Proper Dental Care For Your Dog
Proper Dental Care For Your Dog
Many dog owners fail to provide their dog with proper dental care. In most instances, dental hygiene for dogs is being overlooked at a great price. Dogs also get bad breath and bacteria that can lead to gingivitis. Dog owners need to provide proper dental care for their dogs. By providing proper dental care you will also improve his overall health and save you lots of money later. Proper dental care is just as important as his nutrition, exercise, and routine grooming. This article you give you some tips on how to provide your dog with dental care that you can do at home.
Observing Your Dog's Dental Health
Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The easiest way to keep track of your dog's teeth is to look at them on a regular basis. Look for signs that may be a problem.
To inspect your dog's teeth do the following:
Lift the lips all around the mouth.
Look at the front and back teeth closely as possible.
Be gentle and use caution so that you don't get bit.
Your veterinarian will also examine your dog's teeth during routine examinations.
Look for the following signs of possible dental problems:
Halitosis (bad breath)
Reluctance to chew/ cries out when chewing
Increased salivation
Red or puffy gums
Bleeding gums
Tatar / Calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
Missing or loose teeth
Anything else about the mouth that appears unusual
Contact your veterinarian if you should notice any of the above symptoms.
The Dangers of Dental Disease
Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. Better yet, work hard to prevent it!
Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs
There are several things you can do to help keep your dog's teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as soon as possible in your dog's life so he get's used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age and then his permanent teeth come in. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly. If you decide to brush your dog's teeth, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Never brush your dog's teeth with human toothpaste it can make your dog sick! Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses.
Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog's tooth brushing into your own routine consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.
Use a "finger brush" or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushings, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.
Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.
If you are not able to brush your dog's teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.
Final Tips
Very important: make sure you keep up with his vet exams. From time to time, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog's teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished. If dental problems are noted, tooth extractions could become necessary. Alternatively, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist for specialty procedures. Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year, while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet's recommendations. And remember, what you do at home can really make all the difference. By providing the proper dental care for your dog will go a long way for a longer and healthier life.
Happy dog teeth cleaning!
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