Dental Care For Dogs
Dogs require constant dental care to help preserve their teeth and keep them healthy and free from infections of the mouth, teeth and gums. Very similar to people, dogs can develop plague and irritations of the gums that can affect their overall health all through their life, and can even result in tooth loss and decay. Senior dogs in particular benefit from a good quality dental program as they are able to keep their teeth in good condition all their life.
The steps for a regular dental care program for your dog goes hand in hand with a good grooming routine. Usually teeth cleaning is done as part of the grooming routine that involves brushing, checking the overall condition of the dog, checking the nails and brushing the teeth. Dogs don’t necessarily need daily brushing although it may be required if the dog has current tooth or gum problems.
Doggy Dental Products
There are several products on the market to help with keeping dog’s teeth looking clean and white. One of the more popular methods of cleaning your dog’s teeth is to use a finger sleeve that is simply a cotton material with a slightly abrasive side that slips on the index finger. Using specially formulated dog toothpaste applied directly to the finger sleeve, the finger is then rubbed gently across the teeth and gums, just like you would brush your own teeth. There are also dog toothbrushes available but they are often a bit more challenging to use, especially when first getting your dog used to the procedure.
Whenever planning to complete a dental care routine with your dog there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Always be very gentle with the dog and gradually get the dog used to having you touch its lips, mouth and teeth.
• Only allow adults to work in the dog’s mouth as this can be a sensitive area, especially if there is some decay or gum infection. Dogs may snap or nip initially when the brushing is new to them and children may be hurt, which could lead to problems with the child and the dog later on.
• Only use specially designed dog dental supplies. Never use human toothbrushes or toothpaste. Dogs will intensely dislike the taste of human toothpaste and will absolutely refuse to allow it to happen again! Human toothbrushes are not designed for dog’s mouths, although some vets recommend very small and soft children’s toothbrushes on the large sized dogs.
There are some great chew toys on the market that are safe for dogs and help to remove plaque by allowing the dog to scrape his or her teeth on the surface, just as would occur if the dog was eating raw bones. If you are using these products or raw bones be sure to remove them if they start to splinter of if they become small enough for the dog to attempt to swallow.
Talk to your vet if you notice any inflammation of the gums around the teeth, yellowing, discoloration or plaque build up on the teeth, especially at the gum line, or notice any bleeding from the gums or loose teeth. The vet can also clean your dog’s teeth just like a dentist does, however regular home dental care can often prevent or minimize the need for this procedure.
About the author: Kelly Marshall is the head author at Oh My Dog Supplies, an upscale pet supply store currently showcasing designer dog beds and elevated dog feeders.
