Just like people need to take care of their teeth in order to prevent decay and gum disease, a dog's teeth require the same care. Unfortunately, they can't tend to their dental needs themselves. A good pet owner will take the necessary steps to help keep their dog's teeth healthy and clean. Here are things you can do at home in between veterinarian dental visits.
Brush Their Teeth
Your dog's teeth get a plaque and tartar build-up just as yours do, and if it is allowed to accumulate, it can lead to periodontal gum disease and carries, or cavities as laymen call them. If at all possible, your dog's teeth should be brushed once a day with a special dog toothbrush and a toothpaste specifically made for animals. Toothpaste made for humans should not be used as it is not supposed to be swallowed, and a dog isn't likely to be overly keen with the intense mint flavor. Canine toothpastes come in more palatable to dog flavors, such as chicken, seafood, and peanut butter. The more often you brush their teeth, and the younger you start the habit, the easier it will be for them to adjust to the habit.
Some dogs won't cooperate with a toothbrush being put in their mouth, they just want to bite it, so if that's the case with your dog, try a finger toothbrush instead. This is a small brush that you put over your fingertip. Most dogs will accept this as they don't want to bite your finger. You can also get dental wipes to wipe each tooth.
If you notice your dog seems to extra fight getting his teeth brushed, especially if he had been previous okay with it, he may have a cavity and should be seen by the veterinarian dentist right away.
Give Them A Treat
Be sure to give a teeth-healthy dog treat after brushing so they come to associate brushing their teeth with a reward afterwards. There are many treats on the market specifically made for removing tartar and freshening their breath.
Oral Rinses
Chlorhexidine is a liquid that is squirted on to the dog's teeth. It coats the teeth and protects them from the plaque film from adhering. It is just squirted on the back teeth and the mouth held closed for a minute while you gently massage their jowls, which will spread it around. It doesn't taste pleasant, so it is usually flavored.
Dogs have to be put under with anesthesia in order to have their teeth worked on, and that comes with inherent risks, so do your best to be consistent with cleaning your dog's teeth.
For more information, you will want to visit http://www.loop494vet.com.
Share7 May 2017
Having your pets spayed and neutered is more important than most people realize. Not only does it help manage the pet population, but it can help your pet's behavior and protect them from unwanted and unsafe pregnancies. Our blog is all about spaying and neutering pets. You will learn about the procedure, the benefits and even the potential risks of having it done. Hopefully, the information that we have included here will help you come to an educated decision about whether your pet should be spayed or neutered. Take your time to read through everything compiled here and you should have little question about the procedure.
