The Importance of Doggie Dental Hygiene
Just like us, dogs can develop tooth and gum disease, they can also suffer from halitosis (bad breath) resulting from poor dental hygiene. Many people believe it’s normal for a dog to have doggie breath but it isn’t!
You should check your dog’s teeth on a daily basis to look for signs of dental problems. Red or inflamed gums are a sign of gingivitis (gum disease). Bleeding gums and reluctance to chew are also signs of dental problems. Missing or loose teeth and tartar buildup are all signs that your dog needs to go to the vet.
Dental problems can lead to life threatening conditions such as liver and kidney disease if neglected. Bacteria and infection can spread from the gums into the bloodstream and make your dog seriously ill. Never take your dog’s dental hygiene lightly.
To prevent dental problems in your dog you should brush his teeth regularly. Never use human toothpaste as it can make your dog seriously ill. There are enzymatic toothpastes specially formulated for use on dogs readily available at most pet shops.
A great way to introduce your dog to brushing is by using a finger brush. These are designed to be worn on the finger and you can use them to gently massage your dog’s teeth and gums without causing him the added stress of having to deal with a hard brush.
Keep your initial sessions very short and be sure to amply praise your dog when you’ve finished. Fido will soon come to regard his daily dental routine as a pleasant experience. Never lose your temper at your dog when cleaning his teeth; this will only enforce his belief that tooth brushing is an unpleasant ordeal.
Providing your dog with rawhide chews and crunchy treats will also help in reducing the risk of tooth and gum disease in your dog. Pet shops even carry special treats designed to help clean your dog’s teeth. Oral rinses made for dogs are another option you should try to incorporate into your dog’s dental health regimen.
You should have your vet examine your dog’s teeth regularly because sometimes, despite your best efforts your dog may require professional dental care. A professional dental cleaning requires general anesthesia and as you may know anesthesia carries its own health risks so try to avoid having to resort to that by being as diligent in your dog’s dental hygiene as you are with yours.
Jeff likes to write on diverse subjects and has been doing so for several years. His most recent web page is http://kitchenaidblenderparts.org which provides people with information on KitchenAid blender replacement parts.
Author: Jeff Enfield
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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