Caring for your dog includes caring for his or her teeth. Dogs may
resist having their teeth brushed, but it will be something they
will grow to enjoy and eventually thank you for.
According to this website, catching teeth problems early will
help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of
your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware
of signs that may indicate a problem.
To
inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth,
looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be
gentle and use caution so you do not accidentally get nipped!
Regular checkups with your veterinarian will ensure that your dog’s
dental health is closely monitored. A good gauge would be to visit
your vet every 6-12 months for wellness check-ups.
Watch
for the following signs and alert your vet should they appear:
*
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
* Anything else about the mouth that appears unusual
To
prevent your dog from suffering from dental diseases, follow the
guidelines below:
1.
Human tooth paste is not edible and your dog will only swallow it
when put into its mouth. Dog tooth paste on the other hand is
edible, so if your dog gets a little dab of it , there is no need
to worry. Once they get used to the brushing process they will
really enjoy it.
2.
Your doggy’s toothbrush is nothing like what we humans use. They
are much smaller and have soft bristles. You get them in different
shapes specifically designed for brushing canine teeth. The finger
tip brushes are also common, you simply have to slip them over your
finger. The brushes are made with that of a 45 degree angle, to
reduce your arm twisting.
3.
Giving your dog dental chews, chew toys and rawhide bones is also a
good idea between brushing can help to reduce plague and tartar for
your dog’s teeth.
4.
Rinsing is not necessary when you brush your dogs teeth, for there
is no foaming in Dogs Toothpaste. Using human tooth paste, will
upset your doggy’s stomach so make sure not to use it.
5. 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.
For
more information, please read our article on Healthy Dental
Hygiene for Dogs.