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Vitamins B and C are water-soluble. Too much of these will not harm the body much since it is urinated out in 4 to 8 hours. This is the reason they need to be in each meal. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble. They are stored in fatty tissues of the body and the liver.
While teeth are not essential to life in the dog, dental troubles can cause discomfort in the dog and often impair its appetite. Thus it is imperative that the dog whose life we intend to prolong have a healthy mouth. Older dogs often develop heavy incrustations of tartar on the teeth. The tartar presses against the gums, causing recession and sloughing of the gum tissue, with a consequent loosening of the teeth in their sockets. A nauseating odor is given off by the mouth. In rare instances, dogs have been known to ultimately die from the absorption of toxic materials from inflamed gums due to bad teeth. The teeth should be cleaned periodically and loose teeth should be removed. Even if all the teeth have to be removed, it should not cause the owner undue concern. The function of the teeth of the dog is not so much to chew food as to tear it to bits. By grinding up and dicing the dog’s food the owner accomplishes the essential task of the teeth. The toothless dog fed in this manner will thrive quite well. It is apparent that if the dog is to be maintained in the most vigorous state of health, the teeth should be given proper attention. If they are cleaned about twice a year after the age of five, or whenever it may be necessary, it is very unlikely that any serious dental troubles will ever be encountered.
The dog must first learn the “Sit” command before it can be properly taught the “Down” command. Stand on the right side of the animal. Tell the animal, “Sit.” Kneel down and place your left hand flat on the dog’s back in the shoulder region and your right hand in back of the front paws. Then snap the command “Down!” and as you do so raise the dog’s front legs upward and forward, forcing the animal into the “Down” position. This procedure is repeated until the dog learns to obey the command. It goes without saying that kind words and gentle pats on the head should encourage the animal the more it seems to “catch on” to the idea.
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Diabetes mellitus in dogs can be treated with insulin in very much the same way as are human beings. If the owner really loves his animal, and is willing to undergo the inconvenience of the routine of daily injections of insulin, then the animal will often live to a ripe old age. In most instances, however, the average owner does not have the stomach for this and has the dog put to sleep. In diabetes insipidus, various tonics and stimulants are administered, but these are almost invariably unsuccessful. The affected animal becomes further emaciated and finally dies. The new oral antidiabetic drugs should simplify the treatment of diabetes mellitus cases.
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VITAMIN B2, RIBOFLAVIN: This is another essential vitamin. Deficiencies of this vitamin may result in certain forms of liver trouble, anemia, muscular weakness in the hind legs; dermatitis on the hind legs, chest, and abdomen; and sore eyes. The best natural sources of vitamin B2 are liver and yeast. Other excellent sources are soy flour, beans, eggs, wheat germ, cheese, and milk. Dogs that are fed meat and milk or a standard dog food will rarely be affected by a deficiency of this vitamin. It is therefore fairly uncommon in the wellkept house dog.
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The main way to prevent chewing is by improving obedience in the dog. The dog should be reminded of this by daily exercises in obedience. Once the pet is thoroughly obedient, a sharp “No, No” is usually sufficient to do the trick.
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