I would like to say that I brush my dogs teeth everyday and they have perfect pearly whites. But I don’t and they don’t. I do give them dry food and I do give them plain rawhide and greenies to chew.
This helps a little but it does not replace getting in there and brushing. Those of you who have toy dogs know it is almost imossible to get into those tiny mouths. I can get the front teeth but those back ones are hard to get at not to mention they hate it!
However, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take care of your dog’s teeth. They don’t just get cavities, they can get very sick!
Periodontal or gum disease is a common, serious problem in dogs, according to ASPCA Pet Care. The site offers a step-by-step guide for how to brush your dog’s teeth and what supplies you will need.
85 % of dogs over five years have gum disease. Some dogs have more problems then others. I remember asking my vet why Carl at age nine still has fairly clean teeth and Gypsy at age five needed to have her teeth professionally cleaned. He said dogs like humans are all different. Some are just more prone to dental issues than others.
Periodontal disease occurs when food particles and bacteria form plaque along the gum line. If the teeth are not cleaned this turns into tartar.
“If tartar isn’t removed from your dog’s teeth it will eventually inflame his gums…. A bacterial infection can spread through the blood stream to the kidneys, liver, heart or brain” This; also according to the article.
Your dog can experience severe gum pain, bad breath and loose teeth. It is so important to take care of your dog’s teeth. Although I may not brush all of their teeth everyday, I do get in there with gauze wrapped around my finger and good quality dog toothpaste when I do routine grooming. They are much more likely to let me put my finger in their mouths then a toothbrush. Anything helps but even if you do the best you can you still must take your dogs for their yearly vet check ups. If your vet says get those teeth cleaned, DO IT! It is so important for your dog’s overall health. I just had Jack’s teeth cleaned and the difference was amazing. I wish I could have such white teeth! If you do end up at the doggie dentist make sure a blood test is done to determine whether or not your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia.
I like what Jennifer Quasha of Fox News had to say on the subject of brushing her dog’s teeth; “No dog of mine has ever wanted anything to do with getting his or her teeth brushed-chicken flavored toothpaste or not.”
Jennifer is the co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul; My Dog’s Life, 101 Stories About the Ages and Stages of our Canine Companions” (www.jenniferquasha.com).
So take care of those teeth! Next to the dentist, Leeloo and Rocky.
Do you brush your dog’s teeth?
Rocky knows that brushing is important
* * * * * * *
A valued reader suggested this reference article from the smartvacuums website for information on a related topic – Ultimate Guide to Removing Pet Hair from Your Home.
It covers tips for cleaning.. 1) In the House, 2) On Your Furniture, 3) In Your Car, and 4) On Your Clothes.
* * * * * * *