Taking Care Of Your Canine's Canines

Brushing your teeth at least once a day is part of your daily routine and the same should be said for your dog. And why not? Just like us, dogs can develop dental disease as a result of tartar buildup on their teeth.

The real danger of tartar buildup, also known as calculus, is that it can lead to gum disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 85 percent of all dogs over the age of 4 years old have some form of gum disease.

What happens is that the tartar adheres to the dog’s tooth and ends up under the gum. If the tartar isn’t removed, it eventually pushes the gums away from the roots of the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can take hold. This can cause an infection, which can lead to gum disease.

But gum disease isn’t the only dental danger for your pooch. The lack of proper dental care can also cause your dog to develop conditions such as gingivitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis. These are serious illnesses that can cause bad breath, tooth loss, and, worst of all, bacterial infections, which can spread to vital organs, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver.

To know if your dog is suffering from poor dental care, look for symptoms like mouth odor or bleeding and swollen gums. He may also experience pain when he eats.

What Your Doc Can Do
Preventative care is the key to keeping your dog’s mouth healthy. When you take your dog to the veterinarian for his annual check-up, make sure it includes a thorough dental exam. If your veterinarian sees a buildup of tartar on your dog’s teeth, he or she will recommend a dental cleaning.

Most veterinarians recommend putting your dog under anesthesia to perform the cleaning because it will allow them to get well under the gumline to remove accumulated tartar. However, some veterinarians refer patients to dental technicians who are trained to perform tooth cleaning without anesthesia. This type of cleaning is usually recommended for dogs with minimal tartar buildup and is best suited for those who are well behaved and cooperative.

What You Can Do
In addition to periodic cleanings by your veterinarian, home dental care is also extremely important. The following steps can help you keep your dog’s teeth in good condition:

• Brush your dog’s teeth every day. You can use a piece of gauze wrapped around your index finger or a canine toothbrush from a pet supply store. Be sure to use toothpaste made especially for dogs (also available at pet supply stores), since dogs swallow after brushing instead of rinsing.
   
• Provide your dog with chewables that will help clean his teeth as he plays. Rawhide chews, bones packaged for dogs and specially made dental chews can all help remove tartar as your dog gnaws on them. Rawhide, in particular, serves as a natural toothbrush, helping to promote plaque and tartar reduction while satisfying your dog’s need to chew. Be sure to choose a rawhide chew that is appropriately sized for your dog (the bigger the better so he can’t swallow it whole) and as always, supervise your pet whenever he chews.
   
• Include dry kibble in your dog’s diet. Coarse food can help scrape away tartar as your dog eats. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dry food for your dog. Remember to make dietary changes slowly to avoid upsetting your dog’s digestive system.