Dental Care
Source: http://www.dogspelledforward.com/dog-dental-health/
Why is it important to keep your dog's teeth clean?
It isn't just about preserving the teeth - the other major problem is the plaque ( a combination of saliva, food and bacteria) that accumulates under the gum line. Bacteria found in the plaque infect the gums, and if left untreated this spreads to the jaw bone and then affects internal organs.
So, keeping your dog's teeth clean is about keeping him in good health.
For an excellent overview of symptoms and treatment of dental diseases, visit Petalia.com: Dental care of pets.
It isn't just about preserving the teeth - the other major problem is the plaque ( a combination of saliva, food and bacteria) that accumulates under the gum line. Bacteria found in the plaque infect the gums, and if left untreated this spreads to the jaw bone and then affects internal organs.
So, keeping your dog's teeth clean is about keeping him in good health.
For an excellent overview of symptoms and treatment of dental diseases, visit Petalia.com: Dental care of pets.
What is the best way to keep your dog's teeth clean?
As with food, many claims are made with regards to the best way to keep dogs' teeth clean. Pet food manufacturers sell, and vets recommend, "dental" kibble that supposedly scrapes away plaque. Raw food protagonists claim the same for raw meaty bones. Kibble manufacturers say that feeding your dog only kibble avoids the problem in the first place. Others claim that kibble causes more plaque build-up compared to raw food due to the higher carbohydrate content of kibble.
Again as with food, little evidence exists for any of these claims. With plaque accumulating at the gum line being the main problem, it is doubtful that any type of food will provide enough "scraping" action at the gum line to prevent or remove plaque. The only method to prevent plaque build-up that no-one disputes is the one no-one, including the dog, likes: daily teeth brushing.
Again as with food, little evidence exists for any of these claims. With plaque accumulating at the gum line being the main problem, it is doubtful that any type of food will provide enough "scraping" action at the gum line to prevent or remove plaque. The only method to prevent plaque build-up that no-one disputes is the one no-one, including the dog, likes: daily teeth brushing.
How to brush your dog's teeth
The main reason people don't brush their dog's teeth is because usually, dogs aren't keen on the procedure. You can, however, get your dog to enjoy, or at least calmly tolerate, tooth brushing.
Have a read of Brushing Teeth & Home Dental Care on peteducation.com for a comprehensive description of how to get your dog used to getting his teeth brushed. Their video How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth illustrates those steps.
If you like training, simply look at this as just another thing to teach your dog. If you don't rush and simply build this into your daily training time, you will have a healthier dog who is also happy to have his mouth handled.
Have a read of Brushing Teeth & Home Dental Care on peteducation.com for a comprehensive description of how to get your dog used to getting his teeth brushed. Their video How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth illustrates those steps.
If you like training, simply look at this as just another thing to teach your dog. If you don't rush and simply build this into your daily training time, you will have a healthier dog who is also happy to have his mouth handled.