DOGS
(please refer to thread : Cosmetics, Bacteria, and Makeup Eye Comfort for the beginning of this conversation)

DOG DENTAL CARE
Dog dental care is very important for maintain good oral health. If the dog mouth is not cleaned regularly the dog can develop plaque which could lead to the formation of periodontal disease. In extreme cases if left untreated other parts of the body can be negatively effected including the heart.

Dog Mouth Facts
· Dogs have comparatively high pH level 9 - humans ph level 6.5 to 7.5. Due to high ph level cavities are non existent in dog mouth.
· Due to high pH level in dogs, precipitation of calcium phosphate, formation of tartar and plaque takes place in their teeth.
· Dog saliva can inhibit certain bacterial growth like that of E.coli and certain strains of Streptococcus.

The muzzle begins at the stop, just below the eyes, and contains the dog's nose and mouth. Shape depends upon the breed. From extremely long and thin to nearly nonexistent and flat.
The dogs with long and thin muzzles in general require more dental attention than the dogs with nearly nonexistent and flat muzzles.

Once Upon a Time A Wolf
Dogs descended from Wolves. By design dogs teeth are made to kill, rip, tear, and gnaw. Dry kibble and tinned dog food is made for human convenience. If given a choice a dog will choose a raw diet over a processed food diet. This is why chew toys are desired by most dogs.

A bit about B.A.R.F.
There is a growing movement B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food) for domestic dogs and cats.
A typical BARF diet is made up of 60-80% of raw meaty bones, that is bones with about 50% meat, (e.g. poultry neck, back, and wings) and 20-40% of fruits and vegetables, offal, meat, eggs, or dairy foods. (avoiding the use of toxic and or allergy inducing fruits and veggies)

The B.A.R.F. diet is NOT appropriate for ALL.
Puppies, immune suppressed / chemo / diseased / ill ailing dogs, and or aged dogs are NOT good candidates for B.A.R.F.

Food prep time / convenience is an issue. B.A.R.F. does take time ... but no more time than prepping food for post surgery in your freezer.

Cost is an issue. It has been my experience with multiple dogs B.A.R.F. is more cost effective and more time efficient (less time at Vets Office) than using processed dog foods.

The benefits can not be denied - healthier coat, cleaner teeth and breath, reduced stool volume and odor, and better overall health (less Vet visits).

Seriously ... would you eat your dog's food???
If yes ... I bet you have McVities in your cupboard ... I'm just saying ... perhaps try some Weetabix instead? (yes - still processed but there is less saturated fat / sugar / salt - a bit healthier - but not when you slop on Nutella and butter ... enough said)


Opponents of B.A.R.F. believe that the risk of nutritional imbalance (if improper ratios are fed YES), intestinal perforations (if cooked bones are provided YES) and food borne illnesses (if improperly handled / stored / prepped YES) posed by the handling and feeding of raw meat and bones would outweigh any benefits.

Owning a dog is a responsibility but it should be a joy as well.
What ever works for you and your dog ... happy wagging tails to all.

Thanks Nouska,
Great information.

All Natural Remedies for FLEAS

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix one part solution of apple cider vinegar with a 2 parts solution of water. Give your dog a bath. Rinse well and pour solution all over your dog. The smell of vinegar will help to keep the fleas away.

Garlic/Brewer’s Yeast

Put very small amounts of garlic or brewer’s yeast in your dog’s food. The smell will help to repel fleas. Your dog should not smell too strongly, but it supposed to be strong enough to repel fleas.

Lemon

Squeeze a cut up lemon into eight ounces of water. Pour solution into a clean plastic spray bottle. Spray your dog’s coat. If your dog has long hair, you will need to brush the solution through his hair. Your dog will smell fresh; however, the fleas will not like the smell.

Lavender

Add several drops of lavender essential oil to your dog’s shampoo or into the bath water. MUST AVOID getting the oil into your dog’s eyes. Mix up a spray bottle with eight ounces of water, as well as several drops of lavender oil. After bathing, mist the lavender oil on your dog’s wet or dry coat every couple of days.

Flea Comb

Use a flea comb to trap the fleas. Dunk the comb into a bowl of soapy water to dislodge the fleas.

Regular Grooming Routine

Bathe your dog regularly (once a month and/or as needed) with any of the above tips.
Brush your dog regularly (EVERY SINGLE DAY). You brush your hair every single day ... so should a dog ... but a dog needs your help.

All of what has been said above has been some great information!

For those of you who are looking for some more information on canine teeth follow the link! http://www.dog-health-guide.org/canineteeth.html

I was just reading my sister-in-laws post on facebook about her dog having 15 teeth pulled today, that just sounds horrific to me. He is a small dog, which I have not ever had a dog under 80 pounds, or one with bad teeth. Maybe I'm just lucky so far, of course large dogs dont live as long either. Now Im just rambling, ha ha. Love all the info. Thank you!

Poor dog! 15 teeth removed?

FYI Adult dogs have 42 teeth total. Adult cats have 30 teeth total.
I hope what ever the problem was that it has been solved by this radical dentistry.
May the dog heal soon and never have another dental issue.