Dogs and Teeth Care

Do you just feed your dog and avoid caring for their teeth?

It is especially important to care for your dog's teeth, as they get older. To ensure that your dog will readily accept your teeth cleaning attempts it is important to start when a puppy or young dog so that they will become accustomed to the cleaning procedure. Your vet can give you tips on how to get your puppy or young dog used to the brush and special dog toothpaste.

Your vet wills most likely advice you to brush the dog's teeth on a daily basis. You should be able to find special dog toothbrushes as well as special dog toothpaste in most stores that carry pet supplies. You can also find these items in magazines that carry dog supplies. When first starting to brush you will want to get the dog used to the taste of the toothpaste by dabbing some on a cotton swab and rubbing it on the teeth. Most dog toothpaste is made with tasty flavors will beef or chicken. After your dog is used to the cotton swab, switch to a finger brush. Your vet may have these for sale at the clinic or you can find them in pet supply stores. Once the dog is an adult you can then switch to a dog toothbrush.

It is important to brush your dog's teeth to prevent dental disease and to lower the risk of dental tartar. Brushing also frees any debris your dog may have on or between the teeth from chewing on objects or bones. You can make your dental care a regular part of how you interact with your dog on a daily basis much like what you do when you play with the dog or brush the dog's coat.

Brushing the teeth is not the only teeth care that is important in the life of your dog. It is also important to provide your dog with plenty of chewing exercise. Rawhide chews; especially those that are designed for teeth care are beneficial for your dog. There are even rawhide chews that are made with a special enzyme that helps to prevent plaque buildup.

You may be able to locate special dog food that is specially formulated to care for your dog's teeth.

Dogs still need a regular visit to the vet each year as part of their healthy lifestyle and a professional teeth cleaning will likely be a part of the healthy lifestyle plan at your vet's office. Your dog will be sedated during the professional teeth cleaning. The anesthesia is safe and your dog will be monitored at all times. During this exam your dog's teeth will be examined to see if any teeth require pulling or repair. The vet will also polish the teeth during this procedure. If your dog does need to have teeth pulled your vet will likely put your dog on a course of antibiotics to avoid infection.

There are vets that specialize in the care of dog teeth and can perform root canals and other extensive teeth care for dogs.

Your vet is your best source of information regarding the health and care of your dog's teeth.