Does your canine buddy’s breath make you wince when he gives you an affectionate lick? Fido isn’t exactly renowned for having minty fresh breath, but his doggy smooches shouldn’t leave you green, either. Bad breath can be a sign of many medical issues, but it’s also often a marker for doggy dental woes. Read on as a local Austin TX vet offers some advice on taking care of Fido’s not-so-pearly-whites.
What Is The Best Way To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Teeth?
Fido can’t exactly brush his own teeth, and he can’t make himself an appointment with the dentist. You’ll need to make sure his choppers are in good shape.
Here are some of the things you can do:
Brush: You’ll need to get your furry friend onboard with this process, which may take a little while. Start slow, by just gently massaging Fido’s teeth. You may need to sweeten the deal a bit, so be sure to offer treats and praise. Once he’s gotten used to that, you can move to the next step: using a doggy toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Don’t try to use human products on your pet. Our toothbrushes are angled wrong for dogs, and our toothpastes contain ingredients that aren’t safe for him. You’ll probably do best if you choose a yummy flavored toothpaste, like beef or chicken.
Once Fido has gotten used to it, you don’t have to brush all of his teeth every day. Just do one section at a time and keep rotating. He’ll still benefit!
Veterinary Exams: Your canine buddy should have his choppers checked by a vet at least once a year, starting around the age of one. You’d of course also need to make an appointment right away if you notice any signs that something may be wrong. Fido may eventually need a deep cleaning. If you notice heavy tartar, it’s safe to assume this needs to happen.
Proper Diet: A good doggy diet is important for every aspect of your pup’s health and well-being. It’s also good for his teeth! One thing about kibble versus canned food is that kibble is sometimes better for Fido’s teeth, as it is somewhat better at scraping away food particles and plaque. However, there are a lot of things to consider when sorting out your pup’s menu.
Chew Toys: Did you know that chewing is actually good for Fido’s oral health? It promotes the flow of saliva, and also helps to keep his muscles strong. Just be sure to only offer safe, appropriate chew toys.
This is something you’d want to check with your vet on, as some of the recommendations may vary from pup to pup. For instance, rawhide can be dangerous for voracious chewers, as it can break into shards. This, of course, is not something that is safe for your pet to swallow. It’s best to err on the side of caution here, and stick with something safer.
Water Additives: You can also get your canine pal oral rinses, which you would add to his water bowl. These can also help prevent plaque formation, and can also help with killing germs.
Dog Dental Powders: Powders and flakes are another option. These are products that you would add to your pet’s food. They will help remove plaque and food particles as your pup chews.
Raw Bones: Raw bones are also a bit controversial. As you probably know, cooked bones are extremely dangerous for dogs. They can break into small pieces, which can be extremely sharp and can cause serious—and potentially life-threatening—internal injuries. Raw bones aren’t as prone to breaking, but do carry a risk of germs. Ask your vet for advice on this.
Dental Treats: Your canine pal may also enjoy some doggy dental treats. Ask your vet to recommend some. Just don’t go overboard. Obesity is another big issue we see in many of our canine patients!
What Are Some Common Dental Issues In Dogs?
Fido is susceptible to many of the same dental problems as we humans can have, as well as a few others.
Here are some other things we often see in Man’s Best Friend:
Gum Disease: is very prevalent in dogs. In fact, as many as 80 percent of pooches over three have it. This is dangerous, because the infection can be carried from your pet’s mouth to his vital organs, via his bloodstream. Gum disease has been linked to some very serious health issues, such as heart disease and liver/kidney problems, in bothe people and pets.
Fractured Teeth: Fido loves playing with balls and sticks. This is really cute, but it does have a downside. As you can probably imagine, this makes him susceptible to cracking or fracturing his teeth. Choose safe, suitable toys.
Misalignments (Malocclusion): Just like people, dogs sometimes have issues with the way their teeth line up. Fido can have overbites or underbites. This isn’t a cosmetic issue—your pup will still be adorable with a crooked grin. However, it can cause issues with him being able to chew properly, which can in turn affect his digestion and nourishment.
Abscesses: If you’ve ever had an abscess, you know how painful they can be. That is true for dogs as well. These can also be quite dangerous. Any infection so near to the brain has the potential to become very serious.
What Are The Signs Of Doggy Dental Disease?
Your canine buddy isn’t able to tell you if there is something going on with his teeth, so it’s important for you to keep an eye out, and watch for warning signs.
These include the following:
Bad Breath
As mentioned above, you probably wouldn’t expect Fido’s breath to smell fresh and minty. Extremely bad breath can be a sign of tooth decay and/or gum disease, though. It can also be an indication of other medical issues, such as diabetes.
Bloody/Ropy Drool
Some of our canine buddies are a bit slobbery. However, excessive drool can be a warning sign, as is drool that looks ropy, stringy, or bloody.
Visible Tartar
Fido’s teeth probably won’t be blindingly white, but yellow and brown gunky buildup are definitely not good. These are often indicative of dental issues, particularly gum disease, and are a sign that, at the very least, your pooch needs a good cleaning.
Swelling
Swelling is a sign of infection, which can be extremely painful for your furry friend. As mentioned earlier, swelling on the face or head is always a concern, because it is so close to the brain.
Changes In Eating Habits
If Fido’s teeth are hurting, it could very well affect how well he can eat and chew. Your pet may chew on one side of his mouth, dribble food, take longer eating, or even start avoiding hard foods.
Grumpiness
Dental issues are no fun for anyone, and definitely aren’t going to be much of a mood boost. Fido may seem uncharacteristically morose or sullen.
Make An Appointment At Your Austin TX Pet Hospital
Do you know or suspect that your canine pal has dental problems? Has it been a while since Fido had his teeth checked? Please feel free to reach out to us anytime. As your Austin TX pet clinic, we are here to help!
