Ruff Kuts, Inc

Taking care of your dogs teeth is not hard. Dry food keeps teeth cleaner than can food. There are even treats that help to control tartar. Occasionally your dogs teeth may need extra care. Brushing teeth - Choose a soft bristled brush, or one made specifically for dogs. VERY IMPORTANT, USE DOG TOOTHPASTE ONLY. Put a very small amount of toothpaste on the brush, or if you do not have dog toothpaste, simply wet the brush with warm water. Lift the dogs lip and gently brush the teeth and gums. It may take several tries for the dog to get use to this. (The dog toothpaste helps, as it comes in flavors like peanut butter, chicken, etc) For more severe dental problems, see your vet. Signs of a problem can be yellowed teeth, brown tartar buildup on teeth, rubbing his face, refusing to eat, swollen gums. FYI - Dogs that have long hair on their faces (Shih Tzus, Maltese, etc.) seem to have more dental problems than dogs with short hair.

Collars and Leashes I prefer the adjustable nylon collars. They come in many different colors, have an easy snap closure and large ring to attach the leash and ID tag. Always have an ID tag on the collar and NEVER leave a choke collar on a dog. Leather leashes can be expensive, but leather gets softer with use. Canvas is a good choice also. Its easy on the hands, inexpensive and comes in a variety of lengths. Nylon leashes are attractive and you can usually get them to match a collar. I don’t find nylon to be comfortable to use especially if walking a dog that likes to pull ahead. Retractable leashes are a type I have not used. www.ruffkuts.com

Before you bring your puppy home When bringing a puppy or dog into your home, make sure you have all the supplies you need for him first. Food bowl, water bowl, bed, crate (optional), dog food*, collar, leash, chew toy. (Ask the breeder or shelter what kind of food has been fed to the dog. Use the same food so the dog will not have to deal with an upset stomach from a sudden change in diet. You can switch to a different food by gradually adding the new food and less of the old) Bring the collar and leash with you when you pick up the dog. It may be wise to cover your car seat with an old blanket until you know if the dog gets carsick. Having a family member or friend with you will be a help in controlling the dog in the car. You don’t want the dog jumping in your lap while you’re driving. www.ruffkuts.com

Walking is great exercise not just for humans but their canine buddies as well. Dogs should be walked with a collar and leash. An overweight or older dog will enjoy a couple of short walks a day, instead of one long one. If your dog has not been walking, start off with two short walks a day and slowly increase the distance. Watch your dog for any discomfort he may be having. In the summer, dogs will enjoy their walk at dawn, when the temperature is cooler. Cement and tar can get very hot during the day. If your dog has sensitive feet or is a puppy, walk them only on the grass. As your walk distance increases, take along a water bottle so your dog can have a drink break. In the winter do not to walk your dog anywhere that salt or other chemicals has been put down to melt ice. Remember dogs can get frostbite. On very cold windy days, keep the walk short. If your town has pooper scooper laws, remember to bring along plastic bags to clean up. Short car trips with your dog. Most dogs love riding in the car. The dog should sit quietly on the passenger side of the car or in the backseat. Seatbelts are now available for dogs. Do not leave your dog in the car on a hot (or even warm) day. Temperatures in the car can rise significantly in just a few minutes. Take along a leash and some water. You never know when you may get stuck with a car problem. Some dogs get carsick. If your dog is one of them, do not feed he for an hour or two before the car ride. Make sure your dog has an ID tag on his collar. Do not let your dog hang his head out the window. Keep a copy of your dog’s vaccine certificate in the glove compartment. www.ruffkuts.com

Christmas with your dog Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but can be stressful your canine buddy. Make sure your dog (or cat) has a quiet place to go. If you have company instruct them to leave the dog alone when he is in his place. Ideally, a place away from guests. Guests should be told not to feed your dog any people food. Make sure any food placed out for guests is out of your dog’s reach. Christmas trees can be tempting to dogs. If this is the first Christmas you spend with your dog, consider putting only unbreakable ornaments on the tree until you know how the dog behaves. Unplug the lights any time you are not supervising your dog. Never put a wrapped gift of food under the tree. Dogs will be able to smell it and will help themselves to an early Christmas treat. Other gifts can be protected by making a fence to go around the tree. Cardboard covered with festive Christmas wrapping paper works great. If your dog does get into Christmas treats, call your veterinarian and tell him how much food the dog has ingested. Follow the vet’s instructions. Christmas is a busy season, make time with your dog everyday.