Doggy Dental
Even though dental care for dogs is a rather new notion for many of us, it is hurriedly becoming a significantly growing field of medicine. This is due to the fact that people are beginning to recognize the value of giving their beloved pets longer—and healthier—lives. If you are inexperienced with dental care for your dog, or if you are a new dog owner, then it will benefit you to have a broad understanding of canine dental care.
Dogs are not like us by any stretch of the imagination, but we do have a very few things in common. You acknowledge that brushing your teeth often, going to the dentist now and then, and daily oral care are essential parts of your mouth’s health. Dogs’ mouths require the same dedication, on a daily basis just like ours.
Just like ours, if a dog’s teeth are uncared for, over time, they will begin to deteriorate. Again like us, poor dental care will cause pain, discomfort, and even illness for a dog. This generally occurs in three distinct stages:
Plaque accumulates on the teeth.
This is basically the breakdown of sugars and other food particles on the teeth/gums, and it produces bacteria. This is occurring continuously, but is decreased somewhat by eating particular foods, chewing, and drinking water.
Plaque hardens into tartar.
Tartar is an extremely hard, mineralized material that attaches to the teeth. The tartar build-up ultimately brings about gingivitis, a disease recognizable by red or inflamed gums, terrible breath, and infrequently bleeding gums.
Periodontal disease sets in.
When tartar reaches a certain level, it begins a slow spread under the gums, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets are prime environments for bacterial reproduction. The damage done from periodontal disease cannot be undone, and normally includes abscesses, infections, and even tooth loss.
The most significant danger from periodontal disease is the capability for bacteria to invade the bloodstream. If and/or when this happens, the dog could suffer infections in the cardiovascular system and kidneys. The age of the dog becomes a factor here, as the older the dog is, the worse and more dangerous this situation becomes. It is so serious that it can cause fatality if the condition is not treated. This is another reason that proper dental care for your dog is so important.
Your dog’s dental healthcare should, of course, begin at home. You must give your dog daily oral exams if at all possible, especially active dogs or dogs who chew a great deal. Carefully watch for symptoms of disease or injury: discolored or bleeding gums, chipped or broken teeth, irritated lips or gums, and so on. Anything unusual should be mentioned to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Next, brush your dog’s teeth each day. You can find what you need to do this at any pet store, online, or by asking your veterinarian. Offer your dog toys and food that support tartar prevention, particularly snack food such as dog bones/treats.
Besides frequent home exams and care, your dog needs annual or bi-annual vet visits. Your vet will undertake routine dental cleanings, which will include the following:
An oral exam. More thorough than the daily one we can do from home.
X-rays that are designed to ensure that the teeth can handle an intense cleaning and screen for abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Ultrasonic or manual cleaning, depending on the vet. Your dog will sleep through this due to anesthesia, but it is vital toward removing the tartar that builds up on the teeth.
Tools with rotary brushing heads remove scratches and similar surface imperfections that are ideal bacterial breeding grounds.
By being responsible to care for your dog’s dental health care, your pet is given a longer, healthier, and happier life in the long run. Dental insurance is even offered for your dog in order to support dog owners in the fight against tooth decay, tooth loss, and periodontal disease. Get a quote from your current health or dental insurance provider, or simply type “Pet Health Insurance” into your chosen search engine to find out more details. Most importantly, don’t disregard those daily brushings; your dog will thank you for them!
Make sure you have all the correct supplies for your dog including Garmin Astro 220 Tracking Collar and Innotek ADV Dog Collar.
