Whether you have a dog or not, you want to make sure you take care of their teeth. There are several ways to keep your dog’s dental health in tip top shape.
Brushing your dog’s teeth
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is essential for good dental health. The bacteria found in plaque build up and can lead to gum disease and bad breath. A regular brushing of your dog’s teeth can help prevent these problems.
It is important to find a way to make the process comfortable for your pet. If your dog is reluctant to cooperate, you may need to get some help.
A good way to start is to offer a healthy treat after brushing. You can do this by offering a treat that has a plaque-busting enzyme. You can also add the enzyme to your dog’s food to improve dental hygiene.
After the treat has been offered, take a toothbrush and add a few drops of toothpaste. The toothpaste you choose should be a safe option. It’s best to use a brand that is trusted. Some examples include Nylabone’s Advanced Oral Care Water Additive or TropiClean’s Fresh Breath water additive.
When cleaning your dog’s teeth, you should focus on the front teeth, and then the back. These are the teeth where the plaque accumulates the fastest.
Mouthwashes
Using a mouthwash for dog dental health is an excellent way to keep your pooch’s teeth in good shape. It helps control plaque, freshens breath, soothes gums, and eliminates bad breath.
There are many different mouthwashes for dogs on the market. The best choice is a natural formula that is xylitol-free. You will also want to make sure that the product is safe to use on your pet.
A mouthwash for dog dental health should have a strong antiseptic component. Some of the most effective include chlorhexidine and zinc. The antiseptic component will help to kill bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath.
For those of you who prefer to go the more natural route, consider adding a little edible peppermint oil to your dog’s water bowl. You may also try making a dog mouthwash from a combination of natural ingredients.
Another great product is the Arm & Hammer Advanced Care Dog Breath Strips. These are a perfect solution for when you’re on the go.
Professional assessment of periodontal health
Despite the growing awareness of the prevalence of canine periodontal disease, research into the professional assessment of dog periodontal health is limited. There are a number of reasons for this. One of the main issues is the lack of standardised scoring systems.
The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) uses a five-stage PD scoring system to assess periodontal disease. This is based on an oral examination and radiographs taken during anesthetics. The stages are descriptive and only provide a general indication of the disease. The stages are I, II, III, IV, and IV.
Some studies have shown that smaller breeds of dogs are more susceptible to periodontitis. This is partly due to their smaller size and crowded dentition. But other factors also contribute to the difference in disease severity.
In addition to age, genetics and diet are important factors that contribute to the development of canine periodontal disease. Grooming habits, orthodontic occlusion, and home care are other factors.
Periodontal probing and radiographs are important in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They are expensive and time-consuming in large numbers of animals.
Signs of a loss of appetite
Taking your dog to the vet for an examination is important if he or she is displaying signs of a loss of appetite. This may be due to a serious underlying medical condition, or it could be something as simple as an upset stomach.
Your veterinarian will ask about the dog’s recent behavior, dietary changes, and any changes in the environment. They will also perform a physical exam and check the dog’s teeth. If there are any symptoms of a dental problem, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.
If your dog’s mouth is inflamed, you might notice bleeding or fractured teeth. Your dog might also be apprehensive about eating, and may chew only on the non-painful side of his mouth. If your dog is on pain medication, he or she may be afraid of touching his head.
Some dogs lose their appetites for short periods of time, such as after going on a trip or when a new family member moves in. If your dog is not eating for more than 24 hours, you should see your veterinarian immediately.