Understanding Oral Care Probiotics

What ARE Probiotics

Probiotics are a hot topic in the media today. Want to be more “regular”? Try this yogurt with probiotics. Want to boost your immune health? Try a supplement or another yogurt with probiotics known to support the immune system. In fact, yogurt has long been the delivery system for the beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. So, if you’re the average American who spends time on the Internet or watching TV, it’s likely you’ve heard about probiotics

What Exactly ARE Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria.

There are billions of bacteria in the human body. Actually, it’s thought that there are more bacteria in the human body than the cells that comprise the human body. Most of these beneficial bacteria are basically inert, causing no harm and offering no benefit.

Some of the bacteria in our bodies is harmful. These are what cause your head-cold, your stomach illness and many lesser known health issues.

When  harmful bacteria launch wage war, the beneficial bacteria in the body are right there waiting to fight back. If the beneficial bacteria in your body aren’t prepared to fight off the bad bacteria, you may end up with an infection and a prescription for antibiotics.

The use of probiotics -  be they food additives, supplements or any of the array of products which now include beneficial bacteria – help maintain a healthy balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the body.

Probiotics Benefit Mouth, Too

Research has shown that not only are probiotics beneficial for digestive health, they can also affect your oral health. By blending three beneficial bacteria commonly found in very health mouths, researchers at Oragenics, Inc. have created oral care probiotics for the entire family, focusing on maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. EvoraPro is a professional-strength oral-care probiotic meant for use after a professional dental cleaning or scaling. EvoraPlus is an oral care mint, which, when used twice daily, can help support gum and tooth health, freshen breath and naturally and gently whiten teeth. EvoraPlus is blended specifically to address the oral care needs of the those over the age of 10. EvoraKids oral care probiotics are blended to address the oral care needs of children ages 3-10. And even your pets can have fresher breath and whiter, cleaner teeth with Teddy’s Pride oral care probiotics for cats and dogs.

Keep Your Pets Safe From Valentine’s Poisonous Pitfalls

Valentine’s Day – the day when sweethearts nationwide express their love for one another with chocolate, flowers and thougthful personal gifts. But Valentines beware – your gifts for one another can cause serious harm to your fuzzy, four-legged loves.

If you are a pet parent, the most important thing you can do today is to keep your pets safe from your Valentine’s Day celebration with your loved ones. Chocolate, alcohol, flowers and even candles can spell trouble to your cats and dogs.

Here are some tips on how to keep your favorite furry Valentines safe and happy this Valentine’s Day.

•    Keep the chocolate far out of reach. Whether you fancy dark or milk chocolate is no issue – chocolate is not safe for dogs, and, given the opportunity, they will eat it because they love sweets. Chocolate is one sweet you don’t want your dog to eat, and if he or she does, be sure to get them to the vet right away. The chemicals in chocolates with a high cacao content can easily harm dogs, and the fat content in rich milk chocolates can cause illness.

•    Flowers: Many flowers – especially lilies – are toxic to pets. If you get flowers for Valentine’s Day, the safest thing to do is display them far out of the reach of your pets. Don’t waste your honey’s money by dumping them in the trash, but do be sure these toxic bundles are not in a place where your pets can chew on them. This can be especially challenging if you have a cat who can scale great heights. Many, many plants are toxic to pets. For a complete list, check out the ASPCA’s complete list of plants that are toxic to pets.

•    Alcohol: Be sure to keep alcoholic beverages out of sipping reach of your cats and dogs. Even the smallest amounts of alcohol can lead to BIG problems for cats and dogs.

•    Speaking of small things that can cause big problems, now it’s time to consider candles. Whether they burn themselves in the flames or knock a candle over and start a fire, pets and candles simply do not mix. Candles are sweet, but never leave them unattended. Accidents can happen quickly.

Make Valentine’s Day sweetest for ALL of your loved ones by choosing gifts and treats that won’t cause anyone any harm.

Study Backs Parents’ Experience

Dogs Lower Stress for Children With Autism

While many parents of children with Autism Syndrome Disorders (ASDs) could already tell you that having a trained service dog has tremendously helped their children, a new study backs their experiences.

According to a new Université de Montreal study, specifically trained service dogs can help reduce the anxiety and enhance the socialization skills of children with ASDs. These findings, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology , may be a relatively simple solution to help affected children and their families cope with these challenging disorders.

The study tracked the stress hormone levels in children with ASDs who had the help of a service dog. By simply testing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the children’s saliva, researchers were able to quantify how much having the help of a service dog helped the children.

