Benefits of Healthy Oral Hygiene in Dogs

Making the effort to see to it that your dog experiences healthy oral hygiene at home and at the vet's will result in benefits for both of you. You'll have a happier, healthier pooch. And your wallet will probably thank you as well.

It took only a glance at the dog, then at his paperwork, to conclude that the gorgeous three-year-old Golden Retriever would probably be adopted quickly. I was surprised when another rescue worker appeared an hour later, visibly shaken after she attempted to feed him. The dog, described as docile by the former owners, had whined and then acted aggressive at the sight of the bowl of food. Acting on a hunch, I went to see the dog and cautiously exposed his teeth. The source of his troublesome behavior was obvious: swollen and infected gums linked to a lack of healthy oral hygiene.

What Defines Healthy Oral Hygiene in Dogs?

Lots of dog owners don't think twice about arranging for monthly grooming appointments for their pets. Many manage to keep a dog's nails meticulously trimmed but never do anything in the way of oral hygiene.

According to PetEducation.com, veterinarians are seeing an increasing number of pets for which the most serious medical issues are dental problems. As a matter of fact, oral disease tops the list of health problems vets diagnose in dogs and other pets.

Healthy oral hygiene in dogs consists of several components. A good dental care program starts with daily home dental care. At-home efforts should be partnered with regular "well" veterinarian exams that include an oral exam. It should also include cleaning by a vet at intervals that practitioner determines necessary.

Benefits of Healthy Oral Hygiene in Dogs

There are a number of benefits associated with a good canine oral care program. Some of them affect the way a dog feels, some actually help prevent illness and still others reduce an owner's cash outlay for medical treatment.

Pain avoidance. A combination of good home and veterinary care is very effective in warding off conditions that can cause a dog a great deal of pain. Without an oral care regimen, a dog becomes more and more likely as it ages to experience plaque and tartar buildup that can result in pain, the ASPCA reports. Plaque on a dog's teeth starts to mineralize only three to five days after it forms and can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, particularly in toy breeds such as Yorkies. As a matter of fact, many dogs show signs of gum disease by age four due to lack of a healthy oral hygiene regimen.

Infection. If the case is severe enough, a dog with oral problems will develop infected gums. A veterinarian who sees this is always concerned because the infection can spread to organs like the liver or become systemic. In order to prevent a life-threatening situation, the dog might need oral surgery, tooth extraction and/or antibiotics and extended hospitalization. Infected gums can be prevented in many dogs by good oral hygiene.

Halitosis. One of the benefits of healthy oral hygiene in dogs is preventing bad breath by brushing the dog's teeth. The result is a more socially acceptable pet. Bad breath is often a sign of an oral disease like gingivitis.

Brilliant teeth. While the family pooch might have no need for teeth so white they're blinding, a dog competing for ribbons needs this cosmetic advantage.

Cost savings. Good oral hygiene means more money for treats and fun outings for the dog and its family. Treatment for the problems associated with poor canine oral hygiene is expensive. The cost for anesthesia, oral surgery, extractions and potentially life-saving care when an infection gets out of hand dwarfs the cost of preventive care. Each dog has different medical requirements. However, the cost of home care can be as little as the price of a child's toothbrush and some doggy toothpaste. There is little if any extra cost associated with picking the most beneficial type of food, treats and chew toys. The expense of two or three vet visits a year for routine cleanings and fluoride application if necessary is far less than that associated with life-saving measures.

The benefits of healthy oral hygiene in dogs are well worth making the effort to keep a pet in top condition. A combination of good home and professional care plus regular well-dog exams can ward off many serious health problems.

Sources:

http://www.peteducation.com/
article.cfm?c=2+2089&aid=517

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/
dog-care/dog-care-dental-health.aspx