Welcome to Dog Dental Care
The
Importance of Dog Dental Care
After a dog eats, bacteria join the food particles and cling to the surface of
the teeth forming plaque. If the plaque remains on the teeth, in three days it
hardens forming tartar. Tartar irritates gums causing pockets of bacteria
between the teeth and gums. This bacterial infection is the key reason some
dogs have bad breath.
Left untreated, the bacteria makes teeth fall out and causes abscesses in the
gums. Periodontal disease affects 75 percent of dogs reaching middle age.
Veterinary studies found that dogs with congestive heart failure usually had
untreated periodontal disease.
Your Dog's Diet
Dogs' digestive systems easily handle grains and proteins. Fillers like corn
by-products, soy and wheat are unnecessary. Avoid animal by-products, which
include beaks, feet, and other low-quality protein sources.
Read the label on the dog food you want to purchase. Dogs need upwards of 25
percent protein and 19 percent fat. Look for ingredients like chicken/beef/lamb
meal, fishmeal, brown rice, potatoes, sunflower oil and vegetables.
Dry dog food scrapes plaque off teeth better than canned. Offer dog dental
treats and rawhide chews between meals to help further remove plaque and
tartar.
Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
The most important step in a good dog dental care program is a daily tooth
brushing routine. If you own an electric toothbrush system like Oral-B or
Sonicare, consider purchasing a separate brush head for your pet's use. These
systems remove far more plaque and tartar than a traditional toothbrush. If you
do not have an electric toothbrush system, a regular toothbrush will do. Brush
each tooth with enzymatic toothpaste suitable for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste
as they contain ingredients poisonous to a dog.
Examining Your Dog's Mouth
While brushing your dog's teeth as part of a dog dental care program, examine
your dog's mouth for signs of periodontal disease. The key symptoms are:
* bleeding gums
* discolored or broken teeth
* excessive drooling
* foul breath
* red, swollen gums
* yellowish-brown tartar build up
If you have concerns, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The "Dental"
When your vet examines and cleans your pet's teeth, he will anesthetize him, as
dogs and cats are no fonder of a visit to the dentist than are their owners.
You may want to schedule other care that may require anesthesia at the same
time.
How often should your pet have a dental? Each
animal is different. Even dogs or cats from the same litter, who eat the same
food, may have very different dental needs.
Your veterinarian can advise you about an
appropriate schedule for your pets.
The Other
Question
Dental Care usually costs from $50 to $80 or $90. Your veterinarian is a
trained pet dentist, using the same tools your dentist does to clean your
teeth. In addition to the time and skill involved, there is the cost of
anesthesia, which is based on weight.
If your pet's teeth have not received regular care, and need extra treatment,
including removal, the cost may be more.
Can I brush my pet's teeth?
You sure can! Special brushes that fit over the index finger, and pet dental
paste are available for cats and dogs, and are available from your veterinarian
or local pet store.
However, it
will take time and patience for your pet to become comfortable with this
procedure:
