A dog uses his mouth for many things. Among these would be to eat, to communicate with us and other animals, to gnaw, crush, and grind things. He also uses it to carry food and objects from one place to another. Needless to say, the mouth has a very significant function in your dog’s life.

When you notice that your dog has bad breath, it could be a sign of a health problem that needs to be addressed right away.

Periodontal Disease

This is a condition brought about mostly by the accumulation of tartar in the mouth. It is a common disease that in fact, about 50-80% of dogs has it. Food particles left in the mouth after a meal will eventually decompose. As a result, bacteria will grow in numbers forming plaque and tartar.

When this happens, tartar will push the gums farther from the teeth, causing them to loosen as time passes by. Loosened teeth can expose root sockets, thereby infecting it. Infection then goes to the bloodstream, and then on to the liver, kidney, and eventually, the heart.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

The following are tell-tale signs of the disease:

1. Change in eating habits.

2. Pawing (at the mouth)

3. Excessive drooling

4. Tenderness in the mouth

5. Oral bleeding

6. Inflammation and swelling (face, particularly around the eyes)

7. Nasal discharge

8. Sneezing

9. Bad breath

Of all the common symptoms, the most obvious would be bad breath.

Treatment

Once you suspect your dog has periodontal disease, take him to the vet right away. He can clean your dog’s mouth and prescribe medication, possibly antibiotics.

Prevention

Food has something to do with it. Studies show that a diet consisting mostly of canned meals (soft food) is never a good idea. Experts agree that dry food has a lowered risk, in terms of getting this disease.

Another way to prevent periodontal disease is to have dental checkups once a year. You can also give your dog herbal supplements, of which Echinacea is the most recommended. This can be in the form of mouthwash or tea.

Brushing! Just like us, we can keep our dog’s mouth clean and healthy with regular brushing.

You have a role to play in ensuring your dog is in the best of health. Do not wait until such time when he is already suffering from problems in his liver, kidney, and heart. Keep his mouth and body healthy.

Read more about diabetes in dogs, how to care for a diabetic dog and conditions associated with diabetes in dogs at DiabetesInDogsGuide.Com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/bad-breath-in-dogs-what-causes-it-1498185.html

A supplement for dog immune system is as necessary for pets as it is for humans. Like us, dogs are subject to all kinds of environmental stresses in the form of chemicals, household cleaners, pesticides and toxins. These stresses compromise a dog’s immunity and can take a serious toll on his health.

Although immunity supplements for dogs may be fairly new on the market, animals have been supplementing their diet for centuries by chewing on certain herbs and plants. Problem is domesticated animals are not free to roam and as such, may not be getting the extra nutrients they need to fight disease and support health and wellness.

Of course before you choose a supplement for dog immune system, make sure your dog is eating a healthy diet. A supplement is not a substitute for the nutrients found in good quality food. Most pet owners don’t realize that if they are feeding their dog commercial kibble, they probably have their pet on a junk food diet. This is because commercial kibble is full of meat byproducts (rather than the meat itself), cheap grain fillers, chemicals and preservatives.

By contrast, organic kibble is made from real meat and does not contain byproducts or preservatives. I remember the first time I carried a 40 pound bag of kibble into my home. As my dog got a whiff of the smell of the kibble through the bag, she became very excited. Even though good quality kibble is expensive in the long run it is cheaper than junk food kibble because your dog will eat less because the food contains more nutrients. Just like humans, when the body gets the nutrients it is starving for, there is no need to overeat.

When looking for immunity supplements for dogs, make sure the one you choose contains the following ingredients: Mistletoe, Echinacea, Indian Ginseng and Huang Qi. The supplement should also contain antioxidants. Rather than giving your dog these herbs separately, find a good quality formulation that comes with a money back guarantee which indicates a company that believes in and stands behind their product.

The herbs listed above are important to pet health for different reasons. Echinacea cleans out the lymph system which can prevent cancer and other scary diseases. Mistletoe boosts the immune response which helps fight viruses and autoimmune disorders. Huang Qi promotes a healthy circulatory system and Indian Ginseng maintains energy levels and vitality. Taken together in a quality formulation, these herbs make for the best supplement for dog immune system available on the market today.

In addition to giving your dog a supplement and good, healthy food, it is important to make sure your pet is well-hydrated. Providing a big bowl of fresh, clean filtered water is a must. If your dog will not drink much water, then mix chicken broth into his kibble, so he’s getting more liquid.

It goes without saying that daily exercise is also very important. Walking, running and playing with your dog will add years to his life because he will be happy, more bonded to you and stimulated by the activity. Just like little kids, our dogs want nothing more than just to be with us.

So there you have it: a prescription for your dog’s long, healthy, happy life: a good quality supplement for dog immune system, healthy kibble, lots of water and regular exercise.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of products that help restore health and vitality to pets and people and keep their immune system strong for prevention. To learn more about her findings, go to www.pet-health-supplements.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-to-look-for-in-a-supplement-for-dog-immune-system-1252385.html