💌 Troubled Pup Finds Home 🐾

🐾 Troubled Pup Finds a Home

🪥 Should You Brush Your Pet’s Teeth?

🐕 New Orleans Dog on The Lam

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^Heartwarmers
Troubled Pup Finds Happy Home
 

• A local shelter worker was tasked with fostering a dog who was disgracefully chained up to a dog house and left unwatched.

• He was just a little puppy then, and he went through a series of hard events on his journey to a forever home. Fortunately, throughout it all, there was a woman who had his best interests at heart.

• As you’ll see, these two are meant to be, and their relationship is a testament to the beauty that shelter dogs bring to our lives.

Should You Brush a Pet’s Teeth?
^{A Guide}

Ever wondered if your furry friend needs a dental routine? Cats and dogs might not flash pearly whites in selfies, but their teeth play a big role in their overall health. From bad breath to hidden health issues, their smiles deserve as much attention as ours. Let’s dive into why those tiny toothbrushes in the pet aisle might not be as strange as they seem!

So, let’s find out how often you should tend to your pet’s teeth..

What Does Dental Care Matter for Pets?

Your pet’s teeth do more than just chew—they’re essential for eating, playing, and even staying healthy. Without care, plaque and tartar can build up, leading to gum disease, painful infections, and even issues affecting their heart or kidneys. Plus, let’s be honest: nobody enjoys cuddles with a pet that has bad breath! Keeping their mouths clean can help them live happier, healthier lives.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is important for their health.

Regular brushing helps:

• Prevent dental disease: Reduces plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

• Improve overall health: Poor oral health can contribute to systemic issues, like heart or kidney problems.

• Combat bad breath: Removes odor-causing bacteria.

How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth 101

Brushing your pet’s teeth doesn’t have to be a battle! Here’s a step-by-step guide to keep it simple:

1. Get the Right Tools:

   • Use a pet-safe toothbrush or a finger brush designed for dogs or cats.

   • Pick a pet-specific toothpaste in flavors like chicken or peanut butter (never use human toothpaste—it contains ingredients like fluoride that are toxic to pets).

2. Start Slowly:

   • Let your pet sniff and lick the toothbrush and toothpaste to get comfortable.

   • Begin by gently rubbing their gums with your finger to ease them into the process.

3. Choose the Right Time:

   • Pick a calm moment when your pet is relaxed, like after playtime or a meal.

4. Brush Gently:

   • Lift their lip and use small, circular motions to clean the outer surfaces of their teeth. Focus on areas where plaque tends to build, like the back molars.

   • Aim for just 30 seconds to start, and gradually work up to a minute or two.

5. Reward and Repeat:

   • Praise your pet and offer a treat or extra playtime afterward to make it a positive experience.

Brushing 2–3 times a week is ideal, but even once a week can make a difference. Pair brushing with dental chews or water additives for extra support!

Health Benefits of Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Regular brushing isn’t just about a shiny smile—it offers real health perks for your furry friend:

1. Prevents Dental Disease: Reduces plaque and tartar buildup, lowering the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and painful infections.

2. Fights Bad Breath: Removes odor-causing bacteria, making cuddles more pleasant.

3. Promotes Longer Lifespan: Good oral hygiene helps prevent bacteria from spreading to vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.

4. Reduces Vet Costs: Avoids costly professional cleanings or treatments for advanced dental issues.

5. Improves Overall Comfort: Prevents pain from loose teeth, sore gums, or abscesses, helping your pet enjoy meals and playtime.

Brushing is a small effort that leads to big health benefits—keeping your pet happier and healthier for years to come.

^{Front Page Pets}
New Orleans Dog on The Lam (Again)

• A dog known for his daring escapes has done it once again.

• Scrim, an elusive New Orleans dog was rescued years ago, only to escape his family home and spend 6 months on his own.

• Fortunately, he was found and reunited with his owners.

• This time, he escaped from the second-story window of his home and is once again on the loose in New Orleans and has yet to be found.

• Read the article below to support Scrim’s family in their efforts to find him.

^{Emotional Moments}
Reunion of a Dog & Her Best Friend

^{_{The Tail Wag Tribune}}
This Week’s Key Pet News

Costco Aisle Dog Refuses to Leave Bed

A dog walking the aisles of Costco spotted something he couldn’t resist; a comfy dog bed that had fallen off of the rack.

The temptingly placed bed proved to be too much for Blue, the dog who so cutely plopped himself down in the middle of the store. While this might not be as sensational as some of the news out there, it’s certainly a feel-good news story to add into your life. After all, who doesn’t cheer up when they see a comfy dog snuggled up in an unusual place?

The World of Fluffy Robot Pets

The world of fluffy robot pets could be approaching soon, but could these inventions provide any sense of comfort that resembles the love of a pet? This article dives into the life of a man who purchased one of these fluffy robots and incorporated it into his life to see what it was like. The result may surprise you..

Dog-Friendly Cruises Could be in Your Future

We’ve discussed the stress of going on vacation without your pet, or even the logistics of bringing pets on vacation before in this newsletter. It’s typically quite the challenge, no matter how you do it.

A cruise ship in Tampa Bay is offering a dog-friendly trip, however, and it’s certainly an interesting idea. So long as it’s safe, what could be better than a cruise with your dog?