“Our findings showed that the dogs had a clear impact on the children’s stress hormone levels,” says Sonia Lupien, senior researcher and a professor at the Université de Montréal Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Centre for Studies on Human Stress at Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, “I have not seen such a dramatic effect before.”

Having a service dog is a serious undertaking for any family. If you are considering getting a service dog for your child with an ASD, the first step is to find an organization near you that trains dogs for children with your child’s specific needs. Once you locate a facility, the staff there will help you determine if a service dog is right for your child and for the rest of your family.

Celebrating National Adopt a Pet Month

Why You Might Want to Consider Adopting Your Next Pet

If you’ve ever adopted a pet from a shelter, you know how great the experience can be. The ASPCA embraces each October as Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, shining a spotlight on the millions of dogs and cats waiting in thousands of shelters nationwide until someone chooses them to become a part of their loving home.

Aside from potentially saving the life of a very deserving pet, there are many great things about adopting from shelters. Here are just a few things to consider that may lead you to adopt from a shelter rather than buy from a breeder or pet store next time you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family.

Variety

While the cuteness of the puppies and kittens at the pet store are enough to tempt many pet lovers to break out their wallets (even if they didn’t mean to bring home another family member!), there’s a lot more than cuteness to consider before you bring home a pet.

Animal shelter workers and volunteers are much more likely to have information on the pets at the shelter than pet stores will. You can find out if the pet is energetic or low-key, kid-friendly, does well with other pets, and probably any other characteristic you might need to know before you bring him home.

Training

If you’re looking to gain a companion without the hassle of training, adopting from a shelter is a great choice. If you’re not up to the constant attention and care a young kitten or puppy needs and deserves, an older animal from the shelter might be your best choice. Remember, in addition to house training, puppies need obedience training and lots of medical attention, including potentially costly spay or neutering procedures. Adopting from a shelter can help you avoid many, if not all, of these costs.

A Good Match

Because shelters are concerned with finding their animals home situations that will work out, they often go the extra step to ensure that the animal you want is the right pet for you. For instance, you may love the way a Great Dane looks, and the shelter may have one, but if you live in a small space and don’t have time to give a Great Dane the exercise it needs, the shelter can help you choose an animal that better suits your time and living circumstances.

It’s not just about dogs, either. Shelters know their cats well, too. Just let them know if you are looking for a snuggler or a cat that is really into playing, and they can help you choose the cat that is the best fit for your home.

Time to Think it Over

Unlike pet stores, many shelters offer the option to take a pet home for several days to make sure the pet is a good fit for your home and your life. Just because the pet behaves a certain way at the shelter doesn’t mean she’s going to behave that way at your home. Or, just because that cute kitty who really likes to snuggle doesn’t send you into sneezing fits when you visit her, doesn’t mean that living with her won’t send you into a fit of 24-hour coughing, sneezing and congestion. Sometimes you just have to try out a situation to see how it’s going to work out, and shelters often offer that option.

What If You Would Rather Adopt a Pure Breed?

If you’ve generally shied away from visiting the shelter to choose a pet because you prefer a certain breed of dog or cat, know that many of the dogs and cats in shelters actually are purebred. Even purebred animals end up in shelters for one reason or another.

Also, if you would like to own a certain kind of purebred animal and can’t find one at a shelter, do an online search for rescues for that breed. You might be surprised to find out how many purebred pets are looking for homes. Many times shelters send purebred pets to rescues, knowing that rescues have a high rate of successful placement for purebred animals.

The Most Important Thing to Remember

Getting a new pet is major life decision. It’s likely your new pet will be with you longer than your next car, or even your next several cars, considering many cats and dogs can live up to 15 years! Whatever you do, choose wisely, and if you’re willing, at least go have a look at the shelter before you get your next cat or dog. You might just find your new best friend there!

Does Your Pet Look Spooktacular?

Teddy’s Pride Halloween Pet Costume Photo Contest 2010

If you like to dress up your pets in their Halloween finest, you’re invited to join the Teddy’s  Pride Halloween Pet Costume Photo Contest 2010! All you need to do is send us a picture of your pet looking super spooky (or super cute!) in their Halloween finery by November 1.

First Prize – One full year’s supply (for one pet) of Teddy’s Pride Oral Care Probiotics for Cats and Dogs, the simple probiotic sprinkle that eliminates bad breath in cats and dogs while whitening and cleaning teeth.

Ten lucky runners up will win one jar of Teddy’s Pride – a two-month supply for one pet!

Steps For Entering

1) Make sure you are a friend of Teddy’s Pride on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000371177855).

