Natural Pet Health

A simple spritz to bad breath

Those who have awoken in the morning to a nose-full of pet breath wafting across the face would agree that all cats and dogs should have their teeth brushed!

This is far easier said than done. Most pet owners find the task of brushing a feline or canine mouth extremely difficult, and this can also be an emotional task for our poor pets, too!

While we may not realize it, the bacteria in a cat or dog’s mouth forms its own ‘ecosystem’ and self-regulates itself naturally. This is not to say that an animal’s mouth should be left unattended. On the contrary, while all mammals have bacteria in their mouths, it is only when levels stay within the normal range that oral health is achieved…

The natural way

Animals in the wild often seek out herbs when they are unwell. Oral health is no different. While wild animals may occasionally need professional dental care from game rangers or veterinary professionals, on the whole teeth, gums and tongues are kept generally healthy through natural leaves and organic materials cleaning the mouth.

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Did you know that dogs and cats need dental care as much as we do? Just as dental health is linked with overall health in humans, so is true with cats and dogs.

With Pet Dental Care Month approaching in February, it’s important that pet owners know that when proper care is not given to their gums and teeth, our pet’s body becomes vulnerable to disease and illness.

Conditions such as liver, kidney, heart inflammation and infection are many times triggered by poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease. That being said, dental disease is one of the most common forms of disease in pets.

More than half of all pets suffer from gum disease, calculus and dental problems. The numbers are slightly higher in dogs, where it is estimated that by age three, 80% of dogs develop symptoms of oral disease. In cats, 70% develop dental problems by their third year of life.

Signs of gum and dental disease in cats and dogs include dark yellow or brown substance build up on teeth, bleeding and swollen gums, and persistent bad breath.

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If the cause of bad breath is gingivitis:

* Clove 1 drop
* Lavender 1 drop
* Myrrh 1 drop

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.

If the cause is from a stomach problem:

Rub a drop of neat Peppermint in a line from beneath the ears and into the shoulders.

These recipes are from “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Araomatherapy. ” By Valerie Ann Worwood

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By Amanda Toris, http://www.NJChocolateLab.com

Keep your dog’s breath under control month after month with homemade breath mint cookies. The treats are safe for canines and can be stored for up to one month — if your dog doesn’t gobble them down sooner.

Materials:

* stand mixer with paddle attachment
* rolling pin
* cookie cutter
* cookie sheet
* parchment paper
* cooling rack
* air tight container

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup fresh mint
* 2 tsp. flax seed oil
* 1 egg
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1/8 cup wheat germ
* 3 cups whole wheat flour, 1 additional cup for dusting work surface

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Combine mint, flax seed oil, egg, milk and wheat germ in the stand mixer’s bowl.

3. Mix with paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds, or until all of the ingredients are well distributed.

4. One cup at a time, add flour to mixture at medium speed. Once ingredients have been mixed, continue to add additional two cups in the same manner. Tip: If the dough seems too sticky after all three cups of flour have been added, continue to add flour from additional cup of flour set aside for dusting work surface until dough feels pliable.

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Dental health in pets

The most common ailments seen by vets in dogs and cats are dental problems. More than half of all pets suffer from gum disease, dental calculus or similar dental problems.

Calculus is the brown build-up of plaque found extending downwards on the tooth from the gum line. Calculus is a haven for bacteria which can have serious consequences for your pet’s general health.

These bacteria can not only cause abscesses and tooth loss but can have effects further afield - even resulting in organ damage as the bacteria are carried from the mouth, through the bloodstream.

All types of teeth and gum diseases can lead to serious health problems in pets. Dogs and cats make much fuller use of their teeth than humans do - using them in ways we usually use our hands. For this reason, toothache, dental disease and loss of teeth can all have serious consequences for pets.

Damage to the teeth and gums in pets is permanent and irreversible - as it is in humans. What’s more - pets can’t wear dentures! Therefore, the best thing you can do for your dog or cat’s dental health is to embark on a prevention program and look out for your pet’s teeth and gums before it’s too late.

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What to expect when your puppy/kitten is teething.

Around 4 months of age your puppy or kitten will lose its first set of teeth and the adult teeth will begin to emerge from the gums. The teething process continues on and off for several months and, as with human babies, this is often a painful or uncomfortable process for your pet.

You will be able to work out when your pet is teething from his increased chewing and biting on everything imaginable that is within reach.

Although sometimes tiresome, teething is a stage all kittens and puppies must go through and, happily, it will pass fairly soon. Relieving your pet’s pain at the same time as protecting your possessions from the sharp little teeth will be your top priorities!

What are PetAlive PupTeeth Granules?

PupTeeth Granules are a natural herbal, homeopathic and tissue salt remedy for relieving the pain and discomfort of teething in puppies. The granules work equally well for other young animals like kittens. Specially formulated to suit young pets, PupTeeth granules are safe and very easy to administer.

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It is recommended to start brushing for pets teeth at 8-12 weeks of age, but it never to late to begin! Here is a step-by-step guide to introducing teeth brushing to your pet.

Supplies you will need include gauze, toothbrush, and pet toothpaste. Be sure to use pet toothpaste as human toothpaste contains products that will make your pet sick.

Week 1: Introduce Your Pet to Mouth Care

Using your hand, gently open the pet’s mouth and run your finger around his or her lips, lifting the lips, etc. This should begin for just 30 seconds on day one and progressing to a couple of minutes by the end of the week. Reward -your pet with a small treat at the end of each session.

Week 2: Introducing Toothpaste or Gauze

This week, use either wet gauze wrapped around your index finger or wet toothbrush on the teeth. Lift lips. Massage the outer surfaces only of upper and lower teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do this for 30 seconds on day one, progressing up to three minutes by the end of the week.

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We brush our own teeth daily, but sometimes we forget our dogs need regular tooth cleaning too. Just like humans, poor dental hygiene can lead to health problems and tooth decay in our furry friends.

According to research, by the time your dog is three years old there is already an 80% chance that he already has some gum problems due to plaque and tartar buildup.

Typical signs are redness or bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Even annual or semi-annual professional cleanings at your vet’s office may not be enough to prevent tooth problems in your dog. Regular tooth cleaning at home needs to be part of your dog’s grooming program. (It’s not as hard as you think, honestly!)

Dog Tooth Cleaning at Home

You can prevent some gum or tooth problems by regularly brushing your dog’s teeth at home. Dog toothpaste comes in great flavors like beef and poultry. Once you get your dog accustomed to feel of the toothbrush and having his mouth handled, he may actually learn to enjoy the brushing process.

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