By now we’ve probably all seen -- and rolled our eyes or had a good laugh at -- the doggy-dentures TV commercial. All kidding aside, dogs’ teeth indeed need regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar build-up. Neglecting to do so can lead to an array of dental problems including gingivitis, tooth decay, and tooth loss. If left untreated, gingivitis will develop into periodontal disease; then the gums will begin to break down increasing the risk of bacteria entering your pet’s bloodstream. Research from the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) has found 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by the age of three. Studies have shown dogs with poor dental health are more likely to suffer with heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease.
With some diligence on your part, your fur baby and your wallet will thank you in the long run. Brushing a dog’s teeth is really a matter of getting your puppy (ideally the earlier you start this good habit the better) -- or an older dog -- accustomed to you playing with his or her mouth. In this case you can teach an old dog new “tricks,” particularly by incorporating treat training into the process and never forgetting to deliver a small and healthy reward after each brushing.
Various Methods
There are a few ways to accomplish the task. One is to take a small gauze pad and put a few drops of water and some baking soda on it. Gently rub the treated pad on the teeth. An easy method is to put the pad between your thumb and forefinger. Put your fingers over each tooth and rub to remove all debris and plaque. Be sure to gently rub the gauze on the dog’s gums to remove anything that has adhered to them.
Another popular method is to apply hydrogen peroxide to a soft cloth, along with some baking soda. Scrub each tooth by rolling your index finger and thumb on it. Wipe the gums carefully but do not rub hard and cause an irritation, which may result in an abscess.
Some pups actually enjoy having their owners use a water pic designed for pets, which helps remove debris from between the teeth. Dogs usually like the water pressure on their gums as well. Removing the build-up on the gums will help promote good dental health.
There are also various products on the market and available in veterinarians’ offices such as tooth-brushing devices and flavored toothpastes specifically for pets.
Just Do It
Just make sure you clean, clean, clean -- consistently -- so you and your dog reap all the benefits:
- Teeth and gums will be cleaner and healthier, which leads to a healthier body.
- Save money on veterinary bills.
- No more “doggy breath.”
Without proper dental hygiene and brushing, your dog could be looking at having teeth extracted, which leads to problems when eating and digesting food. In reality, there are no canine dentures, so it’s essential you do all you can to ensure good health before it’s too late.
For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.
Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
