The single procedure having the greatest impact on the length of a pet’s life is proper care of teeth and gums.
Poor dental care can create bad breath from the bacteria living in the tarter. That bacteria can cause periodontal disease and infections of the heart, liver and kidneys. Without proper dental care 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will show signs of oral disease by age 3. Oral disease is the #1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats.
When you provide proper oral care, you can extend the life of your pet by 25%. Oral care includes regular dental exams, ultrasonic scaling and polishing, dental x-rays when needed at the clinic, as well as tooth brushing, proper diet and healthy treats at home.
Brushing your dog's teeth every day is one of the best things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth. But, not everyone knows where to start or how to get their dog comfortable with teeth brushing. Here are some steps to take to get your dog used to having its teeth brushed.
1. Start by placing dog approved tooth paste on your finger and allowing the dog to lick the tooth paste, then slowly slide your finger into his mouth and massage his teeth and gums. This will get him comfortable with the feeling of something in his mouth. At this stage you do not have to get every tooth but do your best.
2. Repeat the process using a tooth brush and toothpaste. Since he has already tasted the tooth paste and liked it, he should be fine with this step. Go slowly and make sure that he is comfortable with the process.
Once you get your dog comfortable with having his teeth brushed, set time aside every day to brush his teeth. It will not take a long time each day but it will maintain his overall health for years to come.
If your dog resists having his teeth cleaned, there are other options. A few of those options are to use rubber toys such as Kongs, with tooth paste on the ridges, or using a washcloth soaked in beef or chicken broth to massage his teeth and gums. You can also feed special dental treats and hard crunchy food to assist with keeping his teeth clean.
If your dog doesn't care for the taste of the toothpaste, there are other options and flavors. Don't give up! If you would like a demonstration, feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would love to show you and help you work out any problems you are having.