YOUR DOG’S MOUTH IS JUST AS DIRTY AS YOURS CANINE CLEANLINESS
While summer is winding down, families are looking to go on a few end-of-season adventures, camping trips included. Before you head out into the wilderness with your family, it’s important to be prepared. In fact, “be prepared” is the best piece of advice when it comes to braving the great outdoors. But what does being prepared entail? Here are four key tips. HAVE A FIRST-AID KIT NEARBY. A good rule of thumb is to keep one in your car at all times. You never know when you’ll need it. Kids may get a few bumps and scrapes while out hiking, or you might encounter poisonous plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak. Having quick access to cold water, soap, antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can keep infections at bay. TEACH FIRE SAFETY. When you build a fire, especially with kids, teach them about fire safety. This includes building the fire itself. Pick a spot away from brush and overhanging branches and create a pit surrounded by rocks. Before lighting a fire, have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby so you can quickly extinguish it when ready. Finally, remember to only build a fire as big as you need. A larger fire can be difficult to manage and keep under control. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY. Weather can change at a moment’s notice, and sometimes, it doesn’t give notice at all. Keep a close eye on the sky and monitor the weather on a radio. If a storm appears, seek shelter immediately and stay out of low-lying areas. When you’re in mountainous or hilly terrain, a little rain is all it takes for flash floods to occur. If you’re in a ravine when it starts raining, get out immediately. GONE CAMPING 4 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ON YOUR NEXT FAMILY CAMPING TRIP
You’ve probably heard the familiar claim: “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s.” But as it turns out, this notion isn’t entirely true. According to Harvard University, your furry friend’s mouth is eerily similar to yours. In fact, it has been recorded that over 615 different types of bacteria live inside the human mouth, and dogs tend to have at least 600 different types residing inside their snouts as well! Your dog’s toothy grin is just as germ-filled as yours, but, because pets lack the ability to grip a toothbrush, the responsibility to care for their dental health falls to the owner. Since all of us at Anderson Dental Care know that brushing your pup’s teeth is important for their health, what better time to offer advice on canine oral hygiene than August, Pet Dental Care Month. Here are some good practices to keep in mind before you go out and buy your canine the most expensive whitening paste. USE THE CORRECT TOOLS. When brushing your pup’s teeth, be sure to use either a specially designed canine toothbrush, a children’s toothbrush, or a finger toothbrush. You should never use human toothpaste — it contains cleaning agents that can harm your dog if swallowed. Pet toothpaste is easy to find and comes in poultry, malt, and other flavors that will make the experience more enjoyable for your dog. TRAIN YOUR PET TO TOLERATE IT. Using the flavored pet toothpaste is a great way to get your dog excited about dental care, but several other methods can ease the process. Start by opening your pup’s mouth with your hand now and then to get them familiar with the feeling. Then give them a sample of the toothpaste. To start the brushing process, lift their lip, and then brush their teeth and cheeks, paying specific attention to the back upper molars and canines, as those areas tend to build up tartar quickly. A quick treat or play session after brushing goes a long way. Most importantly, our team wants to remind you to take your dog in for annual appointments with your veterinarian to ensure your pup has no serious dental complications. Otherwise, happy brushing!
ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER. It’s a good idea to hike with a buddy and keep
a whistle around your neck or in your pack. You never know what you might encounter or when you’ll need help. Hiking with kids is also a great time
to teach them to recognize landmarks and be aware of
their surroundings. If you have a digital camera or smartphone, show kids how to create a trail of digital breadcrumbs or pictures to help them find their way back to camp.
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