Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Protecting Your Dog's Teeth
Surprisingly most pet owners never give the health of their dog’s teeth a second thought. Even while raising children right alongside the family pet and constantly harping on the importance of taking care of your teeth, people neglect to even take a look at their dog’s teeth until it is too late and dental disease has already set in. Though you might think the signs are obvious, especially the unusually foul breath that comes with gum disease, owners are simply negligent when it comes to preventative dental care for dogs.
Though dogs do not have the same types of dental problems that humans tend to have such as cavities, they are quite susceptible to gum disease. Some breeds of dogs do more commonly have problems with gum disease, but this is something every owner should guard against. Smaller/toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers have especially soft gums that need regular brushing. In fact, at a few years old, puppies with softer gums need their first dental scaling and polishing. Most larger breeds are much less likely to have dental problems, but it does not mean they are immune. This is one more reason to make regular visits to a qualified veterinarian where their teeth are certain to be checked properly.
A major player in gum disease is a dog’s diet. Dry, biscuit type dog food works as preventative dental care by reducing tartar’s ability to build up on the teeth as the dog crunches down on the hard food. Statistically, dogs on a wet food diet are much more susceptible to gum disease. There are also chew toys or “chews” that are designed specifically to reduce tartar build up on dog’s teeth. Though for some dogs, diet may be sufficient for preventative dental care, some dogs actually need regular brushing. Beyond that, veterinary clinics also offer full dental scaling and polishing under general anesthesia.
If you have not already taken steps to protect your dog’s teeth, it is important to check now for gum disease signs. Some of these symptoms include discoloration of teeth (yellow/brown tartar build up), exposed tooth roots, reddening gums (gingivitis), extremely bad breath (halitosis), more drawling than usual, having trouble eating hard dog foods, or a reluctance to bit anything solid such as a toy or stick. If your dog exhibits any of these signs it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, but don’t worry too much. Once you take your dog in, the problem can usually be solved. Sometimes this just means a good dental scaling and polishing, while other times a tooth may need to be removed. In the case of a tooth removal, your dog will still probably be fine and will quickly adjust to having a missing tooth.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. You can find a variety of dogs for sale that would be great for families or personal companionship. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.
Though dogs do not have the same types of dental problems that humans tend to have such as cavities, they are quite susceptible to gum disease. Some breeds of dogs do more commonly have problems with gum disease, but this is something every owner should guard against. Smaller/toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers have especially soft gums that need regular brushing. In fact, at a few years old, puppies with softer gums need their first dental scaling and polishing. Most larger breeds are much less likely to have dental problems, but it does not mean they are immune. This is one more reason to make regular visits to a qualified veterinarian where their teeth are certain to be checked properly.
A major player in gum disease is a dog’s diet. Dry, biscuit type dog food works as preventative dental care by reducing tartar’s ability to build up on the teeth as the dog crunches down on the hard food. Statistically, dogs on a wet food diet are much more susceptible to gum disease. There are also chew toys or “chews” that are designed specifically to reduce tartar build up on dog’s teeth. Though for some dogs, diet may be sufficient for preventative dental care, some dogs actually need regular brushing. Beyond that, veterinary clinics also offer full dental scaling and polishing under general anesthesia.
If you have not already taken steps to protect your dog’s teeth, it is important to check now for gum disease signs. Some of these symptoms include discoloration of teeth (yellow/brown tartar build up), exposed tooth roots, reddening gums (gingivitis), extremely bad breath (halitosis), more drawling than usual, having trouble eating hard dog foods, or a reluctance to bit anything solid such as a toy or stick. If your dog exhibits any of these signs it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, but don’t worry too much. Once you take your dog in, the problem can usually be solved. Sometimes this just means a good dental scaling and polishing, while other times a tooth may need to be removed. In the case of a tooth removal, your dog will still probably be fine and will quickly adjust to having a missing tooth.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. You can find a variety of dogs for sale that would be great for families or personal companionship. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: adopt a pet, dogs for love, dogs for sale, pet companionship
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