Dog

Are you aware of the importance of oral hygiene to your dog’s overall health?

The most common oral hygiene issue that dogs face is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is usually results from excessive plaque buildup. As plaque accumulates on the teeth, it gradually hardens into tartar. This adversely affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

The build up of plaque provides an perfect environment for bacterial growth. This bacteria results in irritation to the gums, causing them to swell and eventually bleed. As the inflammation worsens, additional bacteria are produced. This leads to the gums receding and the exposure of the root. Ultimately the teeth become loose in their sockets and they fall out if the disease is left untreated.

The symptoms of periodontal disease include consistently bad breath, brown or yellow stains on the teeth, reddened and/or bleeding gums and exposed tooth roots. Additionally, if your dog seems to be having difficulty chewing, is drooling excessively, shows a reluctance to eat or has mouth pain (as evidenced by rubbing his face on the ground or pawing at his mouth) the cause may be periodontal disease.

Although periodontal disease is very painful and may result in tooth loss, the condition can cause additional, even more serious, health issues. Continued bacterial growth may result in bacteria entering the blood steam and then migrating to the urinary tract, heart valves, and other systems of the body. This chain reaction that starts innocently enough with inadequate oral hygiene can ultimately lead to very serious illness and even death.

While all breeds of dogs are at risk, periodontal disease is more commonly found in dogs with flat faces and short muzzles. Additionally, senior dogs are also at increased risk. Dogs whose diet is primarily moist, canned dog food are also more at risk than those who are usually fed dry dog food.

Treatment methods for periodontal disease depends upon the degree to which the disease has progressed. Brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis may resolve the problem. For more advanced cases the dogs teeth may require descaling. This usually requires sedating the dog under general anesthesia. If the disease has progressed to a very advanced stage, a specialist may have to be called in to perform advanced dental surgery.

As with most health issues, prevention and early detection are essential. Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth will help fight the buildup of plaque. Additionally, regular visits to your veterinarian for a periodic check-ups can identify hidden damage to the teeth before a problem grows more serious.

Help your dog maintain overall health by regularly visiting your veterinarian, feeding him a healthy diet, routine brushing of your dog’s teeth, and giving him the occasional chew toy. He’ll appreciate your efforts to keep him from getting “long in the tooth”.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty five years covering a wide range of topics. He has also been a dog lover for longer than he’d care to remember. Check out his DogBurg web site for dog fanciers at DogBurg.com. Once there, sign up for his newsletter for dog lovers and receive the free ebook, “Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for Your Canine Friend.”