Dental Care For Your DogProper dental care is just as important to your dog's overall health as things like nutrition, exercise and grooming. Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked because many people seem to just expect critters to have bad breath, and few people make time to brush their dog's teeth. The Dangers of Poor Dental Health You'd think Golden Retrievers would have healthy teeth just from all the chewing they love to do.But they can still develop gum disease and tooth decay, just like humans. Food particles, bacteria, and debris build up at the gum line and under the gums to form plaque. Plaque accumulates on the teeth and hardens into yellow or brown tartar (also called calculus). Plaque can cause many dental problems, from mild discomfort and bad breath to receding gums, periodontal disease, maybe a tooth abscess, and even loss of teeth. As if all that wasn't bad enough, nearby blood vessels can carry the bacteria throughout the body where it can damage your dog's liver, heart, and kidneys. Dental hygiene involves keeping your dog's mouth clean in order to prevent these health problems. It's something you need to do for your dog, because he can't do it for himself. Warning Signs of Dental DiseasePracticing good dental care and noticing problems early can help avoid severe dental disease. Watch for these warning signs:
Besides being stricken with dental disease, your dog can also injure his mouth. One of the most common character traits of a Golden Retriever is the desire to carry things around in his mouth. He's often not particular what that "thing" is, and it could just as easily be sticks and rocks. That's why it's important to check his mouth frequently for any possible cuts or even a broken tooth. Brushing Dog Teeth -- The Best Form of Dental CareBrushing your dog's teeth is a cinch if you start when he's a puppy. It just becomes part of his regular grooming routine. But if you never got around to it, or you adopted an older dog, it's never too late to start brushing teeth. Here's an easy way to go about it.You can also wrap a damp washcloth around your finger and rub his gums and teeth that way. Gradually increase the amount of time you work in his mouth every day. Next, put a little doggy toothpaste on your finger and let him lick it off. It comes in yummy flavors like chicken, beef, and peanut butter. (Never use people toothpaste, as it can make your dog sick.) Then put a dab on the washcloth or dog toothbrush and let him lick it off. "Good stuff!" If you want to, you can start out with a fingertip toothbrush to help your dog get used to having your hands in his mouth. A fingertip toothbrush has short, rubber bristles on one side of the fingertip pad. It's not recommended for long-term use, however, because the little rubber nubbins can't get below the gum line to sweep away plaque the way bristles can.
Gently pull back your dog's lips and begin brushing. Use short, back-and-forth or circular strokes at the gum line on the outside of the teeth. This is where tartar and plaque are most likely to form. Very little periodontal disease develops on the inside surface of the teeth since the tongue keeps this area clean. Don't be alarmed if the gums bleed a bit at first. That will stop as the gums become healthier. Brush only a few teeth the first time, and add a few more teeth each time. It's OK if he swallows the toothpaste. That's why you're using a specially designed dog toothpaste--because it won't hurt him. Remember to keep these sessions brief and fun for your dog, rewarding him when you're done so he learns to enjoy the process. Other Dog Dental Care TipsBesides brushing your dog's teeth on a regular basis, here are a few other ways to provide easy dental care for your dog:
Plaque begins to turn into tartar within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Realistically, brushing your dog's teeth even two or three times a week will help prevent tartar from forming and will also alert you quickly to any injuries, broken teeth, or other problems in his mouth. Dental Care From VeterinariansYour veterinarian will check your dog's mouth for tooth or gum disease during annual checkups.In addition, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended occasionally. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog's teeth and gums will be examined closely for major cavities and other problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished to remove plaque and tartar on all surfaces, including below the gum line. If your dog requires a tooth extraction, this would be a convenient time to take care of it. The cost of professional care for your dog's teeth can be eased a bit if you have pet dental insurance. Many pet insurance companies offer an option for dental coverage. It may be worth checking into, especially if your dog has a tendency toward gum disease or tooth decay. Dental Care Can Increase Your Dog's Life Expectancy Studies show that regular dental examinations and cleanings at your vet, combined with regular tooth brushing at home, can add up to five years to your dog's life. Starting at a young age and establishing a good routine will make dental care a positive experience for both you and your lovely Golden Retriever. It's just one more way to help prevent illness and discomfort. Here's the bottom line: the sooner you start with a program to keep your dog's teeth and mouth healthy, the better. It's never too late to start! Search here for more information on Golden Retrievers |
Now that you've introduced Fido to the toothbrush, you're ready to begin.
