Dental Care for Your Dog

Good dental care is as important for dogs as it is for humans. Giving importance to your dog's well being should also mean taking his dental health into consideration. This is because just like humans, dogs experience dental problems, too. Dog teeth usually start coming out within 2 to 3 weeks after birth and at about 7 to 8 weeks of age, your puppy already should have a full set of 28 temporary/milk teeth. This is later replaced by 42 adult or permanent teeth (twenty on the upper jaw and twenty-two on the lower jaw). Ideally, dental care should be started during puppyhood and this is so that your puppy can get accustomed to the feel of your fingers in his mouth, making future brushings easier when he's older. BASIC DENTAL CARE FOR PUPPIES

Clean your puppy's teeth gently using a soft cloth, toothbrush, or a finger brush and also use a toothpaste especially made for dogs. DENTAL CARE/MAINTENANCE

§ HEALTHY DIET - Dry foods are recommended because of their ability to keep the

teeth clean and reduce the build up of tartar and plaque.

§ BRUSHING - Brushing your dog's teeth on a regular basis is highly recommended by experts. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles, begin brushing the front teeth and as your dog becomes used to your fingers in his mouth, you can gradually brush all the way to his molars.

Be sure to use toothpaste especially made for dogs. There is a world of difference between dog teeth and human teeth so that toothpaste for humans not only is ineffective, but can also cause stomach upset in dogs. This is because unlike humans, dogs tend to swallow toothpaste. Widely available in the market are brushes that come in different styles and sizes as well as toothpaste with dog-friendly flavors like meat and the like.

§ REGULAR DENTAL CHECK UP - Bring your dog to your Veterinarian for a dental check up once a year. MOST COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS FOR DOGS

You can tell when it's time for your dog's dental check up when your dog has the following: § FOUL/BAD BREATH

§ PLAQUE/TARTAR BUILD UP -This is the most common problem of all and could cause gum problems and infection. Bacterial infection resulting from gum and teeth infections could travel down the throat and invade the heart, liver, and other organs.

Tartar build up can be prevented, though. All you need to do is give your dog a raw marrow bone. The more your dog chews and gnaws marrow bone, the more this bone will scrape against his teeth and knock off tartar and plaque. § DROOLING

§ LOOSE/BROKEN TEETH

§ GINGIVITIS - Characterized by red, swollen, and painful gums. § LOSS OF APPETITE

Taking care of your dog's teeth not only keeps his breath fresh and clean, but can also benefit his overall health greatly. Proper oral and dental hygiene lessens and prevents mouth and teeth infections that could bring about heart disease and other ailments resulting from bacteria invading the bloodstream and other organs of your dog.

Keep your dog healthy and happy - include good dental care in your dog's regular grooming regimen.