Dog Health : Pet Dental Health First

This blog is all about our dog health and anything that concerns our pets.

On my first post here is Missy, the cutest little terrier I found. As you can see shes getting ready for her dental repair. In fact by the time you have finished reading this post she already have a brand new smile.

But did you know that, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years old. This can lead to serious health problems.

Here are some AVMA tips and information on how to keep your pet’s teeth healthy:

• Look for signs of tooth decay and oral disease by inspecting your pet’s teeth regularly. Bad breath, discoloration and tartar are all indications of problems.

• Regular visits to your veterinarian should include a complete checkup of your pet’s teeth and gums. Your veterinarian should clean plaque and tartar off your pet’s teeth if necessary. Tartar is created by the mixture of food debris, saliva and bacteria in the mouth. When it is allowed to build up it can accumulate between teeth and gums, causing tooth loss and resulting in an infection that could enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart or other internal organs.

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily or at least weekly. While most dogs or cats will not immediately accept a dental hygiene regimen, it can be successfully introduced with patience, particularly if you start when the pet is young.

To acclimate your dog health, start slowly using plenty of praise and treats. Begin at a time when your pet is relaxed and massage the outside of their mouth with your finger. Then give them a taste of pet toothpaste — poultry-flavored is popular — and slowly introduce a toothbrush to their teeth. Begin brushing in short intervals, working up to about 30 seconds a side.

Dogs don’t accumulate as much tartar on the outside of their teeth as they do the inside, so focus your dental hygiene attention there.

Feed your dog or cat crunchy food, or at least a mix of hard and soft foods. The abrasive texture of kibble can help keep teeth clean, while soft food can cling to your pet’s teeth and lead to decay. Also consider crunchy treats, which also help clean teeth.

Chew toys for dogs and rope toys that cats can chew are not only immensely entertaining for your pet, but also keep teeth clean and breath smelling fresh.
For more information on pet dental health, visit www.petdental.com.