If you notice some hair loss with your dog, it could be that it has alopecia. This common disorder is found in dogs and requires immediate treatment. This hair loss can be caused by trauma, immune disorder or an inflamed hair follicle.

Left untreated, alopecia can cause damage to the dog’s lymphatic or immune system. Alopecia not only affects dogs but cats as well. Alopecia does not discriminate against age, breed or gender and can start gradually so make sure to keep an eye on your pet for signs of hair loss.

If your dog is chewing or you notice patches of hair either varied or symmetrical, it’s best to get the dog to the vet. The skin can get infected quickly which is not good for your dog. If you dog has alopecia, then it’s always recommended you check your cat because it can be transferred.

Mange is the most common cause of alopecia. Mange is caused by the mite Demodex. Regular washing of your dog and constant checking for this condition can help to ward off any outbreaks. And remember, after checking your dog or applying treatment, proper hand washing is important.

Alopecia can show itself in many ways and for many reasons. A number of missing patches can be the result of an inflamed hair follicle. Extensive hair loss can be a more serious issue and you might need to have the dog tested. Unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to prevent this.

Treatments are usually some type of medicated topical shampoo or antibiotic treatment. Sometimes it is important to take a look at the hormone levels of the dog as well. After treatment is prescribed, it very important that you stay up on the medication and monitor the skin.

Reddening on the skin coupled with scaling and patchy hair loss could be a sign of ringworms. These are highly contagious so it’s recommended that you wear gloves. A fungus like ringworms and bacterial infections are usually characteristic of this type of hair loss.

Literature on these and other problems can be found in most pet stores in the pet dog supplies section. Why not be as informed as possible to help your dog or cat. If you notice symmetrical or patchy hair loss on your dog, seek help immediately to keep your pet healthy.

You are responsible for the health and welfare of your dog. Be diligent in their treatment if you notice any symptoms of alopecia. Don’t let him suffer through without proper medical attention.

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If your dog’s teeth do not align right, its called malocclusion, which mean the fit of the bite is not right. This condition usually starts as the puppies teeth start coming in. As the dog grows to adulthood, the condition can get better or worsen.

By the time a puppy is about 6 months old he should have about 28 teeth. Those teeth are sharp and pointy so make sure your small children are careful while playing with a puppy. By the time the puppy reaches adulthood, he should have 42 teeth.

One of the side effects of this problem is that the dog might have problems picking up or chewing food. Best to have your vet check it out to assure you that your puppy does not run the risk of a fracture or wear on the teeth. Many times this condition has minimal effect with the dog eating.

While there are many breeds with this affliction naturally, the overbite and underbite are the most common malocclusion. Most dogs seem to be unaffected by this problem. The scissor bite is also most common, except in the flat nose breeds.

When you are looking for a pure breed dog there are certain characteristics that are common to their breed. The scissor bite is one of those malocclusions that is not common in the flat nosed dogs like Boxers, Shih Tsuz and Lhasa Apsos’. If the dog has a scissor bite, then you might not be getting a purebred.

It is not uncommon for puppies to be born with gaps in their teeth. These gaps will usually correct themselves as the puppy gets older and his adult teeth come in. If the problem does not correct by around the 10-month mark, it likely will not correct itself.

Your dog’s overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary. Just check with your vet if you are concerned or notice that the dog is not eating.

Severe cases might require intervention as we have said. Typically these conditions do not ever affect the dogs ability to eat and will not require any medical procedure. As of late though, people are opting for doggy braces to correct their dog’s alignment issues. What is next, contact lens?

Many dog owners consider their dog a big part of their family. Be sure that they are vaccinated regularly to keep them protected from disease. They deserve to live a long and happy life with the rest of the family.

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Who would think that your job as a dog owner would involve brushing your dog’s teeth? Well, dog’s can have bad breath just as people do. When you brush your dog’s teeth, then you can enjoy those little doggy kisses with fresh breath, not doggy breath.

As with people, dogs can suffer from the same dental issues as their owners. We can eliminate the same problems that we have by just giving them a good brushing weekly. Tackle that plaque and tarter buildup and give them shiny teeth with minty breath and brush away.

One thing you might be thinking is “how am I supposed to brush my dog’s teeth?” Well, since you can’t teach your dog to rinse and spit, you use a special doggie toothpaste. Also, you can purchase a finger toothbrush in the dog pet supplies section of your local pet store.

As we play with our dogs, we are throwing Frisbee’s, sticks and other objects for our pets to retrieve. These things can easily break your dog’s teeth. Regularly checking your dogs teeth can eliminate problems, and save on large vet bills.

Without a doggy dentist, most broken teeth will usually result in an infection for your dog. Infections can lead to other health problems for your adored furry friend so be sure he receives proper care right away if there is an injury. Keeping your family pet healthy will ensure a long happy life.

Infections in the mouth can lead to more severe bad breath. So regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and checking for injuries or broken teeth can eliminate any issues early. Doesn’t your dog deserve the best care you can give him?

Make sure when you are playing with your dog, you are using appropriate doggy toys. Teeth can get broken when you are using things that are not dog friendly for your dog to catch or retrieve. Always make sure that the item you are throwing for your dog to catch is size appropriate for your dog.

Hit the dog pet supplies section of your local pet store to find an age appropriate toy suitable for your dog. Getting your dog a toy that is not recommended for them can cause broken teeth, leading to bad breath so make sure their chew toys are what the vet has recommended. If you are not sure, ask the clerk at the store or your vet.

As your puppies grow and their adult teeth start coming in, they will become big chewers. Rawhide bones are great for this time in a puppies’ life. Changing out the toys as they start to get torn up is safe and will eliminate the risk of choking for your puppy.

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