being able to walk in a straight line but in circles
• Confusion in directions (i.e. when called)

If you notice any of these symptoms it could be a sign of a canine stroke. Even if it isn’t it’s still important to take your dog to the vet straight away to get a proper diagnosis.

Your vet will also be able to advise you on treatment for the stroke symptoms. These usually centre on fixing the original cause to make sure another stroke doesn’t take place. In many cases the dog will recover well from a stroke, although this isn’t always the case and in severe cases a stroke may cause death.

Knowing what the signs of canine stroke are can make a huge difference to your dogs chances. The earlier you can get your dog to the vet the better if you suspect a stroke has taken place.

Many times when dogs are left in one place for a long time and are not exercised enough, barking becomes a source of taking out their built-up energy. Barking becomes a hobby for a dog, when he is socially isolated as there is no one to manage him. In fact the dog starts enjoying it and once they start barking, they go on doing it for the fun of it and you have a barking dog in hand.

Different breeds are also more likely to bark than others. Border collies are just one example, and this is definitely something you should consider when getting a dog.

There are times your pet takes to barking too often as you have inadvertently trained the dog to do so. It is like your pet speaking and you obeying. He barks and you open the door or he barks and you pat him. In a way the dog barks to catch your attention. One can easily fall into this trap. You can reward your dog when he is sitting quietly also.

It is very important to understand that a number of times the dog barks out of boredom and frustration. You should find ways to get rid of such a situation. Remember that a cheerful dog that has had enough exercise has better chances of sleeping through the day when you are away. Barking dog can be helped, if you spend some time training, playing as well as exercising the canine.

Obedience training is a very good method of giving mental exercise to the dog. As we humans get tired by thinking so does the dog. In fact almost all dogs have fun with speedy and exciting games like commanding them to sit, come, stay or even calling them and giving a hug, treat etc. Make sure that the training does not become a monotonous and boring schedule.

We have to understand that dogs are social animals and they also need friends and company. Help your dog make friends by taking him to the same dog park. Till your barking dog comes under control try to keep him in a place where he is least disturbing and your neighbours don’t complain. If your dog has taken to too much of barking, don’t expect this habit to come under control immediately. You will have to give more time as well as be patient.