Keeping Canine Teeth Clean

New dog owners may be surprised to find out that oral health is a very important part of dog’s overall health.  Some breeds have more issues with bad teeth and gums than others, but all dogs need to have their  teeth checked for decay and gum disease.  If you are like me, you don’t want to risk having your dog going under anesthesia to have their teeth cleaned. 

Do wolves brush their teeth?  Of course not.  Well not in the traditional sense anyway.  They do keep their teeth clean by their diet.  The consumption of eating fresh prey and pulling and tearing of the fur, skin and flesh combined with the gnawing and crushing of the bones helps to keep the teeth clean.  Do I suggest we toss a live rabbit to our dogs regularly then?  Uh no, not exactly.  Although whippets were bred to be fast and perform the function of catching and eating rabbits very well it’s not exactly an acceptable or convenient practice.

There are several ways to keep those teeth clean and healthy.  My whippets are about 5 years old now and every time we have an annual check-up with the vet they are always amazed at how great their teeth look.  I am always asked if I brush their teeth?  Nope.  I do not.  But I consider myself very lucky.  I feel my dogs have a good breeding, a good diet and play with toys to keep their teeth clean.  Does this mean you don’t need to brush your dog’s teeth in the traditional toothbrush and canine toothpaste way?  No because every dog is different and perhaps yours need a little extra attention.

These are the items that I use to keep my dogs teeth healthy and my dogs happy.

Toys

My dogs love to chew on soft toys and I think these help to scrape off plaque.  Reebok and Sophie’s favorites are:

My dogs get a treat every evening around 8 p.m.  They go nuts for these and it helps keep their teeth clean.

Once a week we give them a Bully Stick.  I always supervise when they chew and take the stick away when it about 2 inches.  This prevents them from swallowing the remaining stick and the possibility of it being an obstruction in the bowel.

When I can find them, I will buy chicken necks and toss them in the freezer.  I give these to the dogs raw when the weather is nice outside.  Never cook chicken bones as they will splinter when chewed and may perforate the bowels.

Links on Dog Dental Health

ASPCA Dog Care Dental

Dog and Puppy Dental Health

PetEducation.com Dental Health

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Baby I'm Back!

My goodness it's been longer than I thought since my last post here. I've probably lost you all by now. If not, I'm back. If you are new to my blog then Welcome!

A lot has happened to me since I last posted. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and fought a tough battle for the last year and a half. Now that I am completely healed both mentally and physically, I can get back to doing the things that I enjoy. I think that now I am a different person and my blog is going to reflect that. While I still have a great passion for anything and everything whippet and dog related, I have become more in tune with who I am as a person. I am hoping to blog about whippets of course, but will throw in some "gems" of observations I have made about life and living with cancer.

So bear with me as I get my sea legs back. It's going to be a journey. I hope that you will enjoy the ride!

The latest and greatest news I have regarding Whippets is I have commissioned a painting done of my Sophie. I know a fantastic artist who specializes in Dog and Cat art. You send her a photo of your pet and discuss with her what you would like as far as colors for the background. In the painting I commissioned, I chose a version of Van Gogh's Starry Night (one of my favorites).

 

The Artist is Billie Mann and you may view her online Gallery at http://www.artbybillie.net.

This image is copyrighted to ArtByBillie.net and can not be reproduced without persmission from the artist. To inquire send an email to artbybillie@yahoo.com.

Welcome Home Sophie!

On October 23, 2008, we welcome our newest whippet to the family. Her registered name is Ch. Andauer Reason to Rejoys. But we just call her Sophie. Sophie is 30 month old and is Reebok's half sister. She is also a fawn brindle.

Sophie's story started about a year ago when we decided we should get another whippet. Reebok is such a great dog and we just adore him. And we thought that getting another dog would help him out with any separation anxiety issues he may have when left alone. When we got Reebok, one of us worked from home while the other was gone for 8 hours a day. It was a great arrangement because Reebok always had someone around to keep him company. But we know that this might change someday, so we made the decision to get another whippet.

I had contacted Reebok's breeder to let her know we were interested in a female. She said that Sophie comes to mind, as soon as she finishes showing. Well we didn't think it would take a year! But little Sophie has a mind of her own and didn't like showing much. Then it happened. Two weeks before my boyfriend had to start a new job outside of the home, we got the call. Sophie just finished her championship and is ready to come home! Woo hoo!