2) Enter your photo by posting it to the wall of the Teddy’s Pride page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/TeddysPride).

3) Start self promoting! Direct your friends and families to your photo. Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. Have them friend Teddy’s Pride and the more “likes” and comments you can get, the more likely you are to walk away with our grand prize!

This contest is sponsored by Teddy’s Pride, the first 100% natural Oral Care Probiotic for Cats and Dogs. Click here www.teddyspride.com to learn more about this innovative new product.

Taking Care of Your Family Pooch

Researchers Say You Can Prevent Dog Bites

Researchers at London’s University of Lincoln have launched a new study aiming to reduce the risks of children being bitten by dogs.

By teaching children to interact safely with their dogs, Dr. Kerstin Meints and Dr. Nelly Lakestani, from Lincoln’s School of Psychology, say they can help prevent the relatively minor dog bites from family pets – the most common area of concern according to Dr. Meints and Dr. Lakestani.

“The biggest problem is not the very serious injuries you hear about on the news. The biggest problem is children getting relatively minor bites from their pet dog at home,” said Dr. Lakestani, who is a Research Fellow in the Lincoln School of Psychology. She has been studying dog bite prevention for the past seven years. “Most of these accidents happen because there is a misunderstanding between the dog and the child. Children under the age of six are most at risk of being bitten. That means we need to teach them early on about how to interact with dogs.”

Families who are participating in the study have been asked to use an educational and fun piece of software designed to teach children how to stay safe around dogs. This software was developed by an international team of experts to help parents and children under six years understand safe behaviors with dogs. It features a series of animated situations involving a dog and a child. The child can choose to see different situation outcomes, one of which is safe and one of which is not.

The software, which is available in more than a dozen languages, has already been shown to be effective at teaching basic safety principles in an evaluation by Dr. Meints and Dr. Tiny de Keuster, an internationally-recognized expert on dog bite prevention. Now the research team wants to assess how the interactive lessons are applied in practice in the family home.

According to Dr. Lakestani, the issue is not just one of child safety but also animal welfare. Pet dogs which bite children are often taken to animal sanctuaries, abandoned or even put down.

“Some accidents may be more difficult to prevent because they are due to the dog being ill or in pain. However, if people and children can learn how to interact safely with their pet, and how to understand what their pet is trying to communicate to them, then many accidents may be prevented,” added Dr Lakestani.

The software being used in the study is not yet available to the public.

Protecting Your Cat from Worms

When we look at our cute, snuggly kitties, the last thing we like to think of it worms in their tummies. Unfortunately, worms are a common health hazard for cats, especially if they are ever allowed outdoors or have access to animals who are allowed outdoors.

Roundworms

The most common worms to infect both kittens and adult cats are roundworms. These worms look like white earthworms or moving spaghetti noodles, and they can grow to about five inches in length.

Adult roundworms live in the stomach and intestines, and their eggs are transferred through cat feces. The eggs can hatch and live in the soil for three to four weeks, making the probability of infection quite high. Cats can also catch roundworms from the feet of rodents they have ingested – so even if your cat is an indoor-only kitty, she has a chance of coming into contact with roundworm.

Symptoms of roundworm infection include vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, a cough, and a thin, pot-bellied appearance in your cat.

Hookworms

Another common worm to infect both kittens and adult cats is is hookworms. These are a small, thin intestinal parasite, ranging from ¼ to ½ inch long. Hookworms are more of a problem in dogs, but can still be a problem for cats.

Just like roundworms, hookworms can be picked up from hunting. They also can attach themselves to the pads of the cat’s foot and burrow into the skin. The worms work their way through the body, into the lungs, and ultimately to the intestines where they mature and feed on the cat’s blood.

The symptoms for the hookworm include diarrhea, anemia, weight loss and chronic weakness. Hookworm can be fatal in kittens.

While it’s difficult to think of worms infesting your kitty, remember that it’s best to keep an eye on him for symptoms. The sooner you treat for any type of worm infestation, the better.

Fighting the Obesity Epidemic

Dogs Great For Kids’ Health

Worried about your how the obesity epidemic will impact your children? Maybe you should consider getting a dog.

New research has shown that children who own a dog are less likely to be obese. A survey on the health of children’s hearts was conducted by researchers from the University of London where 2,000 nine and ten year olds were studied. They found that the children who were from homes that had a dog were more active than those without a canine pal. Not only that – the kids weighed less.

The figures showed that children from homes where man’s best friend was part of the family got more physical exercise and were less sedentary. The survey revealed that the boys and girls that owned a dog took more steps per day, and spent more time exercising of weekdays and weekends than their dog-less peers.

