I am guilty!! Yes, I’m guilty of not being consistent with my pet’s teeth brushing/cleaning!! We have doggy breath!!
Over 80% of dogs over the age of three have some form of unhealthy gums. This can lead to dental problems and other health problems. Dental disease can affect the whole body.
Dental Disease Can Be Painful, Even Deadly:
We’ve all heard of ‘doggy breath’ and it’s doesn’t smell good!! Chronic inflammation, from gum disease, can cause pain, lead to infections, and serves as a precursor to much more serious issues. It can increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease and quality of life. Red, swollen gums can be as painful for your dog as it would be for humans.
What Causes Gum Disease in Dogs:
Bacteria is to blame for gum disease in people and in pets. Almost immediately after an animal eats, bacteria, along with food, saliva, and other particles, begin forming a sticky film called plaque over teeth.
"The bacteria in plaque does a lot of things," says Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM, a veterinary dentist practicing in Florida and Georgia. "But one thing it does both in pets and humans is to cause our immune system to recognize it as foreign."
Some symptoms of severe gum disease include:
· Problems picking up food
· Bleeding or red gums
· Loose teeth
· Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
· Bad breath (halitosis)
· Bumps or lumps in the mouth
· Bloody or ropey saliva
· Not wanting the head touched (head shyness)
· Chewing on one side of the mouth
· Sneezing or nasal discharge (advanced gum disease in the upper teeth can destroy the bone between the nasal and oral cavity)
Prevention
Periodontal disease is preventable! Below are suggestions for preventing gum disease in your dog.
Take your dog in for regular oral exams and cleanings. Oral exams with dental X-rays done under general anesthesia are the only way to get a full picture of what's happening in your dog's teeth and below the gum line.
Brush your dog's teeth every day. The most effective way to prevent gum disease is to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Dr. Sarah shows you how to brush your dog’s teeth. You don’t want to use human toothpaste on your dog.
Dental Wipes - You can use dental wipes for dog. Dental wipes are presoaked, disposable, textured pads that are quick and easy.
Offer safe toys and treats for daily chewing. Chewing every day on tooth-friendly goodies is another way to help prevent gum disease in dogs. Look for treats and toys such as: rubber balls, dental treats, bully sticks, as well as rubbery toys in which you can hide treats. You DO NOT want to give your pet rawhide to chew on. It can cause choking and blockages.
Watch the Ingredients:
You want to look for safe ingredients. Many canine dental products include parabens, polysorbates, artificial colors and artificial flavors. They will swallow some of the product.
I strongly encourage you to make canine dental care a top priority at an early age. Your efforts will be rewarded, as proper dental can improve your dog’s chances of long-term health.
If your pup already has tartar build-up and evidence of gum disease, do not despair! Make an appointment today to have your dog’s teeth cleaned and any infections treated, then do the home maintenance.
Shoot me an email, at healthyproducts4pets@gmail.com, to learn about the dental products that I use.
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