But the story doesn't end there. We decided to put her on a plane and fly her out here but were concerned because the airlines have strict policies on weather conditions to transport pets. If it was more than 85 degrees at the destination, they would not ship. And if it was 45 degrees they would not ship without a letter from the vet giving the okay. Well it's been in the low 90s here in Phoenix and we were worried they wouldn't ship her. But we got lucky and on the day we had planned to fly her out, the weather was cooler and she made it. Ironically, it was too cold on her end, below 45! But we got her home safe and sound.

Reebok wasn't sure of this new arrangement at first. And Sophie was a bit nervous about the whole flying and coming to a new home experience. It took a few hours for her to feel comfortable enough to take over the sofa!

Now that Sophie has settled in a bit, she's showing her personality more. She is a real lover who will give you lots of kisses and demand to sit in your lap. She is also bossy with Reebok and although she's smaller, she had a big personality. Sophie guarded her food book when we first got her, but now she is much better about it. I think she realizes that she has her own dish and that they are exactly the same. Reebok is still unsure with the arrangement. I think he is waiting for her to go home. He's got to wait a long time. LOL As time passes, I am sure they will be best of friends.

Holiday Scarves and Ruffs for Dogs

Are Your Pets Prepared for Disaster?

When we hear the news about Hurricanes such as Katrina and now Gustav, we have time to think about preparing for natural disasters. However, how many people thought about the pets? How many pets were left homeless and abandoned after the Katrina Hurricane 3 years ago? When designing your disaster and evacuation plan, don't forget the pets! But this message is not about hurricanes only. What about earthquakes and tornadoes and other events that we didn't plan for?

Disaster Planning for Your Pets

I created a page you should visit that discusses Disaster Planning for your pets. This page includes a list of items you should have ready and has links to websites such as FEMA and the Humane Society. Read these articles. Also covered in the site, a list of places where you can find pet friendly hotels and lodging if you have to evacuate. Find out in advance where you can stay and how much the pet fee will be, if any. You will also find links to buy First Aid Kits and Pet Survival Kits, books about disaster planning, and stories about the pets that survived the Katrina disaster.

We don't know when disaster will strike, so don't wait until it does. Prepare yourself now. Your pets depend on it.

Please visit:

Pet Disaster Planning

What's new with WhippetTalk?

Well I'm behind as usual! Lots of cool things are happening.

See your Whippet, Greyhound or IG in a Calendar!

I am ready to take submissions for the 2009 WhippetTalk Calendar! That's right, submit your photos of your Whippet, Greyhound or Italian Greyhound to us to be included in the next calendar. Submit as many as you like, however, not all of your submissions may be used. Email your photos as jpg, jpeg, psd or png file with a resolution of 300 dpi. Submit to Advertisements@whippettalk.com. In the subject line, put the month you would like the photo to be added. Proceeds of the calendar sales go to support the board.

Halloween Dogs?

Yes, it's time to think Halloween Costume for your kids and your pets. I have put together a page displaying some of the cutests and unique costumes I found on the web. The earlier you order, the more time you have to make sure it's right for you and your pet, instead of the last minute rush! At a minimum, look at the site to see some really cute costumes on dogs. Sure to make you smile. And while you are there, participate in the poll and the debate! Shhhh, don't tell anyone, but there may be a contest to be announced soon regarding dog costumes. Stay tuned!
Halloween Costumes for Pets and People

HELP! My dog bit a child!

On a more important and serious note, I am noticing a trend with dog owners in general having issues with their dogs with regard to nipping or biting. Often times, dogs are sent to the pound or shelters because the dog nipped a person or child. Of course the safety of the child comes first. But I want to remind dog owners to be aware of the signs and to take certain precautions before something like this happens.

1. First, NEVER leave a child and dog alone without supervision. Not for a moment!
2. Watch for warning signs such as the dogs ears lay flat and the tail tucked between the tail. Head lowering and intense stare.
3. Make sure the dog has a "safe zone" where he/she is not disturbed, such as a crate or bed that is secluded. Never let a child crawl into the safe zone.
4. Nothing in life is free. That means, make the dog work for everything. He must sit before getting fed or getting a treat.
5. Teach your child not to go toward the dog to give affection such as hugging or kissing. Instead call the dog to you and reward that with the affection. If a dog is reluctant to come to the child and the child go to the dog and hugs it, the dog may snap at the child.

These are just a few suggestions. Remember that you must exercise your dog daily and teach both the child and the dog respect for each other. The humans are the pack leaders. For more help with behavioral issues, visit the WhippetTalk Forums - Training and Behavior for free advice for people who have experience with these types of issues.