The study couldn’t exactly quantify whether the families were more active because of owning a dog, or if they were just more active than other families.

Christopher Owen, senior lecturer in epidemiology at St George’s University of London campus, where the study was conducted, said: “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg question. Long-term studies are needed to answer it, but it may be a bit of both.”

Children who are overweight are at a higher risk for developing many chronic diseases, including diabetes, asthma, gallstones, heart disease, liver problems and sleep disorders, along with the potential for a lifetime of weight management struggles.

Lonely Friends

Little Ways You Can Show You Care

Even if you don’t have children in school, you may start to notice your day-to-day routines are gradually changing as the seasons change. The days are getting shorter again, and before we know it we will be busier and busier after work and on weekends getting ready for holiday gatherings with friends and families.

These changes in our routines can be very difficult for our dogs and cats, who depend on us to meet all of their needs – love, food, entertainment, EVERYTHING!

How Can You Ease Your Pets’ Anxieties About Changes in Routines?

Whatever you do, try not to spend less time with your pets. For example, if you are going to be late getting home, try to get up earlier to take the dog for a longer walk, or to play with the cat for a little while.

Make Sure Your Pets’ Needs Are Met

Lonely, bored pets can be mischievous! If your dog chews up furniture (or magazines, or woodwork, or, well… you get the picture…) make sure you leave her lots of chew toys to mangle while you are away. Also, remember that while you may feel very frustrated with your dog for chewing on your best furniture or your current read, scolding probably isn’t going to keep him from doing it again. Most vets and trainers agree that positive reinforcement is the best training tool with dogs.

Whether your destructive pet is a cat or a dog, sometimes the best thing to do is keep them contained in an area where they can cause little harm. If your dog is crate-trained, it might mean he needs to be in his crate when you aren’t home.

When You’re There, BE There

When you’re home with your pets, be sure they feel like they have your attention. Make sure they don’t feel like they have to misbehave to get you to pay attention to them, or that’s exactly what they will do – misbehave!

As summer eases into fall, and our routines shift with the changing patterns of daylight, it’s easy to forget that our pets’ needs remain the same. With a little thought and planning, you can make sure your pets’ needs are met so that his behaviors don’t take a turn for the worse.

Doggy Dental Downers

What’s Happening In Fido’s Mouth?

Whether your pooch has stinky smooches or crooked teeth, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on what goes on inside his mouth. Just ask your veterinarian – your dog’s mouth is the gateway to his good health.

Here are some common oral conditions dogs may encounter:

Calculus, or tartar. Tartar looks a little different in dogs than it does in humans. In dogs, calculus is generally brown (instead of yellow, as it is in humans). This condition, which overlaps both the tooth and the gum line, is one of the most common dental problems that dogs may encounter. If left untreated, calculus can lead to abscesses and tooth loss. Moreover, an extreme case of calculus can lead to internal organ damage because bacteria can travel from the teeth into the blood stream.

Brushing your dog’s teeth, or gently rubbing his teeth with gauze, will help prevent the buildup and subsequent hardening of plaque and forming of calculus.

Malocclusions. This dental problem that is commonly faced by puppies when an adult tooth erupts before the baby tooth has fallen out. This can cause inflammation and tooth breakdown, and, if left untreated, sometimes causes an infection. Malocclusions can also cause adult teeth to erupt in the wrong position. Malocclusions cannot be prevented, but keeping an eye out for them can keep them from causing any harm. The critical window to monitor your puppy’s mouth is between 14 and 24 weeks old. If you suspect an adult tooth is growing in below or behind a baby tooth, call your dog’s veterinarian.

Gingivitis. Just like in humans, harmful bacteria in the mouth can build up on teeth, causing inflammation. This is called gingivitis. This inflammation can, in turn, lead to receding gums, loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. This is another reason to make sure your dog’s teeth are free from plaque.

Periodontal disease. Harmful bacteria strikes again! Periodontal disease is a serious, harmful condition caused by an imbalance of harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth. One of the primary symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs is bleeding gum, so look for red or dark brown spots on your dogs chew toys. Severe periodontal disease in dogs has been linked to kidney failure, heart conditions and other life-threatening illnesses. If you suspect your dog has periodontal disease, be sure to contact your vet right away.

You can keep Fido’s breath sweet as a puppy’s and his teeth clean and white by adding a scoop of oral care probiotics to his food once daily. These beneficial bacteria crowd out the bacteria known to cause bad breath.