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Health and wellbeing | PETSPhotos: Blaj Gabriel/BigStock.com, AudreyKuzmin/BigStock.com, arenacreative/BigStock.com4445PETS | Health and wellbeinghttp://www.facebook.com/petsmagazine AugustAugust http://www.facebook.com/petsmagazineGETTING THEM OFF TO THE BEST START^
parties is to ensure your pet gets comfortable Dental care should start from the very beginning, and the key to making it easier on all
with you touching his teeth and gums from the get go. Your best bet is to make this part of a regular grooming routine from the start. If you
to your vet and be careful, as your dog or cat is likely to bite if she hasn’t been exposed to this have adopted an older pet, you’ll want to talk
for cooperation helps them to accept checks kind of activity. “Gently opening their mouth in a calm, safe environment and rewarding them
in a veterinary environment without fear,” Dr Joanna says. The vet says puppies and kittens love to
when done sensibly. Age- and breed-appropriate chew toys can be useful (and chew and it’s great for their dental health
but, again, if done sensibly. “Never feed pets save on new furniture as well as dentistry bills!). Bones are also great for dogs’ teeth
cooked bones. Raw chicken wings can be a good choice but care needs to be taken with hygiene and supervision,” Dr Joanna says.
TOOTH BRUSHING AND ANNUAL CHECK-UPS Tooth brushing is the gold standard for
our pets. “There are different ways to go about it, but I find prevention of dental disease in
you put over your finger,” Dr the easiest way is usually with the thimble-type brushes that
Joanna says. She recommends starting slowly, first putting a bit of something your pet
wiping it inside his mouth. Once he is comfortable, loves on your finger and
brush yet. “Make it a positive graduate to a brush but just let him taste it and don’t
experience and gradually work up to where you are brushing the teeth with
pets,” she says. toothpaste designed foryour pet’s teeth and gums Did you know keeping
in tip-top shape is key to their general health and
finds out how to care for wellbeing? Mel Hearse^
your pet’s mouth and what to watch for.DENTAL
HEALTHa dental check, is dental problems can creep the regular vet check-up, which will include One of the biggest problems with neglecting
up and your pet may not show any signs that there is something wrong. “Even if they appear to be eating normally, there may be painful
explains. While younger pets can get away with an annual check-up, Dr Joanna says older pets disease lurking inside their mouth,” Dr Joanna
benefit from twice-yearly checks, as problems tend to crop up more frequently in old age.
DIET MATTERSOur pets’ mouths are designed for chewing their food and feeding an exclusively soft diet
to stay healthy. “There are many commercial diets that are healthy, balanced and designed does not give them the workout they need
Joanna says. Bones are controversial, though to help keep teeth clean. If you’re not sure, ask your vet for a recommendation,” Dr
experts agree cooked bones should never be fed. Dr Joanna says while she recommends feeding raw bones, it’s important they are the
animal. “Some pets simply don’t tolerate bones as part of their diet and get awful diarrhoea appropriate size and type for the individual
alternative for chewing,” she says.and/or vomiting from eating them. These pets should not be given bones and need anDental disease is incredibly common in cats and dogs.http://www.faceboowww faceboowww.faceboowww.faceboook.com/petsmak.com/petsmak.com/petsmak.com/petsmapgazine Augugazine Augugazine Augugazine Auguststst 45454545455can help keep them in good Brushing your dog’s teeth
condition.veterinarian Dr Joanna Paul of Creature Clinic says. “This builds up around the gum line and causes pain and tooth loss.” Poor
animals’ mouths — bodily infections occur when bacteria from an infection in the dental health also has implications beyond
progressed, requires general anaesthesia and mouth enters the bloodstream. Dr Joanna says treatment for dental disease, once
potentially invasive dentistry, while simple preventative measures can reduce the risk of severe dental problems later in life.
impact on overall health. High levels of oral bacteria can fatigue the immune system “Dental disease can have an enormous
stream,” Dr Matthew Muir, an integrative of your pet. It can provide a gateway for disease-causing bacteria to enter the blood
veterinarian at All Natural Vet Care, says. Left untreated, dental disease can compromise liver, kidney and heart function.
elevated in our patients on blood screening when marked dental disease is present,” “We often see bio-markers of liver distress
Dr Matthew says.cats and dogs, and looking at their teeth and gums is one of the most important Dental disease is incredibly common in
things you can do for their lifelong health and wellbeing.
