Many people do not realize the importance of caring for their dog's teeth. As dogs age, the
need for dental care increases. The best way to ensure proper dental health for your dog is to
start while they are very young.
Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog owner to
desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian is always
going to need to examine your dog's mouth and you do not want to have problems with this.
The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it
when you first get your pup. Make sure to touch the lips, open the mouth, and touch the teeth
in a calm and relaxing way for about five minutes each day until your pup is used to being
handled in this way. Make this a regular part of your interaction with your dog so he remains
calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental care.
Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog's teeth daily. Many manufacturers make
special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You do not ever want to use human toothpaste on
dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may
want to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth.
Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he shouldn't mind this. You can then try a
finger brush, available at your veterinarian's office or pet supply store. Eventually, especially
for larger breeds, you will want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will
help prevent the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog's teeth.
Another way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog's teeth is by using rawhide chews
specially formulated for dental care. Many companies manufacture these chews. One of the
best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental health products. C.E.T.
chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the
buildup of bacteria. Also, the natural abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy.
C.E.T. also makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.
Some companies also make special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by
your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.
Even with proper preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from
your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you
follow through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through into the
bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections
involving the heart valves.
A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning,
however your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with today's technology
is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used
in human medicine. A thorough exam will be performed to determine if any teeth need to be
pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased
teeth. After this, a trained member of the veterinary staff will perform a dental cleaning. First,
they will scale the teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. This will be done
with both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment. After this, the teeth will be
polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque from adhering to them. Most
veterinarians will also do a fluoride treatment. This is to help strengthen the enamel and
prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull
them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other
intensive dental work. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help
prevent bacterial infection.
It is very important to take good care of your dog's teeth to keep them healthy and to prevent
infections. Always follow your veterinarian's advice and if you have further questions, consult
your veterinary staff or pet professional.
need for dental care increases. The best way to ensure proper dental health for your dog is to
start while they are very young.
Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog owner to
desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian is always
going to need to examine your dog's mouth and you do not want to have problems with this.
The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it
when you first get your pup. Make sure to touch the lips, open the mouth, and touch the teeth
in a calm and relaxing way for about five minutes each day until your pup is used to being
handled in this way. Make this a regular part of your interaction with your dog so he remains
calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental care.
Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog's teeth daily. Many manufacturers make
special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You do not ever want to use human toothpaste on
dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may
want to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth.
Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he shouldn't mind this. You can then try a
finger brush, available at your veterinarian's office or pet supply store. Eventually, especially
for larger breeds, you will want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will
help prevent the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog's teeth.
Another way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog's teeth is by using rawhide chews
specially formulated for dental care. Many companies manufacture these chews. One of the
best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental health products. C.E.T.
chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the
buildup of bacteria. Also, the natural abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy.
C.E.T. also makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.
Some companies also make special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by
your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.
Even with proper preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from
your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you
follow through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through into the
bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections
involving the heart valves.
A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning,
however your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with today's technology
is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used
in human medicine. A thorough exam will be performed to determine if any teeth need to be
pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased
teeth. After this, a trained member of the veterinary staff will perform a dental cleaning. First,
they will scale the teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. This will be done
with both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment. After this, the teeth will be
polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque from adhering to them. Most
veterinarians will also do a fluoride treatment. This is to help strengthen the enamel and
prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull
them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other
intensive dental work. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help
prevent bacterial infection.
It is very important to take good care of your dog's teeth to keep them healthy and to prevent
infections. Always follow your veterinarian's advice and if you have further questions, consult
your veterinary staff or pet professional.
| Dog Dental Care |
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Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com
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