Fun Facts About Puppies to Celebrate National Puppy Day

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Fun Facts About Puppies to Celebrate National Puppy Day

Whether you have a new puppy or just consider yourself a puppy enthusiast (and who isn’t enthusiastic about puppies?), we invite you to celebrate everything puppy in honor of National Puppy Day on March 23rd. At Olive Branch Pet Hospital, we celebrate puppies every day, but we’re bringing you some fun facts about puppies in honor of their own holiday.

5 Surprising Facts About Puppies

1. They Sleep a Lot

You might think of puppies as having crazy amounts of energy, but they actually sleep quite a lot. Although their waking hours are quite exuberant, puppies, on average, sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day.

2. They're Born Blind, Deaf, and Toothless

Puppies are born both blind and deaf. They don’t open their eyes or start to hear until they’re about two weeks old, and their teeth won’t come until they’re about four weeks old. Plus, this is just the first set of teeth that they’ll shed by about six months to make room for their permanent teeth to come in.

3. Puppy Paws Can Indicate Adult Size

While it’s not an exact science, you can generally determine how big a puppy will be when it’s fully grown based on the size of its paws. Big dogs need big paws to support themselves, so a puppy with large, clumsy paws will likely grow up to be a pretty sizeable dog.

4. They're Actually Softer

Puppies are born with a baby coat of fur that’s only a single layer thick and is softer than their adult coat. They shed this fur at about six months when their grown-up fur starts growing in.

5. They Like Baby Talk

Puppies’ brains actually respond to sing-songy baby talk more than regular voices. So, go ahead and be all cutsie-wootsie with your new puppy. It’ll help them bond with you faster.

Start Out on the Right Paw With a Puppy Wellness Plan

If you’ve recently adopted a new puppy or are thinking about bringing home a new puppy, then we encourage you to consider establishing your new furry family member’s veterinary care at Olive Branch Pet Hospital in Pensacola. We provide our patients with comprehensive veterinary care, and we are pleased to offer our clients a variety of wellness plans (including one especially for puppies) designed to fit their budgets while getting their pets all the wellness and preventative care they need to live happy and healthy lives.
To learn more about our services or to schedule a new pet appointment for your puppy, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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It’s Time to Get Your Pet’s Teeth Cleaned

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Although you might not realize it, pets need their teeth and gums cared for the same way that people need their teeth and gums cared for. This includes a combination of at-home care (such as teeth brushing, dental-friendly chew toys, and dental-friendly treats) and professional dental care at our veterinary hospital.

Why Dental Care Is Important for Your Pet

Without proper care, pets can develop periodontal disease (gum disease) which can cause them local problems in their mouths, as well as lead to systemic health problems that can cause organ damage and even premature death.

How to Know When Your Pet Needs a Dental Cleaning (5 Signs)

As a general guideline, pets typically require a professional dental cleaning and examination at least once a year. Every pet is different, though. Some might not need dental cleanings as often, while others might benefit from more frequent cleanings. Our veterinarian can help you determine when your pet needs a dental cleaning.
Additionally, the following signs and symptoms indicate your pet needs professional dental care:

1. Persistent Bad Breath

Dogs and cats aren’t exactly known for their flowery or minty-fresh breath. However, breath that is excessively strong or persistently bad is an indication of a mouth that has too much bad bacteria growing in it.

2. Broken Teeth

Broken teeth are not only painful for pets, but they can also lead to serious bacterial infections and abscesses in the mouth. Typically broken teeth need to be extracted to resolve the issue and avoid further complications.

3. Yellow, Brown, or Discolored Teeth

Teeth that are discolored indicate an excessive buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth. This accumulation on the teeth is a precursor to the development of periodontal disease and could indicate that a pet already has some form of this serious gum infection.

4. Your Pet Keeps Dropping Things

Oral health problems can cause pain and sensitivity. As a result, your pet might start frequently dropping its toys or kibble.

5. Excessive Drooling

Oral health problems trigger the mouth to produce more saliva than normal, resulting in excessive drooling.

Comprehensive Pet Dentistry in Pensacola

Regular teeth cleanings and examinations help protect your pet from gum disease while preserving the health and comfort of their teeth and gums. To learn more about the importance of pet dental care or to schedule an appointment for your pet, we welcome you to contact Olive Branch Pet Hospital today.