3. Proper Canine Dental Care - Common Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs

While many dog owners pay a great deal of attention to their pet's general health care needs, dental care is often overlooked.

Considered by many to be a secondary concern, most dogs are receiving adequate dental care only as a luxury.

Even those who are concerned with their dog's oral health may be overlooking the symptoms of diseased gums and teeth.

If you are concerned that your dog may have an oral health problem, look for any of the following symptoms:

• excessive chewing on one side of the mouth
• sudden and extreme lack of activity
• reluctance to eat
• bad breath

It can be quite easy not to take any of these symptoms seriously, however they may be signs of tooth decay and gum disease. While these conditions may not seem life threatening, there are the underlying causes of a great deal of more serious health problems. Ignoring your dog's oral health can actually shorten his life.

Complications Associated With Poor Canine Oral Health

When gum disease reaches the root canal in your dog, it can then easily be spread throughout the body. This spreading is believed to cause bacterial infections in the blood, which can, of course, lead to a long list of other complications. One of the more common problems that many veterinarians believe stems from poor oral health is long term damage to the dog's immune system.

At first, the dog's body is able to fight off the infection. However, continued subjection to these bacterial infections can break down the dog's ability to fight them, therefore actually weakening his immune system. Other potentially fatal complications related to poor canine oral health include:

• heart problems
• kidney disease
• joint problems
• liver disease

Because these problems are irreversible, proper dental care for your dog is absolutely essential. Negligence in this area may cause irreparable damage. If your pet is fortunate enough to avoid these deadly diseases, he may still undergo intense pain, tooth loss, and the loss of his chewing abilities.

Preventative Care

According to recent studies, approximately 80% of all dogs experience some sort of potentially detrimental gum disease by the age of three. This means that preventative care should begin as soon as your dog's teeth have completely matured.

There are several steps that can be taken to provide your pet with the best oral health care available, most of which are quite inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your pet's health routine. Some of the most popular options include:

• daily brushing
• using rope toys to remove tartar
• chew products
• solutions containing anthium dioxide

While daily brushing is the most effective method of tartar removal for your dog, chew toys can be a great way to remove tartar when brushing is not an option. These toys are not to be used as a total replacement for brushing, however.

Pet dental care solutions containing anthium dioxide can also be used to break up bacteria causing food particles in the dog's mouth. These solutions are labeled as oral care products, and they are usually applied to the pet's water supply daily.

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth can be a bit complicated at first, however a little practice and training will soon make it an easy daily task for both you and your pet. First, never use human toothpaste in your dog's mouth. The harsh detergents and chemicals are not tolerable for a dog, nor are they healthy if ingested.

Pay a visit to your local pet store and purchase a specially formulated bottle of dog toothpaste, as well as a toothbrush. You can also find dog toothbrushes at your veterinarian's office.

Begin the process slowly by introducing your dog to the brush. Let him look at it and do a bit of investigating himself so that he does not mistake the item for something harmful. This will let him feel as if he has a bit of control in the situation. Next, slowly separate the upper and lower lips, exposing the teeth. It is not entirely necessary to open the mouth completely.

Next, touch your dog's teeth and gums with your fingertips, gently massaging them. When your dog becomes comfortable with this process, introduce the toothbrush slowly. Work the brush up and down, being careful not to scrape his gums.

Allow your dog a few days time to get accustomed to this new procedure, and you'll find that he may even begin to enjoy it rather than resist it. If daily brushing is not a possibility for you and your pet, consider several weekly brushing sessions instead.

When to See a Vet

While proper dental care for your dog can actually reverse previous damage, there is a point where your actions may no longer be helpful. Rather than further aggravating your dog's condition, see a vet if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• extreme redness or purple gums
• discolored gums
• excessive bleeding
• broken or chipped teeth
• dark, decaying teeth
• thick yellow or brown tartar buildup

Any of these signs may be indications of an already existent disease that requires more than brushing. Examine your dog's teeth each month, even if your dog is currently receiving dental health care, and look for any signs of disease.

While brushing and any of the other abovementioned methods are great preventative care measures, none can guarantee that you pet will never suffer from an oral complication.

Therefore, make brushing, preventative care, monthly home checks, and yearly veterinarian dental checks a permanent part of your dog's life. These measures will be sure to come back to you and your pet in the end in the form of your dog's longer and happier life.