Tips On Caring For Your Dog's Teeth

You might be surprised to learn that bad teeth can lead to many other health problems in dogs. The dog's heart, kidneys, and liver can all be affected by persistent harmful bacteria in your dog's teeth and gums which is passed from his bloodstream to his other organs. Bad dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems for your dog later.

And that's not all. It's estimated that about four-fifths of dogs have some kind of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old. Your dog could have inflamed gums or a painful tooth and you probably don't even know it. Many older dogs stop eating, even though they're hungry, because it's painful for them to eat. Their owners assume this is just an ordinary sign of old age when it's really a dental problem that could be easily treated. This kind of problem can shorten a dog's life.

Fortunately, regular dental care for your dog can eliminate these problems and it's not hard. If you take just a few steps you can keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy and avoid serious health problems later.

Brushing your dog's teeth

The most basic thing you can do to care for your dog's teeth is brush them on a regular basis. Dogs even like it! All you need is a toothbrush designed for your dog's mouth and some doggy toothpaste. You can find both of these items at a pet store or online. A doggy toothbrush has a long handle and is angled so you can reach back inside his mouth. Doggy toothpaste comes in flavors that dogs like such as peanut butter or beef. That's why dogs are so cooperative when you brush their teeth - they think the toothpaste is a treat. All you have to do is put some of the toothpaste on the toothbrush and brush your dog's teeth the same way you would brush your own teeth. You don't have to rinse. It's safe for your dog to swallow the doggy toothpaste.

Be careful not to use human toothpaste for your dog. It contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener, which is harmful to dogs.

More dental hygiene

There are some other things you can do to help your dog with good dental hygiene. For example, look for treats and snacks that have been approved by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) or the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). You can also find toys that are good for dental health that have been approved by these organizations.

American or Canadian-made rawhides, natural bones, and certain dental chews are all considered good for a dog's teeth and gums. Toys with nubs and other things that rub against the teeth and gums are also good for chewing. There are also some toys such as Dental Kongs that you can insert doggy toothpaste into the crevices so your dog can clean his own teeth while he chews.

You can also use a doggy mouthwash for your dog to keep his breath fresh. Many of these products contain chlorhexidine which is an anti-plaque antiseptic. It is also used in some human mouthwashes but be sure to use a rinse or spray that is made for pets.

Teeth cleaning

When you take your dog to the vet for his check-up you should make sure that your vet examines his teeth. It's important to catch any tooth or gum problem early so it can be treated. Many vets recommend regular cleanings under anesthetics now but this is up to you. Your dog will probably need to have a thorough cleaning of his teeth under an anesthetic at least once in his life so plaque and tartar can be removed.