Did you know that your dog is five times more likely to get gum disease than a human? Some estimates say that up to 80 percent of dogs over three years old have gum disease. Here are a few tips on your doggy’s dental health from your vet clinic Myrtle Beach: Canine mouths are very alkaline, which supports plaque formation. This, along with the fact that most pooches don’t have their teeth brushed daily, makes dogs highly susceptible to gum disease. Once your dog develops gum disease, his gums will slowly become more and more inflamed, and will begin to recede. In its early phases, the disease is painless, and thus, asymptomatic, but as the disease progresses, poor Fido could end up with loose or missing teeth. He could also have quite a bit of pain. Even worse, dental disease can contribute heavily to other diseases and conditions, such as kidney and heart disease.
Symptoms
The number one sign of poor dental health in dogs is bad breath. Other symptoms include heavy drooling, cysts, loose teeth, and, in severe cases, lack of interest in food.
Brushing
If brushing Fido’s teeth results in a battle of wills, it may be time to change your tactics. You don’t necessarily have to brush all of your pup’s mouth at once. Even doing one quadrant a day will help. To get your furry pal used to having his teeth brushed, start slowly by playing with and massaging his lips and gums. Keep the sessions short, and always end with a treat. After your pup has grown used to this, then you can move on to the toothbrush stage. Use a doggy toothpaste, and start slow by just doing a few teeth at a time.
Dental Bones
Some doggy treats are made to help reduce and remove plaque. It may take a bit of trial and error to find one your canine buddy loves. After dinner is a great time to give your pup a dental bone.
Chew Toys
Dogs chew out of habit, but it’s a habit with a good reason behind it: chewing keeps canine mouths and jaws in shape. It also stimulates saliva, which will help keep Fido’s mouth clean. Make sure your dog always has quality chew toys.
Treats
Just like with people, some dogs favor treats that aren’t that great for their teeth. Table scraps can form plaque quite easily. Try to avoid feeding him soft, fatty foods. Your dog’s dental health can make a huge impact on his overall health and well-being. As your vet clinic Myrtle Beach, we are here to answer all your questions, so don’t hesitate to call us anytime. Please click here for more pet care articles.
