Canine Dental Health Care
Your
pet counts on you for protection
With major advances in treating
serious infectious and other pet diseases, oral disease
–most importantly periodontal or gum disease caused by
the buildup of plaque and tartar– has become the
number-one health problem for dogs. It’s estimated that
without proper dental care 80% of dogs will show signs
of oral disease by age three. With your help, your pets
can have healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.
You simply need to provide
them with a few things:
- A nutritious diet
- Chew treats recommended by a veterinarian
- Regular brushing at home
- Yearly dental checkups by a veterinarian
Good dental health begins with the proper diet
The wrong kinds of food can cause
dental distress in pets. Feeding your dog a dry food rather
than a moist, canned one will, through its mild abrasive
action on the teeth, help remove the bacterial plaque that
can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides adequate
chewing exercise and gum stimulation. Avoid giving your pet
sweets and table scraps as they may also increase plaque and
tartar formation. Your vet may recommend the use of special
dry foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup,
especially if your pet is prone to dental problems due to
his breed or individual genetic history.
Brushing your dog's teeth
Dogs need to have their teeth
brushed in order to eliminate the dental plaque that can
cause tooth decay and the formation of tartar, which can
lead to gum disease. You should begin a regular, daily
brushing routine when your puppy is between six and eight
weeks of age. Even older dogs can be trained to accept
having their teeth brushed. You simply need to introduce the
activity gradually and make the experience a positive one
for your pet. Reassure and praise him profusely throughout
the process and reward him with a very special treat when
it’s finished. Here’s how it can be done:
 |
Phase 1
Start by dipping a finger in
beef bouillon for dogs. Rub this finger
gently over your pet’s gums and one or two
teeth. Repeat until your pet seems fairly
comfortable with this activity. |
Phase 2
Gradually, introduce a
gauze-covered finger and gently scrub the
teeth with a circular motion. |
Phase 3
Then, you can begin to use a
toothbrush, either an ultra-soft model
designed for people or a special pet
tooth-brush or finger brush, which is a
rubber finger covering with a small brush
built in at its tip. |
Phase 4
Finally, once your pet is
used to brushing, introduce the use of pet
toothpaste in liquid or paste form. Most of
these contain chlorhexidine or stannous
fluoride—ask your veterinarian for his
recommendations. Don’t use human toothpaste,
as it can upset your pet’s stomach. Your vet
may also advise the use of an antiseptic
spray or rinse after brushing. |
|
|
Don’t forget a yearly
dental checkup
Doing your
best to ensure that your dog receives the proper diet and
regular brushing at home will help maintain his or her teeth
and gums in top condition. To provide optimum dental care at
home, you need to start with a clean bill of dental health.
That’s where your pet’s veterinarian comes in.
He or she will give your pet a thorough examination of the
entire oral cavity to determine whether there are any
underlying problems and, especially important, tartar
buildup. Brushing removes plaque but not tartar, so if your
pet’s teeth do have tartar, your veterinarian will have to
remove it with a professional cleaning and polishing,
usually accomplished under anaesthesia. After removing the
tartar above and below the gum line, your veterinarian may
treat your pet’s teeth with fluoride and will provide you
with instructions for home care and follow-up.
A few tips:
- Chew treats, including hear meat-protein biscuits and rawhide chews for dogs, can help remove plaque, and provide stimulation for the gums.
- Watch out for wood. Throwing sticks to dogs can result in splinters, gum damage and choking.
- Avoid letting your dog chew on hard materials like bones or stones. They can wear down, even break teeth, damage gums and lead to infection.
A few statistics:
Puppies develop their deciduous teeth at 2 weeks of age, with their 42 permanent teeth starting to appear at 3 months of age.
|
