Dental Care for Dogs

Like humans, dogs too need proper dental care. Dogs develop dental problems usually at the age of three. Read to know more about dental care for dogs.

What can lead to dental problems in dogs? Chewing hard objects may damage your dog's teeth. Sugary treats fed to dogs cause cavities in their teeth as well. Pet dogs sometimes get frustrated and bored and they start chewing on fences that cause ridge like wear and tear on its canine dentition. Braces are required for some dogs in order to straighten their teeth, so that dogs do not face any problems while opening and closing their mouths. If proper care is taken, gum and teeth diseases can be prevented in dogs. Given below are some common canine tooth problems and their possible prevention and cure methods as a part of the best dental care for dogs.

Dental Problems and Treatments for Dogs

Prevention of Dental Plaque Formation

Plaque formation occurs due to the deposition of bacteria and food particles in between teeth. Plaque remains soft at first and then gradually becomes hard and turns brown in color. This brown plaque formation is called tartar. If not taken care of, tartar affects the gingival tissues (gums) and causes infection. The gums start swelling and the gum area becomes red in color. As a result, the tooth starts decaying and falls off. Dental cleaning is therefore a must for dogs to remove the stains and layers of plaque, caused above and below the gum lines. Massaging the gums slowly with a tooth cloth and using mouth rinses are part of the dental dog care. Oral rinses which contain chlorhexidin helps reduce the bacterial infections caused in the gums and also reduces the formation of plaque.

Prevention of Bad Breath

Bad breath is observed in different types of dogs depending on the food they consume. Dogs are prone to dental diseases. Bacterial infection in gums leads to periodontal diseases in dogs. Bad breath, called halitosis, may occur due to such infections. It is necessary that a dog's teeth are brushed regularly as a part of canine dental care. Dogs usually prefer the taste of meat flavored toothpaste. You can try C.E.T poultry flavored toothpaste to brush your pet's teeth. Brush their teeth in a slow and circular motion along the gum lines. If brushing is not done properly bacteria present in the gums move to the bloodstream and cause diseases that affect the other organs of the body. Antibiotics are given to the dogs in order to prevent further infections, only after consulting a veterinarian. Sometimes, it is observed that there is a change in dog behavior, if it is suffering from some dental health problem.

Prevention of Gum Diseases

Gum stimulation is mandatory in dogs to keep the gums away from diseases. Dog foods and dog biscuits are useful as they prevent the formation of tartar in dogs and scrape the teeth, to remove food particles and keep it clean. Dogs should be provided with dental chews, like toys, which can be found in pet stores. These dental chews encourage gum stimulation and improve chewing in dogs. Dental hygiene is an important part of dental care in dogs. This is how gum diseases in dogs can be prevented.

Tooth Scaling and Polishing

Canine dental cleaning is done by an expert veterinarian. The procedure includes pre-anesthesia blood tests, tooth scaling and tooth polishing. Pre-anesthesia blood tests are done to check whether the other organs of the body are functioning properly. General anesthesia is given sometimes depending upon the condition of the tooth. Tooth scaling is done to remove the brown scales and tartar accumulation. This process requires ultrasonic cleaning instruments. Tooth polishing is finally done to prevent plaques to build up again along the gum lines.

Treatment of Craniomandibular Osteopathy

This disorder is seen in young dogs where there is an elongation of bones in the mandibles and in temporal regions. It is usually seen in dogs aged below one year. This disorder causes excessive pain in the jaws. Dogs face difficulty in moving the jaws while chewing and eating. They drool and start losing weight. This can be treated with painkillers like cortisone and aspirin. It is always better to consult a veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog. This disorder can be treated if taken care of in time.

Home Dental Care for Dogs

Home dental care for dogs is gaining importance because of the growing dental problems in dogs. Special dog foods and toys can be bought from pet stores and given to dogs for cleaning of the teeth more efficiently. Special kind of toothpaste, tooth brushes and dental wipes are used to remove the loosely attached food particles from the teeth. Never try to apply human toothpaste on their teeth, as human toothpaste contains sodium that will adversely affect a dog's teeth. It is always good to undertake dental care for dogs under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Some of the tools for natural dental care for dogs include pork hide bones which are digestible and good for their teeth. These are completely made up of pork hide and help in cleaning the teeth, by rubbing against the gums. Gourmet dental treats can be given to dogs which contain phosphorus and calcium that are essential for the growth of strong bones and teeth. It is a herbal treat that contains parsley leaves for freshening the breath. This is how you can do dental care for dogs.