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Healthy Dogs Have Healthy Teeth

Dental health is just as important for dogs as it is for humans, but many dog owners don’t think about their pet’s teeth until a problem arises. It is estimated that if a pet owner manages his dog’s dental health well, it would probably live up to 7 years longer.

The immune system of pets is greatly stressed by dental disease, so much so that their resistance is lowered and they become susceptible to other, more serious, health issues. Mouth infections can lead to serious gum problems and affect other parts of the body, even the heart. So it is vital that a dog’s dental health be integral to any care program.

Puppies have 23 baby teeth, and adult dogs have, depending on their breed, around 42 teeth. Just like humans, as adult teeth arrive, they push out the baby teeth. Watch needs to be kept that, as the puppy grows, the adult teeth are coming through comfortably and are not crowded by baby teeth.

To check your pet’s mouth, start by talking to him gently. Cover his muzzle with your hand and gently lift up the sides of his mouth. There are some important things to watch for. Firstly, healthy gums are firm - they can be spotted, black or pink; and check that the dog’s breath is not foul smelling.

Look for soft white matter (plaque) or hard white, yellow or brown matter (calculus) on the teeth. The plaque can be brushed away, but calculus is a build-up that will need to be scraped off by a veterinarian.

Dog’s teeth should be cleaned regularly, and there are toothbrushes, toothpastes and gels designed specifically for dogs. A dog’s gum tissue grows very rapidly, so care must be taken not to damage it. Never use products made for humans - the brushes will be too firm and the pastes may contain harmful ingredients that will induce vomiting.

To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, start by rubbing his gums and teeth with your finger. Introduce a small quantity of toothpaste and let him lick and sniff it. Let him do the same with the toothbrush. Once familiar with the brushing sensation and the products you are introducing, the tooth brushing process should not be distressing for him, or you.

What a dog eats can also affect his dental health. Dry kibble helps keep teeth cleaner than wet dog food. As the dog chews the kibble, plaque is scaped from the tooth surface. Chewing dog biscuits has similar teeth-cleaning benefits.

Dental chew-toys are also on the available, and these have been designed to have an abrasive effect.

If bad breath (halitosis) is a problem, and other health issues have been ruled out, then there are products available that can be added to the dog’s drinking water to help.

There many products on the market now that are specifically designed to help you care for your dog’s dental health. Greenies the Original Smart Chew Available at Wholesale Prices. Order Today for Huge Savings!

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