Dog Breeds That Are Prone To Dental Problems

BY | December 11 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY

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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.

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