You would be hard pressed to find a young child who didn't want a pony at some point in their life, but once a parent says yes, how do you care for the horse?
Your local vet can answer all your specific questions about how to raise a healthy horse, but you can also use these blog posts to give you an overview during your horse ownership journey. Check out this web site for information about horse feed, signs your horse needs vet attention, and even riding tips for beginners. Horse health is not a complicated subject, and the more you know, the happier your horse (and child) will be.
Every dog owner knows how bad a pooch's breath can smell, but many don't realise just how much of an effect ignoring bad breath can have on a dog's health. Bad breath can be caused by numerous factors, but one of the most common is plaque. Once plaque has accumulated, it turns into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and is very damaging to the teeth, drastically increasing the risk of issues like gum disease and, later, tooth loss. Tooth loss can make it difficult for a dog to stay nourished, so it's important to prevent it for as long as you can.
That's why it's important to learn how much a simple dental check-up with your veterinarian can do to help your dog stay healthy for a long time. Here are three ways your vet can help.
1. By removing plaque
Since plaque is one of the main causes of bad breath in dogs, the main way vets help reduce bad breath is by removing plaque. The plaque removal procedure, which is usually performed under a general anaesthetic to ensure your dog stays calm, involves using an ultrasonic descaling tool to remove all the plaque and tartar from the gum line. Antiseptic mouth rinses will usually be applied to the dog's teeth and gums after the cleaning to reduce the risk of bacteria setting in, and some vets may also polish the teeth to enhance this.
2. By advising you on how to brush your dog's teeth
The most simple way of preventing plaque build-up in the future is to brush your dog's teeth regularly. Of course, brushing their teeth isn't always easy. A vet can advise you on the most efficient and effective way to keep your dog's teeth clean, from how much toothpaste to use to the right motion. Many dogs find tooth brushing hard to get used to, especially if they start at a late age, so your vet can also advise you on ways to keep your dog calm and ease them into the process.
3. By recommending different products
Dental check-ups and regular brushing are great ways to prevent bad breath. However, if you want to go further and make sure your dog's mouth is free from smelly bacteria, your vet will likely have recommendations on products to try. There are many treats on the market, for example, which use ingredients like seaweed extract to naturally fight oral bacteria. There are also special toothpastes with meaty flavours that help warm dogs up to having their teeth brushed. Your vet will let you know which ones are worth trying and which you should steer clear from. Contact a vet for more information regarding dog dental appointments.