Image Source: Pixabay.com
Did you know that the overall wellness of your canine also
depends on its dental health? If your canine has dental problems,
it will impact its gums and teeth. Over time, it will lead to
infections which can cause organ failure. It's extremely
important that your canine receives treatment for dental problems
so that it can lead a long and healthy life.As a canine owner,
you should take your four-legged friend to the vet regularly for
dental cleanings and checkups. However, there are certain breeds
of canines that are prone to dental problems. If your canine’s
breed happens to be on this list, make sure that you schedule
frequent appointments with your vet for dental health checkups.
Boxers
Although boxers fall under the category of large canines, they
are prone to dental problems such as gingival hyperplasia, which
is thickening or overgrowth of their gums. Gingival hyperplasia
is an inflammatory reaction to bacteria and plaque. Sometimes,
boxers also get gingival hyperplasia due to the side effects of
specific medicines. To treat this problem, the vet will reduce
the plaque and bacteria in the boxer’s mouth. In extreme cases,
the vet will resort to gingivoplasty to restore the boxer’s gums.
Collies
These large herding dogs are also vulnerable to a variety of
dental problems due to the structure of their facial bones. As a
result of this, collies will have overbites as the lower jaw is
smaller than the upper one. Overbites will damage the gums and
teeth of collies because of the difference in upper and lower
jaws. To correct this problem, vets will perform interceptive
orthodontics when collies are puppies. If the collies have
already become an adult, the vets will use crown shortening,
extractions, and orthodontic movement to reduce the side effects
of overbites.
Chihuahuas
Despite being extremely small in size, the mouth of Chihuahuas
has to accommodate 42 teeth. As this is a huge number, Chihuahuas
are prone to overcrowding. In such cases, there will be an
accumulation of food particles in between its teeth. Over time,
it will lead to a buildup of plaque, which can cause periodontal
disease.
Pugs
Pugs are also vulnerable to periodontal disease because of their
extremely short muzzle. Due to the shortage of space, pugs get
affected by malocclusions, a problem where the teeth don’t align
properly. Malocclusions will cause severe pain and trauma to
pugs. On top of that, the teeth of pugs will be overcrowded,
which increases bacterial and plaque buildup, which leads to
periodontal disease. Due to these problems, it is vital that pugs
go for professional dental cleaning on a regular basis.These are
the four dog breeds that are prone to dental problems. If you
have any queries regarding this topic, feel free to leave a
comment below!
How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Dental Health
As pet owners, we make sure that we take care of our little,
furry creatures to the best of our abilities. Be it quality food,
routine checkups, or just pampering them with love; we give them
our all. However, when it comes to their oral hygiene, pet owners
can often get ignorant or lazy, and that’s not a good habit to
give in to.
Dogs tend to display bad breath, which is a natural thing. While
at times it’s just a part of their oral package, it could also be
related to some dental issues that your dog may or may not be
facing. Statistics suggest that 80% of the dogs over the age of
agree are affected by some sort of dental disease. In fact,
annual dental cleaning procedures should be initiated at the age
of one or two, as recommended by the American Animal Hospital
Association (AAHA).
Tips to Look After Your Dog’s
Dental Health
It’s true that a dog’s dental health is much better a human’s;
however, if not given proper attention, it can deteriorate.
Dental issues in a dog can also lead to health issues related to
the heart, liver, and kidney. Therefore, along with regular
cleaning, it’s best to allow your vet to look around for
periodontal diseases and infections.
In order to ensure that your dog’s dental health stays protected,
here are some tips to look after it:
· Brush Your Dog’s
Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth may sound like the most basic
suggestion, but it’s also the most important one, as it helps in
preventing the formation of plaque. Obviously, your dog won’t be
too fond of the idea, which is why you need to make him/her get
used to the process early on.
Don’t overdo it initially. Perhaps pick a time when your dog will
willingly sit still, like post an exercise session. It’s okay if
you dog doesn’t let you brush it all at the same time. You can
even go for it twice or thrice a week; or brush one half one day
and the other half the next day, if that’s what your dog prefers.
You need to get a toothpaste made especially for dogs, as the
ones for humans contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Since
dog toothpaste usually comes in a delicious peanut butter or
chicken flavor, it should not be too difficult to make your dog
get used to the process. Make sure to speak to them calmly during
the process, and throwing in a few treats or a reward afterwards
can’t hurt either.
· Go for Professional
Cleanings
Going for a professional cleaning to the vet is one of the safest
ways of keeping your dog’s dental hygiene and health in check.
The presence of dental tartar and disease can be checked and
cured only through such meetings with the veterinarian. These
treatments can also include the removal of one or multiple teeth
in order to prevent infections from spreading, and other health
problems, too.
When you take your dog to the vet for an annual examination, the
doctor will look for any signs that indicate bad dental health or
dental diseases, such as yellow-brown tartar or reddened gums. An
x-ray can also be recommended to look for any diseases that could
be hiding in the bones or below the gum line. These dental
examinations and x-rays are performed under full sedation, and in
case any evidence of dental disease crops up, a dental cleaning
becomes vital.
The anesthesia offered to pets these days is immensely safe, and
allow you to get your pet’s teeth checked without you having to
worry about them sitting still. While dental cleanings are
advised on a yearly basis, you should work out the details with
your vet to stay on top of things as far as your canine friend’s
dental hygiene is concerned.
· Use Dog Dental
Treats
Dental treats are a sweet and subtle way to get your dog to
willingly keep their teeth in good shape. They’re created to
remove any plaque buildup, and also contain elements that aid in
cleaning your dog’s mouth and freshening their breath.
Since dogs definitely like them more than toothbrushes or tooth
wipes, they serve as a good alternative when your dog just
doesn’t want to get his/her teeth brushed. They are also
available in numerous shapes, sizes, and flavors, so, you are
sure to find something your dog can get used to.
· Offer Different Chew
Toys
There are various kinds of chew products out there, and most of
them have teeth-cleaning properties. When you’re shopping for
such chews, look for ones that have the Veterinary Oral Health
Council (VOHC) seal. This seal indicates that the product is in
accordance with the standards that have been pre-set for
effectiveness in terms of controlling tartar and plaque in dogs.
Regardless of what your dog is chewing on, the act of gnawing in
itself scrapes off the plaque from a dog’s teeth. In fact,
several all-natural treats created from meat have enzymes that
aid in promoting good dental health among dogs. Go for bully
sticks, cow ears, and chicken strips as these are healthy chew
treats. There are even ones with no calories, such as
long-lasting rubber or nylon chews, that you can buy for your
dog.
Summing Up
You need to keep checking your dog’s teeth every now and then for
signs of plaque, tartar, and damaged or broken teeth. In addition
to keeping their physical health in check, their oral health
should be given equal importance. While the vet will take care in
terms of dental cleanings and oral examinations, you, too, should
do your part by cleaning your dog’s teeth as regularly as
possible, and giving them treats and chew toys that will promote
good dental health.