quickly accumulate plaque, then calculus,” “Teeth that are not cared for properly
Photos: Blaj GabrielPhotos: Blaj GabrielPhotos: Blaj GabrielPhotos: Blaj Gabrielotos: Blaj Gabriotos: Blaj G/BigStock.com, AudreBigStock.com, Audre/BigStock.com, Audre/BigStock.com, AudregStock.com, Au/BigStock.com, AuAy Kuzy Kuzy KuzyKuy K
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brush yet. “Make it a positive experience and gradually work up to whe
brushing the teeth with toothpaste designed for re you are
pets,” she says.veterinarian at All Natural Vet Care, says. m, Dr Matthew Muir, anbacteria to enter the blood gateway for integrative
Left untreated, dental disease can compromise liver, kidney and heart function. “We often see bio-markers of liver distress
elevated in our patients on blood screening when marked dental disease iDr Matthew say s present,”
s.nd wellbeing. an do for their lifelong health most important r teeth
quickly accumulate plaque, then calculus,” “Teeth that are not cared for properlyBehaviour and training | PETSPhoto: graphicphoto/BigStock.com
5657PETS^ |^ Behaviour and traininghttp://www.facebook.com/petsmagazine August
August http://www.facebook.com/petsmagazinePATS, TREATS OR PLAYTIME?Dogs are special, loving pets that share a
unique bond with the owners who care for them. The real trick for training is to learn what motivates your dog, whether that is
food treats, lots of pats and cuddles, verbal praise or ball play.Not sure what will motive your older
adopted pet? Steve suggests offering your dog a range of rewards. “Very quickly you’ll discover if the dog is motivated by a ball or a particular
food reward, for example,” he says.always offer a reward within seconds of the When you start out teaching new things,
dog having completed the task or trick. Timing really is everything. “I find older dogs respond well to food rewards, like chicken or cabanossi
— and only offer the reward, whatever it is, during those training sessions,” Steve says.
KNOWING A SENIOR PET’S LIMITATIONSOlder dogs can have painful joints from
arthritis. They may be stiff, sore and not as agile as they once were. So, when teaching your older dog, activities should be tailored to
their comfort levels and physical capabilities. For example, your older pooch might not be up for agility training, but Steve says he
could enjoy learning new tricks that are less physically taxing. “I’d suggest things like teaching a dog to walk backwards, crossing
their paws in front, even balancing food treats on their nose,” he says. These tricks can be lots of fun for both you and your pet.
Your calm, cool and collected dog may Senior pets can also experience anxiety.
suddenly be afraid of storms, new experiences or places he hasn’t been before. If your dog is becoming distressed, always have a safe
place where she can go in peace and comfort, whether that is under a chair or in a crate if they have one, and leave her alone for a while.
pet, Steve adds. “The chewing motion releases the dog’s feel-good chemical in the brain, Chew toys can also help calm an anxious
serotonin, which can calm a stressed pet.”mean senile? Who says senior has to Carrol Baker^
tells us how to teach an old dog new tricks.OLD DOG,
NEW
TRICKSWork out what motivates your older dog, whether it’s food, physical affection or a toy.(^) HOW IS IT DIFFERENT TO TEACHING A PUPPY?
If you’re teaching a dog you’ve had since puppyhood, you know his personality, what he loves and how he responds. However, if
you have a rescue dog, she may have picked up a few naughty behaviours along the way. Your older adopted dog may not even know
the basics, such as sit or even the word no, so teaching with love and understanding is very important.
Training and Behaviour says the key to training Steve Austin from Steve Austin Canine
senior pets is to be patient and persistent.young puppy — the key is to keep training “I train senior dogs just as I would a very
sessions short and frequent and to finish while the dog is still enjoying themselves,” he says.An older dog will tire more easily than a
younger dog. You might misread fatigue for disinterest or disobedience, but your poor old pooch could just be plain pooped. So if your
dog is looking tired, wrap up your training session for the day.
Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Senior dogs can be full of surprises, and learning new commands and tricks in
their golden years is just one.has many benefits. It’s good for their physical Training senior pets to learn new tricks
health and keeps their brains active and stimulated. Training also strengthens the bond you share with your pet, as you spend
time together learning new things.
Unlearning naughty
behavioursIf your older dog is getting up to mischief by digging holes, chewing
or barking, it could just be that he is bored. Make sure your dog gets plenty of walks, gentle playtime and
has toys to keep him entertained when you can’t be there.If your older rescue dog is having
accidents indoors, Steve says it’s important not to scold her or rub her nose in it. “Ignore their behaviour and
reward the dog when they go to the toilet outdoors,” he says. “If you draw attention to it, or get angry at the
dog, they’ll just go to the toilet where and when you can’t see them.”With a rescue pet, often little is
known about their history. You may not know how well a dog has been exposed to different types of people
and places. Steve’s advice is to avoid off-leash dog parks and take your dog for walks on a long lead until you can
gauge how well the dog has been socialised. Dog obedience classes may also be of benefit for an older
adopted pet.
During playtime and when TIP:^
teaching tricks, swap harder accommodate sensitive teeth. chew toys for softer ones to
diminish with age, too, so opt for A dog’s sense of smell can stronger-scented dog chews.
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Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Senior dogs can be full of surprises, and learning new commands and tricks in
their golden years is just ohas many benefits. It’s good for their physicaTraining senior pets to learn new tricks ne.
health and keeps their brainstimulated. Training also strengthens the bond you share with your pet, as you spends active and
time together learning new things.
PLF70_DPS Subs Ad-ms.indd 2PLF70_DPS Subs Ad-ms.indd 2 6/29/2017 11:48:19 AM6/29/2017 11:48:19 AM