Some people don’t realize that dental hygiene is as important for
dogs as it is for human beings. Just like in people, dogs’ teeth can
gather plaque after eating. When plaque builds up and hardens it becomes
a coarse brown substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates it can
work its way under the gums and cause painful infections and gum
disease. This goes on in the mouths of dogs just like it does in people.
You brush your teeth every day, probably three times. What does your
dog do?
Teeth Brushing for Doggies
Veterinarians recommend that dog owners brush their dog’s teeth at
least twice a week to keep the buildup of tartar at a minimum. Most pet
supply stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just
for dogs. Remember that a dog’s sense of taste and smell is far more
acute than that of a human and the zesty, tingly, mint taste of
toothpastes for people will be extremely awful to a dog. Try brushing
Rover’s teeth with Crest just once and it will likely be the last time
he lets you anywhere near him with a toothbrush. Use the specially
designed doggie toothpaste.
Dental Chew
Some people don’t have the time or patience to brush their dogs’
teeth on a regular basis. If you’re one of these, you’ll want to care
for Chopper’s choppers in another way. A dog’s natural tendency to chew
is a built-in dental care mechanism. Dog biscuits break into small
chunks when chewed and rub against the teeth, providing a cleaning
service. There’s no substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth, but if you
can’t do that, make sure he gets some sort of crunchy dog biscuit on a
regular basis.
Mouth Diseases in Dogs
Dogs that do not receive proper dental care and do not have access to
crunchy teeth cleaning foods run the risk of several types of mouth
disease. These can be as mild as gingivitis (a gum disease that results
in swollen, inflamed gums) and as serious as a bacterial infection that
can spread through the dog’s bloodstream causing damage to vital organs.
You owe it to yourself and your dog to take care of his teeth.
Doggie Dentistry
Dental services are available for dogs, just like they are for
people. A dog’s teeth can be filled, capped, and extracted if necessary,
just like a human’s. The best course of action, however, is to avoid
the need for such services by properly caring for your dog’s teeth. If
you can avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort for your furry friend, you
should do so. Preventative doggie dental care can save you money as
well. Doggie dental procedures can be quite costly.
Read more on dogs and puppies health problems and how to have an overall healthy pet dog.
Read more on dogs and puppies health problems and how to have an overall healthy pet dog.