Proper dog dental care is essential for your dog’s health. Unfortunately, too many dog owners overlook this aspect of caring for their pets. This is unfortunate as poor dental health can lead to such problems as periodontitis, tooth loss and even heart disease. With that said, it is important that you learn all about proper dog dental care for your four-legged friend.
Checking for Dog Periodontal Disease
You can prevent your pet from developing any serious dental problems, such as Periodontal Disease, by checking its teeth regularly. Begin examining your dog’s teeth when it is a puppy and make it part of your weekly routine. When inspecting your dog’s teeth, gently lift their lips away from the mouth and examine the front and back teeth.
If you have an active pet, use extra caution to avoid any accidental bites. A healthy mouth will have white or almost-white teeth that are not chipped or severely discolored. The gums should not be inflamed. If you notice any of the following warning signs, you should take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Bad Breath
- Inflamed, Swollen and/or Bleeding Gums
- Chipped, Broken, Loose or Missing Teeth
- Discomfort When Chewing
- Reluctance to Eat
- Tarter Build-Up
- Increased Salivation
Periodontal Disease in Dogs
When dog teeth are neglected, plaque can accumulate on the teeth. Over time, this plaque can turn into tarter, which provides a perfect environment for bacteria. As bacteria grows, it can cause serious problems including periodontitis, tooth loss, kidney problems and heart disease.
Dog Periodontal Disease: What You Can Do
There are some things you can do to make sure that your pet receives proper dog dental care. However, it is essential that you start your routine as early as possible so that your dog will become accustomed to it. Inspecting and brushing dog teeth is much easier when you are dealing with a well-mannered pet, learn here how to brush your dog’s teeth.
Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Daily Brushing a Dog’s Teeth Brush your pet’s teeth daily, as tarter can turn into plaque in as little as one or two days. However, never use human products on your dog, as they could make it very sick. You can find dental products for your dog at most petstores, mass merchandisers or dog grooming shops. Brushing a Puppy’s Teeth If you have a puppy, you can choose to brush its teeth with the tip of a sterile Q-tip, rather than a brush. You can also use your finger if you wish but make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly before and after brushing. See Your Veterinarian Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is one of the best things you can do for your pet. However, it is just as important for you to have your pet’s teeth examined and professionally cleaned regularly by your veterinarian, as well.
These are just a few things that you can do to ensure that your pet’s teeth stay strong and healthy. Other things you may wish to consider include dog dental rinses and dental treats made especially for your furry friend. If you follow this useful advice, your dog will be sure to have its teeth well into senior years.
