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
Talk to your Vet and he or she will probably recommend that you try to
brush you dog’s teeth at least a couple of times a week to keep the
buildup of tartar at a minimum. You can find specially designed
toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs at most pet supply stores.
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
Perhaps you don’t have the time or patience to brush you dogs’ teeth on
a regular basis. If not then you will want to care for his teeth in
another way. A dog’s natural tendency to chew can be your 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
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.
Dentistry For Dogs
Dental services are available for dogs, just as 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.
Its always best to avoid the unnecessary pain and discomfort of poor
dental care with your dog. And remember, preventative canine dental
care can save you money as well since most dental procedures can be
quite costly.
