Funny how dogs don't waste time going outside to do their business when the temperature is below zero! You know it is Dad-Blasted-Cold out when the poop is steaming as it exits the dog. Sometimes I'm surprised that our whippets aren't frozen into place as they squat.
But, we do take the time to put coats on both dogs whenever the team is below 40-degrees when we go for walks and also when the temp is below 20-degrees whenever they have to venture outside to answer the call of nature. They will even romp and chase now and then before the realization of frozen paws sets in.
Who Else Brushes?
I've always tried to keep our dogs choppers pearly white. But it isn't easy. Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs. About 85% of dogs have some form of it and are vulnerable to the pain, bad breath and tooth loss that could follow. Chronic infections can spread to the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, where they can do even more damage.
So, I'm opting to try a brand new approach that I learned of when I took Pont in for his first checkup. It is a series of products produced by C.E.T. Dental.
First they have medicated chews. Called C.E.T. HEXtra Premium Chews with Chlorhexidine, these chews are patented and available exclusively through veterinarians. C.E.T. HEXtra Premium Chews combine the mechanical action of rawhide, the renowned antimicrobial power of chlorhexidine and the trusted C.E.T. name in a convenient, palatable chew for dogs.
Second is a rinse. If it’s difficult for you to brush at first, C.E.T. antiplaque Oral Hygiene Rinse and Gel provide antibacterial action and superior plaque prevention.
Third, and most importantly is brushing. Daily tooth brushing is the best at-home method of ensuring your pet will enjoy good dental health. C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpastes for dogs contain the C.E.T. Dual Enzyme system to inhibit the formation of plaque. Formulated specially for dogs, they contain no foaming agents and are meant to be swallowed. Poultry, malt and vanilla-mint flavors are well accepted by pets and make brushing easy.
I picked up the chews and toothpaste to start with. A 30-count bag of chews set me back about $15 and the toothpaste was another $10. You are to give one chew per day and brush once per day. The vet technicians have been using these products on their dogs and are seeing good results. We're going to give it a whirl as well. Anyone else use these products yet?
Let the Whippet Season Begin
Now that the Vikings season has ended, the question around the Maas household is..."When is the first coursing event of the season!?!?"
We've already begun having Pont chase a white bag attached to fishing line around the house or outside. He, of course, caught on immediately. I'll also try to begin doing some very slow jogging with Pont when the weather starts to get warmer in order to build up his endurance. The slow jog, by the way, is for his sake, not the geezer that is his Master!
What does everyone else do in the off-season to keep their whippet in semi-shape?
Posted by maasx003 at January 16, 2005 03:38 PM | TrackBackRawhide bones from Sam's club...big bag of them for about 10 bucks...Tigger's teeth look like a one year old dog's; they were amazed at our vet clinic. :) Whatever works it great tho!
Posted by: Sue H at January 19, 2005 08:38 PM