Check Your Dog’s Dental Health

Read this post by Cherryl Anne Cruz:

Do you know that dogs need to have their pearly-whites checked, too? Itâ??s true. Sometimes, we get so busy exercising, grooming and bathing them that we forget one single thing: Their teeth!

The truth is, dental hygiene is as important to your dogâ??s wellbeing as his exercise and mealtimes, and sadly, many dog owners forget this fact. Somehow, they think that bad breath or discoloration is quite normal with dogs — but itâ??s really not. We all make a big deal of bad breath and plaque, right? Then why shouldnâ??t we do that with our dogs, too?

Remember this: Spotting early dental problems can help avoid the onset of other diseases. For instance, plaque causes bacteria to grow and corrode the teeth and gums. Not only that, it may affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidney as well. Therefore, proper inspection of their teeth is a must.

One simple way to do it is to inspect their teeth regularly and look for unusual signs that may show possible problems. The correct way to examine their teeth is to check their front and back teeth as meticulously as possible. Also check for bad breath and other unusual smells coming from its mouth. In general, look for the following indicators:

Halitosis (bad breath)
Difficulty or reluctance in chewing
Profuse salivation
Red and/or puffy gums
Gum bleeding
Tartar (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
Loose or missing teeth
Other indicators of possible problems

There are many ways you can do to maintain your dogs dental health. Try to introduce brushing to your dog when he is still a puppy. This way, he will be used to this habit all his life. Also, take note of the following tips:

Use only enzymatic toothpaste customized for dogs. Human toothpaste is not allowed!
Use a finger brush or any long toothbrush designed for dogs. When you start brushing their teeth, try using the finger brush technique first, as this can help in his transitioning to hard brushes.

If all else fails, you can use oral rinses made for dogs, or other dental treats that they can chew on. Avoid giving real bones to your dogs, as it can lead to tooth fractures and gastric upsets.

Always remember that your dog deserves the best care he can possibly get. It only requires so little compared to the love and companionship that he will give you for the rest of your life.