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Over time, we intend to build on this page to create a bible of useful tips and hints for dog owners which will be updated and added to on a regular basis. Don’t forget to come back and see what’s new!

Having done some extensive research our 1^st tips are two of the most commonly asked questions by dog owners.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

One of the most commonly asked questions from dog owners is "How do I brush my dogs teeth?" I am sure that it is something that you yourself have asked, even if you are already treating your dogs teeth you may be wondering "Am I doing it properly?"

Well, swapadog is here to help!

General dental hygiene is a real problem and the cause of the most common diseases in our pets (specifically periodontal disease). The good news is that it is also one of the easiest areas to prevent problems occurring; using the appropriate treats & toys, applying a crunchy diet and, as with humans, a daily tooth brushing and occasional visit to the professional will go a long way to preventing any problems.

So how do I go about brushing my canine’s canines I hear you ask?

Well, here is the definitive step-by-step guide to how it should be done.

Step 1: Tools - Ideally you should use a soft bristled tooth brush and make sure that you use a proper veterinary toothpaste, they come in flavours that will appeal to your dog and toothpaste designed for humans can cause, rather than prevent problems, in a dog.

Step 2: Timing - Brushing should be done daily so pick a time that is suitable for your dog, for example, just before a walk or a treat will help your dog to actually look forward to the process. Stick to the same time each day and gradually you will both get used to it. It goes without saying to always follow up with praise.

Step 3: Brushing - Let your dog take a taste of the toothpaste and then put some on your finger and run it along the upper gum. Then put some toothpaste on the toothbrush and do the same, angling the bristles slightly up so that they get under the gum line. Start at the back and work forwards using a small circular motion along the gum line. Take it slow and do not attempt to brush the whole mouth at first, work your way up to that, the most important area to target is the outside of the upper teeth so concentrate on that to start with (plaque builds up in these areas and turns to hard tartar within 36 hours).

Even with daily brushing it is still prudent, as with humans, to occasionally visit a professional. Follow these tips and you dog will soon be smiling at you with some pearly whites!

 

How To Groom A Dog

An important part of dog care is proper grooming and many owners wonder about how this should be done. I am sure that it is something that you yourself have asked, or maybe you are just wondering "Am I doing it properly?"

Well, swapadog is are here to help!

Here is the definitive step-by-step guide to how it should be done.

Regular grooming is a great way to bond and is vital to keep your dog looking its best and to keep them clean and healthy (not to mention keeping hair off your furniture and carpet!). Grooming can actually help improve circulation and muscle tone but it also has an important part to play in detecting problems such as parasites or a change in the sheen of the coat. Obviously different breeds need different amounts of attention and frequency of grooming but we will summarise the grooming process below.

Step 1: Tools – As mentioned before, different breeds will have different needs. A short haired dog might need a coarse brush while a long haired dog might need a long tooth comb and regular clipping. If your dog experiences any pain will brushing then you should make the switch to a softer tool such as a brushing mitt or rubber brush. After all we want to make the experience positive for both of you.

Step 2: Timing – It is useful to get your dog into a familiar routine so select a time that is convenient for both of you and make sure that praise is always at the forefront of your mind. Grooming just before a treat can re-enforce the positive aspect of the process and help the dog to look forward to this time. A 10 minute session, once a day, is recommended although for long haired breeds this may have to be longer.

Step 3: Grooming – Start with brushing, this is the most enjoyable part for both of you but at the same time pay attention to the coat. Are there any signs of fleas? Small black particles on the skin could be the deposits of fleas, although they usually only jump onto dogs to get a meal but actually live in the environment. While running the brush or your hand over the coat are there any bumps or lumps? Discuss anything out of the ordinary with your vet. Again, if you see any ticks (small white parasites) you should talk with your vet. These can be picked up from outside including park areas or vegetation, removing them is tricky as you can leave part of the tick still stuck to your dog.

Next, move onto the feet and nails. Check carefully for any kind of foreign object between the toes and if the nails are getting too long they should be clipped. This will usually happen naturally via the dogs daily activities.

This whole process doesn’t take very long but has a great many advantages in keeping your pet safe, happy and healthy.

If you have any comments regarding any of the articles or would like to see any other topics covered then please contact us here

 

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