Just
like you need a good brush of your teeth every day, your dog too requires
dental care. Not that you need to brush his teeth daily, but regular dental
care and a few tips can help your dog have a fresh mouth and a sparkling set of
teeth. In fact it has been found that proper dental hygiene goes a long way in
maintaining and preserving the health of your dog into old age.
By
the time most dogs are about four years old, many tend to show early signs of
gum disease. This is simply because they have hardly or even NEVER received any
serious dental care. Prolonged bad breath is usually an early warning sign of
gum disease.
Simply
because the mouth is warm and moist and has sufficient quantities of nutrients
present, makes it easy for organisms to grow and this gives rise to all kinds
of bacteria. Toxins from periodontal diseases get absorbed into the blood
stream and over time affect sensitive organs like the kidneys, liver and brain,
causing permanent and at times fatal organ failure.
Here
are 5 Top Tips to ensure your dog gives you the freshest of kisses!!
1. The
Breath Test
Dog’s
love licking, so it isn't that difficult to get them to come licking near your
face. Doggie breath doesn't smell like a bunch of fresh red roses, but it
should not smell highly offensive either. If it literally smells like a pile or
garbage, try lifting up your dog’s lips and checking the gums. Do they appear
torn, bleeding or swollen? Does your dog
also suffer from loss of appetite, frequent urination and/or vomiting? If yes,
it could be early signs indicating gum disease – rush to your vet ASAP.
2. The
Canine Tooth Brushing Kit
Yes,
there is a kit that you can find at leading pet stores across the country. Some
of them come with toothpaste and a proper tooth brush while some come with a brush
that can be attached into your finger and inserted into your dog’s mouth and
rubbed to simulate the brushing motion.
Most
dogs may not like having their teeth brushed, so be gentle, it takes time and
patience to get them accustomed to it. Also in some cases you may use just a
Dental Gel – like the Pet Dentagel ™ by PIL Animal Healthcare which just needs to be applied in
the oral cavity and keeps their teeth and gums fresh and healthy.
3. Start
Today!
I
can’t stress enough the importance of starting today. It’s always easier if you
have a puppy and getting them used to things like teeth brushing, having a
shower or getting their nails clipped. For an older dog it can be uncomfortable
or even as much as TERRIFYING!
Start
slowly and gently. You can try simply by putting your forefinger into your dog’s
mouth and moving the tip in gentle circular motions over their teeth and gums. Just
get your dog used to this feeling, once they are comfortable you can try using
a doggie toothbrush instead. Be sure to be gentle, as your dog’s gums could
bleed easily if they have any infection or mild gingivitis.
Gradually
get them used to the flavor of a toothpaste or tooth gel. Ensure you have
patience and that they treat the whole activity as fun and not something to be
scolded over.
4. Chewing
Is Good!
Almost
every dog loves chewing. Be it their toys, a stone, your furniture or just
about anything they can lay their teeth on. This is great news because certain
non-toxic toys and chew treats are a great way to keep your pooch gnawing away
to good oral health. At Ryder Kennel chew sticks and chew toys are an important
part of the dental hygiene program for our dogs because they are known to
remove tartar and keep the mouth clean, while at the same time reducing stress
levels in dogs and catering to their natural need to chew. Ask your vet or a
responsible breeder for advice on choosing a treat that is safe for your dog.
5. Maintaining
the Right Diet
Diet
plays a crucial role in creating an environment for good oral health. Several
scientific foods and dry kibble available now days help in maintaining the pH
levels in a dogs mouth, while removing tartar and plaque. Avoid feeding too
much of human food and leftovers as these are not good for the overall health
and well as oral health of your dog. A meal rich in meats also helps in
maintaining dental health, compared to a pure vegetarian meal.
Well,
that’s about it for now in this article about Dental Hygiene for your Dog. It’s
not all that difficult, but it is definitely important. So remember if you
haven’t been giving time to check your dog’s dental hygiene, NOW is the time to get started. It’s
never too late. With proper care - discomfort and infection to your dog can be
drastically decreased and you'll have a very contented pooch with a dazzling
smile!
Shaun Ryder
About the Author
Shaun
is the owner of Ryder Kennel, and one of the most reputed breeders in India. He
has extensive experience of owning, showing and breeding Labrador Retrievers,
Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweiler, English Cocker Spaniels,
Boxers & Beagles.
He
is a graduate from St Stephens College, Delhi and a Post Graduate from NMIMS,
Mumbai. He has appeared on many TV shows, and has written articles and columns
for several top dog based magazines and journals across the globe. He is a
member of the Kennel Club of India, the ADRK Germany & the Labrador
Retriever Club.
Shaun
is actively involved in dog welfare activities, and has been working to prevent
the menace of puppy mills & illegal dog training centers in India.
