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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 31, 2016)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL August 31, 2016 9A ALL ABOUT DOGS | YOUR ROLE A Responsible Ownership dog’s love is unconditional, and that is why they have been a favorite human companion for hundreds of years. Before you decide to bring a dog into your home, there are many things to know and understand to ensure a positive experience for both you and the animal. As an owner or possible owner, we tend to only consider the fun and rewards of having a dog, but we also have to consider the lifelong responsi- bilities. It takes serious dedication of time, money and love. Your dog should be compatible with your lifestyle in regards to energy level, grooming needs and temperament. That’s because if you bite off more than you can chew with a new dog, you may end up becoming frustrated with the responsibilities of ownership. If you have children, it is imperative that your dog loves kids, although you should always supervise play with chil- dren, especially very small children. DOG CARE/HEALTH Dogs depend on us for their welfare to consider your financial flexibility when deciding whether or not to own a dog. for their entire life. We have to provide basic needs such as proper food, water and shelter from the elements, as well as regular bathing and grooming. Dogs require regular checkups from their veterinarian for required vaccina- tions and prevention of flea and heart worm infestations. These can be big expenses for the dog owner, so be sure KEEPING TABS Your Dog’s Teeth ON YOUR DOG Safety and training go hand in hand when it comes to responsible dog ownership. Your dog should wear an identification tag with your name, address and phone number at all times. Permanent microchips and tat- toos are options, too. Consider also keeping a current We carry many choice brands of dog food for your 4-legged family members. Taking care of your dog’s teeth is part of being a responsible pet owner. Good oral health contributes to your pet’s overall wellbeing. Just as in humans, the teeth and gums can be gateways to health issues if not for properly. If your pet’s teeth are not main- tained, serious oral issues can develop. According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, here are a few signs of oral and dental diseases: • Bad breath; • Loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar; • Shying away from you when you touch the mouth area; • Drooling or dropping food from the mouth; • Bleeding from the mouth; and • Loss of appetite or loss of weight. At the fi rst sign of any of these issues, it is critical that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Th ese profes- sionals are trained to spot these issues and walk you through simple steps for treatment and overall maintenance. We also carry grooming supplies, collars, vitamins & minerals, and special order pet tags. Home Dog Dental Care How many times have you heard from your dentist that prevention is the best tool against gum disease or rotting teeth? Th e more you do before issue sets in, the better. Take the same approach with your pooch at home. Brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most eff ective way to maintain oral health, so try to make this a regular occurrence at home. Use pet-specifi c and veterinary-approved toothpaste for the best results. You also can fi nd toothbrushes specifi cally designed for dogs that will do wonders for your pet’s overall tooth health and appearance. Chew Treats Th ere are many treats on the market that can help improve your dog’s oral health, especially if they have important anti- tartar ingredients. Along with helping puppies learn to chew and swallow safely, these prod- ucts made from rawhide and other safe substances can help keep teeth and gums clean. Check with your veterinarian for a list of items approved for your specifi c breed. Don’t forget to always monitor your dog when it is chewing on a new treat to prevent any choking hazards. picture of your dog on hand. You never know when it could come in handy. All of these steps are important in case your dog gets lost. Dogs are living creatures that feel pleasure and pain just like a child, and they deserve the best of care. If you think you are not up to the task, delay the decision about buying a dog for a while. Further down the road, your life circumstances might change enough to allow for dog ownership. If you already have a dog, evaluate how you care for your dog and read- just if necessary. Spruce up your territory with our variety of Furniture, Antiques, Appliances, and Collectibles. Why? Because your home is their castle too! Come on in and say HELLO to... mie ey Ko n urt Oz Kylee Kim Khloe YORKIES 2nd Hand 172 Gateway Blvd. • Cottage Grove, Or. • 541- 942- 8510 • 541- 801- 5751 oby Sco Open 10-7 Mon-Fri Sat 10-5 We close at 3:30 pm every other Wednesday
