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Plaque forms on teeth shortly after eating and within 24 hours begins to harden, eventually turning into tartar. Tartar serves as a place for bacteria to grow, leading to gingivitis. As gingivitis worsens, periodontal disease develops, which includes inflammation, pain, and tooth loss. Prevention of plaque and tartar build-up is key. Use VOHC-accepted food and/or water additives, wipe or brush your dog's teeth daily, and have your veterinarian perform regular dental cleanings.
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Mouthing, nipping, and biting are used by all puppies during social play with their littermates. Once they leave their littermates, you can easily teach them a new set of games that are appropriate for social play with people. It is important to provide puppies with outlets for appropriate play from the start. Puppies should never be punished for playing with their teeth, as it can cause them to become permanently fearful of people.
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Plotts love hunting and family, arguably in that order. They love to follow a trail to its end, but at the end of the hunt, they are glad to celebrate with their favorite people.
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Pointers are warm, loving dogs capable of giving members of their family great affection. They are usually overflowing with nervous energy and ready to hunt at the drop of a leash.
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The shaggy Polish Lowland Sheepdog may look like an overgrown stuffed animal, but he is a serious worker who needs a job to be fulfilled. Active people who can include a dog in their everyday adventures find the PON - that is short for Polski Owczarek Nizinny, the name of the breed throughout most of the world - is an energetic and fun-loving companion.
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The Pom may be tiny, but this spunky extrovert can get a little cocky for a dog not much bigger than your shoe. Outgoing and effervescent, Pomeranians have faces like little foxes, making them hard to resist and easy to forgive.
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While Poodles are often portrayed as snobby and aloof, in reality, they are friendly, cheerful dogs with a keen sense of fun.
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Pequenos are the smallest of the three Portuguese Podengos. They love to run and play and appear to enjoy being silly.
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Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent and used to deciding for themselves if something is not right. The positive aspect of this behavior is that they are wonderful companions, take good care of the children in their families, and feel at home in the city, the country, or at the beach.
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Special care must be taken when your dog comes home after an operation to ensure the incision area stays clean and dry and heals properly. Some signs are cause for concern, and if observed, call your veterinarian right away.