| Dental care is important responsibility for pet owners, | | | | an oral hygiene solution to the water. These products |
| but too many owners are not familiar with the steps | | | | are available at pet supply stores and are very |
| to maintaining the dental hygiene of their dog. Your | | | | effective at preventing problems down the road. |
| dogs' mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and | | | | Beyond these simple diet tips, there are other things |
| even though their natural defense systems are very | | | | you can make available that will help your dog |
| effective, certain issues can spiral out of control if | | | | maintain a healthy mouth. There are actually |
| not recognized and treated. | | | | toothpastes and brushes designed specifically for |
| Most diseases of the mouth start with the formation | | | | dogs. While it can take some time for your pet to |
| of gingivitis. This is a reddening or swelling of the | | | | become accustomed to the process, brushing your |
| gums that is often caused by a buildup of plaque and | | | | dogs' teeth for a minute or two each day will help |
| tarter on the teeth. While the initial stages of | | | | their bodies naturally breakdown the buildup of plaque |
| gingivitis are easy to treat, more advanced | | | | and tarter. |
| complications include tooth loss and jaw bone | | | | You can also help keep your dogs' mouth clean by |
| infections. Early warning signs of this condition include | | | | purchasing the right treats and toys. Stay away from |
| bad breath, gum bleeding, and even a change in | | | | products that are soft and sticky since they can |
| eating patterns as a result of mouth pain. | | | | remain in your dogs' mouth for extended periods of |
| Preventing gingivitis and the onset of more severe | | | | time. Also pay attention to ingredients like sugar that |
| conditions can be done by proactively monitoring | | | | do more harm than good. Ideally, you would try a |
| your dogs' dental health. This starts with the type of | | | | treat like carrots, which are both healthy and crunchy. |
| food you feed them. It is important to include plenty | | | | There are also a number of treats made specifically |
| of dry food in the diet. Dry food helps to eliminate | | | | to promote dental health. Just read the ingredients |
| plaque and tarter through the natural chewing | | | | and make sure they do everything they advertise. |
| process. Even if your dog typically eats canned food, | | | | If you do run into a dental concern with your dog, |
| you can integrate a dry option by mixing it with the | | | | the best step is to talk with your veterinarian. They |
| canned products or by offering canned food at only | | | | will examine your dog and recommend the best |
| one of their meals. | | | | treatment plan. In some cases this will include a |
| Water is another essential part of doggie dental care | | | | professional cleaning. This can involve putting your |
| since it provides the fluoride used to strengthen the | | | | dog to sleep and working extensively on their mouth. |
| teeth. Tap water is actually more beneficial than | | | | While this can procedure can be stressful for both |
| bottled water because it contains a much higher level | | | | you and your pet, starting with a clean slate will |
| of fluoride. The average sized dog should drink | | | | make it easier to implement a long-term dental |
| between two and four cups of water a day. You can | | | | strategy. |
| add even more benefits to drinking water by adding | | | | |