We ensure that our dogs are fed nutritious food and given warm beds to sleep on, but unfortunately, often tend to overlook their dental hygiene. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few owners brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is important to a dog’s overall health, and should be part and parcel of grooming.
The Problems
Catching teeth problems early will help prevent severe dental disease in the long run. When plaque builds up on teeth, it turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis (bad breath), periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss will then occur. What is more alarming is that these bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth, but they can also affect other parts of the body, like your dog’s heart, kidneys and even the brain. 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 early.
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| This is Lady Emerald. 8 yrs old, deaf and blind, used by unscrupulous humans for breeding. |
The Signs
Warning signs of dental problems:
Halitosis (bad breath)
Reluctance to chew / crying out when chewing
Increased salivation
Red and/or puffy gums
Bleeding gums
Tartar/calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
Missing and/or loose teeth
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| Look at what was removed from her teeth |
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| A nice set of pearly whites! |
The Solutions
The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s dental health is to inspect its teeth on a regular basis, and watch out for signs that may indicate a problem. To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, and look at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. You should start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life, so it grows used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. When brushing your dog’s teeth:
DO…
Use doggie toothpaste, and either a toothbrush, a nubby-surfaced rubber cap or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger.
Position yourself and your dog so that you can access its teeth comfortably.
Lift your dog’s upper lips and begin to brush in a circular motion, much like you would brush your own teeth.
Brush where the tooth meets the gum-line, and remember to reach the very back teeth, since this is where your dog is most likely to develop problems.
Brush your dog’s teeth at least two times a week, and have its teeth checked every six to twelve months by your vet, together with its usual wellness check-ups.
Feed your dog hard biscuits or dental treats, or provide a hard toy or bone for your dog to chew on.
DON’T…
Use human toothpaste, because dogs do not spit and will most likely swallow what is used to brush its teeth.
Be demanding or forceful. If you make this a miserable experience early on, it will be so for life.
Put off brushing your dog’s teeth, as plaque begins to turn into tartar within 24 to 48 hours, so regular brushing is recommended.
While brushing prevents some tooth decay, a thorough scaling may be required if there is a serious plaque problem. Depending on the individual dog, professional tooth-cleaning by the vet is recommended every one to three years. This cleaning, which takes place under general anesthesia, consists of scaling to remove tartar above and below the gum line; polishing to smooth the surface of the teeth; and flushing, to dislodge tartar and bacteria.
Dental Promotion for your pets are available at all Mount Pleasant branches from now till 31 December 2010.
Enjoy *20% off Dental Prophylaxis now!
Book your pet in for a Dental Prophylaxis (Dental Scaling and Polish) now and enjoy 20% off listed price.
Our trained staff would also be at hand to recommend the best care to look after your pet’s pearly whites.
Contact our clinic for an appointment today!
*for a limited period only *20% off applies to Dental Prophy- laxis (Dental Scaling & Polish) only *offer not valid for all other services
