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
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Sco
Open 10-7 Mon-Fri
Sat 10-5
We close at 3:30 pm
every other Wednesday