Dog Dental Care

February is Dog Dental Health month, but dental care for dogs is an often overlooked part of pet care, especially for busy pet owners. In fact, recent studies show that approximately two-thirds of pet owners do not provide the recommended dental care for their animals. However, not caring properly for your dog can be dangerous to his overall well being.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 85 percent of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by the age of four. Problems begin when food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth to form plaque and tartar, which leads to gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums). If untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease which, in turn, leads to tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. In severe cases, bacteria from periodontal disease can make its way into a pet’s bloodstream, where it can cause organ damage and even death.

Stop the damage before it starts by regularly scheduling veterinary dental check ups and instituting smart dental health practices in your home. K9HealthSolutions.com offers several great Toothpastes, Dental Chews, and other Dog Dental Supplies that can keep your pup’s chops in tip top shape. Do your pet a favor and check up on his mouth often. By paying a little extra attention and care to his dental health, you can help to extend the health and happiness of your pet!

Like people, dogs can also experience dental problems. Dog teeth need upkeep and care just like our own mouths, using quality dental products and a healthy diet. Here are several of the most common canine dental issues, so you can keep a look out before a more serious problem occurs:

Plaque – Cavities aren’t really an issue for dogs, but plaque build up can be a huge problem. Excess plaque can lead to the cause of gum disease. Keep your pooch plaque free with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and Dental Chews that are effective and inexpensive.

Tartar – When plaque is not removed, it develops into tartar, which adheres strongly to the teeth. Tartar irritates gums, causing irritation and gingivitis. Bad breath and reddening of the gums can also be a result of tartar build up. Special instruments called scalers must be used by this point to remove plaque.

Periodontal Disease – Tartar build up, if left untreated, will move to beneath the gums. This causes the gums to pull away from teeth, causing irreversible damage. Severe pain, tooth loss, abscesses, bone loss and infection are all effects of Periodontal Disease. Veterinarians must treat the disease before bacteria moves toward the blood stream, causing heart, liver, and kidney infections.

Stop the damage before it starts by using regular Doggie Dental Care Products! Your best friend will appreciate it in the long run, and in a wide variety of tasty flavors, dental care will seem like a treat!