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