Health Articles

Just like in humans, dental care is an important part of your pet’s overall health. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping those choppers sparkling white at home.

1. Start brushing your pet’s teeth early—8 to 12 weeks old is best. If you brush every day, your pet will become familiar with the routine when their permanent teeth erupt. Please note: You may need to stop brushing while your pet loses her baby teeth. Her mouth will be a bit sore and handling may cause more pain. Continue once all permanent teeth come in.

2. Work with your pet’s mouth. Be patient and make it fun. Use love and praise, and try to practice at the same time each day to establish a routine. Choose a quiet time, such as late in the evening. Or, if your pet is highly motivated by food, try just before dinner so she’ll be rewarded for her cooperation.

Hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and other intestinal parasites can be found everywhere in the environment. Infection of these parasites may lead to poor health, vomiting and/or diarrhea, anemia, and, in more severe cases, death. However, through proper husbandry and wellness, intestinal parasites can be avoided. In addition, with the modern prescription preventatives and treatments available today, no pet should suffer from the infestation of intestinal parasites.

Methods of Infection

Worm eggs, or larvae, are found in the pet’s feces. Infection occurs when a pet ingests infected material. In some cases, as with Hookworms, larvae can infect the pet through penetration of the skin. Pets can also become infected when drinking contaminated water. Pets that roam freely are more at risk for infection, but no pet is risk free.

Preventative Care

To prevent infection, veterinarians will recommend a regular schedule to examine the pet’s fecal material. In some cases, veterinarians will recommend regular deworming for a pet with a prescription anthelminic, or dewormer. Other preventative measures include: