Dental Care for Dogs
By: Kirsten Hawkins
Some people don’t realize that dental hygiene is as important for dogs as
it is for human beings. Just like in people, dogs’ teeth can gather plaque
after eating. When plaque builds up and hardens it becomes a coarse brown
substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates it can work its way under
the gums and cause painful infections and gum disease. This goes on in the
mouths of dogs just like it does in people. You brush your teeth every day,
probably three times. What does your dog do?
Teeth Brushing for Doggies
Veterinarians recommend that dog owners brush their dog’s teeth at least
twice a week to keep the buildup of tartar at a minimum. Most pet supply
stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs.
Remember that a dog’s sense of taste and smell is far more acute than that
of a human and the zesty, tingly, mint taste of toothpastes for people will
be extremely awful to a dog. Try brushing Rover’s teeth with Crest just once
and it will likely be the last time he lets you anywhere near him with a
toothbrush. Use the specially designed doggie toothpaste.
Dental Chew
Some people don’t have the time or patience to brush their dogs’ teeth on a
regular basis. If you’re one of these, you’ll want to care for Chopper’s choppers
in another way. A dog’s natural tendency to chew is a built-in dental care
mechanism. Dog biscuits break into small chunks when chewed and rub against
the teeth, providing a cleaning service. There’s no substitute for brushing
your dog’s teeth, but if you can’t do that, make sure he gets some sort of
crunchy dog biscuit on a regular basis.
Mouth Diseases in Dogs
Dogs that do not receive proper dental care and do not have access to crunchy
teeth cleaning foods run the risk of several types of mouth disease. These can
be as mild as gingivitis (a gum disease that results in swollen, inflamed gums)
and as serious as a bacterial infection that can spread through the dog’s
bloodstream causing damage to vital organs. You owe it to yourself and your
dog to take care of his teeth.
Doggie Dentistry
Dental services are available for dogs, just like they are for people. A dog’s
teeth can be filled, capped, and extracted if necessary, just like a human’s.
The best course of action, however, is to avoid the need for such services by
properly caring for your dog’s teeth. If you can avoid unnecessary pain and
discomfort for your furry friend, you should do so. Preventative doggie dental
care can save you money as well. Doggie dental procedures can be quite costly.
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Article Source: www.articlecity.com
About the author Kirsten Hawkins
Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN.
Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/
for more information on dog health,
the care of dogs, and dog travel.
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