Cherryl Anne Cruz is an Information Science graduate and a Communications Trainer. She is also a professional writer and has written numerous articles and instructional materials for entertainment, lifestyle, finance, automobile and travel magazines. She loves books, nature, animals and the arts. She is currently an online volunteer for the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, and plans to expand her influence by coercing Donald Trump to donate his hairstylist to PETA and the Animal Rights Movement.
Do you know that dogs need to have their pearly-whites checked, too? It’s true. Sometimes, we get so busy exercising, grooming and bathing them that we forget one single thing: Their teeth!
The truth is, dental hygiene is as important to your dog’s wellbeing as his exercise and mealtimes, and sadly, many dog owners forget this fact. Somehow, they think that bad breath or discoloration is quite normal with dogs -- but it’s really not. We all make a big deal of bad breath and plaque, right? Then why shouldn’t we do that with our dogs, too?
Remember this: Spotting early dental problems can help avoid the onset of other diseases. For instance, plaque causes bacteria to grow and corrode the teeth and gums. Not only that, it may affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidney as well. Therefore, proper inspection of their teeth is a must.
One simple way to do it is to inspect their teeth regularly and look for unusual signs that may show possible problems. The correct way to examine their teeth is to check their front and back teeth as meticulously as possible. Also check for bad breath and other unusual smells coming from its mouth. In general, look for the following indicators:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Difficulty or reluctance in chewing
- Profuse salivation
- Red and/or puffy gums
- Gum bleeding
- Tartar (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
- Loose or missing teeth
- Other indicators of possible problems
There are many ways you can do to maintain your dog’s dental health. Try to introduce brushing to your dog when he is still a puppy. This way, he will be used to this habit all his life. Also, take note of the following tips:
- Use only enzymatic toothpaste customized for dogs. Human toothpaste is not allowed!
- Use a “finger brush” or any long toothbrush designed for dogs. When you start brushing their teeth, try using the finger brush technique first, as this can help in his transitioning to hard brushes.
- If all else fails, you can use oral rinses made for dogs, or other dental treats that they can chew on. Avoid giving real bones to your dogs, as it can lead to tooth fractures and gastric upsets.
Always remember that your dog deserves the best care he can possibly get. It only requires so little compared to the love and companionship that he will give you for the rest of your life.
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