Dental Health and Your Pet

Dental health is not only important for humans, but pets as well. A pet should have its teeth and gums checked annually to ensure a healthy mouth and help detect any problems early. Dental problems if left untreated may cause health issues for your pet. Some of the most common dental problems are very similar to people’s and include cavities, tissue inflammation and gum disease.

Brushing your pet’s teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth may not be easy, but is a great way to help ensure the health of their teeth, gums and mouth. Regular brushings can help prevent many of the common oral issues a pet will encounter. This in turn could also help reduce trips to the vet down the road for dental problems. Not only does brushing help keep a pet’s teeth healthy, but the proper diet (more dry food, less wet) and treats formulated to help with dental health are also very beneficial.   

Health

It is important to have your pet’s teeth checked annually. This allows for early detection of a possible problem along with keeping your pet healthy.  Your pet should have its teeth checked sooner if you notice problems such as:

·      Bad breath

·      Discoloring of teeth, or excessive tartar

·      Pain around the mouth area

·      Bleeding from mouth

·      Broken/loose teeth

·      Extra teeth

·      Unusual chewing, drooling or mouth drooping

·      Refusing to eat, or reduced appetite

·      Swelling around mouth area

Veterinarian Dental Exam

When you take your pet to the veterinarian for their dental exam, it will begin with an oral examination of the pet’s teeth and gums. If needed, x-rays may be taken to help further evaluate the tooth structure unable to be seen. A thorough cleaning will then take place, and this is generally done under anesthesia to help minimize stress and ensure the safety of the pet and veterinarian. The cleaning includes similar procedures a person would experience including scaling (scraping off of tartar) followed up by polishing of the teeth.  

If you are unsure on the proper way to take care of your pet’s teeth, talk with your veterinarian. They can help instruct you on how to properly brush your pet’s teeth along with offering recommendations on dental products, foods and treats. Happy Brushing!

Ten Step’s to Your Dog’s Dental Health!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Humans are not the only ones who need to have Dental Hygiene, it is important to take care of a dog’s teeth as well. By brushing your dog’s teeth, providing a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys it can help their oral hygiene.

Here are 10 steps to help your dog’s dental health! Also, don't forget The Bregman Vet Group offers different dental services for your pets! Call any of our locations today for more information! 

1. The Breath Test- A dog’s breath is not predominantly a fresh smell, but if the breathe is more offensive and you see the dog not eating, or excessive drinking or urinating, take the dog to the vet.
2. Lip Service- About once a week face your dog to you and lift the top lip and exam the gums. The gums should be pink, not white or red and should not have any swelling.  There should be no signs of brownish tartar and have clean teeth.
3. Signs of Oral Disease- If your dog have a problem with their mouth or gastrointestinal system, get them checked out by a veterinarian.  Bad Breath, Excessive drooling, inflamed gums, tumors in the gums, cysts under the tongue and loose teeth. All of these signs could be signs of an oral disease your dog could encounter.
4. The Lowdown on Tooth Decay- Regular teeth cleanings help prevent any bacteria and plaque that can cause builds up on a dog’s teeth. 
5. Canine Tooth- Brushing Kit- Ask your vet for toothpaste made just for dogs, human tooth paste should not be used on dogs, and it can cause upset stomach. Get a tooth brush just for dogs or wrap a clean piece of gauze around your finger. 
6. Brightening the Pearly Whites- In order for the tooth brushing process to be easier on you and the dog, first try to massage their lips with her finger in a circular motion to get them adjusted to the feeling. Once the dog feels comfortable start easing toothpaste on their lip to get used to the taste. The next thing to do after you have introduced the brush and toothpaste is to put it all together and gently start brushing the teeth.
7. Brushing Technique- To keep the dog still and not go crazy during this exercise, place the brush at a 45 degree angle and clean in a small circular motion. Work on one area at a time and don’t fight any areas they won’t let you do. Once the dog is adjusted to this process start to clean them 2-3 times a week.
8. Know Your Mouth Disorders- Know the types of mouth problems that are out there so if your dog may come across one you know to go a vet.  Look out for problems like, periodontal disease gingivitis, halitosis swollen gums, proliferating gum disease, mouth tumors, salivary cysts and canine distemper teeth. If you see any symptoms of these bring your canine to the vet.
9. Chew on This- Talk to your vet about what kind of chew toys are best for your dog, they can satisfy the dog’s natural instinct to chomp on something while making the teeth strong.
10. Diet for Healthy Teeth- Keep your dog on a particularly formulated dry food that can help slow down any tartar or plaque.

If you learn these tips and start to use them on your canine, you will help their oral hygiene and better their mouth! 

For more information on your dog’s health, CLICK HERE