Did you know that Fido can suffer from dental issues, just as people can? Taking care of your dog’s oral health is very important! Possible doggy dental issues include misalignments, abscesses, infections, and cracked or fractured teeth. Proper dental care is crucial, but unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed. Brushing your furry friend’s teeth doesn’t require much time or money, but can be very beneficial. Here, a veterinarian from Las Vegas, NV provides helpful tips on how to brush your pet’s teeth properly.
How Can I Determine If Fido Is Suffering From Dental Issues?
Man’s Best Friend has a remarkable ability to communicate his needs when he is asking for a walk or hoping for a bite of your dinner. However, he isn’t quite as communicative when it comes to letting you know when he’s experiencing dental discomfort. Stay alert for any signs of concern.
These are some of the most common ones:
- Decreased Enthusiasm for Play: Man’s Best Friend plays with his mouth, so it’s no surprise that dental problems can damper his enjoyment of playing Tug O War or chasing Frisbees. If your dog’s enthusiasm for playing has suddenly waned, it might be a sign of dental issues.
- Bad Breath: Man’s Best Friend is known for many wonderful qualities, but fresh breath is generally not one of them. Severe halitosis could indicate an issue with your beloved pet’s mouth, but may also signify other health problems.
- Swelling: swelling in the mouth, face, and head Is definitely grounds for alarm. This usually suggests an infection, which can be very risky in such proximity to the brain.
- Variations in Eating Habits: It’s not exactly pleasant to have a throbbing tooth to deal with when trying to eat. Your furry companion might take longer than usual to finish their meal, or he may dribble food. You may notice him chewing on one side of his mouth. Dogs who have oral issues may have a strong preference for softer foods and treats. In the most severe situations, they may struggle to consume any food whatsoever. This can lead to significant health issues.
- Grumpiness: Anyone who has ever had a toothache understands how dental issues can negatively affect one’s mood. That also extends to pets! Your canine buddy might appear particularly sad. It’s also possible for him to pull away, wanting to spend more time alone than with people.
- Drooling: If you have a Saint Bernard, you can probably anticipate your canine buddy being a bit messy in this regard. However, if your pooch typically doesn’t drool but has recently started leaving puddles everywhere, he may be experiencing a dental issue. Another potential warning sign is the presence of thick or bloody drool.
- Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums are frequently an indication of oral problems, like gum disease. You might not see any blood on your dog’s gums, but you might notice stains around his lips, especially if he has light-colored fur. You’ll also want to keep an eye on Fido’s toys, plates, and chews for any red stains.
- Tartar: That brown or yellow gunk is also a red flag, so to speak. If this is the situation, he might find it helpful to undergo a thorough cleaning. This is also linked to gum disease.
Keep in mind that these can be indicative of many different problems. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.
Does Brushing A Dog’s Teeth Really Matter?
Brushing is just as beneficial for pups as it is for humans. It’s essential for both maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing tartar build-up. That is really important! Tartar buildup and gum disease are closely linked. As tartar accumulates, it starts to exert pressure beneath the gums. Over time, pockets form and become ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. The resulting infection can lead to severe loss of gum tissue and bone.
There is a strong connection between gum disease and various serious medical disorders, such as heart disease, in both people and pets. Ask your vet for more information.
How Can I Make Fido Feel Comfortable With Me Brushing His Teeth?
Ideally, you’d want to start training your canine buddy during his puppy hood, so he just grows up thinking this is a regular part of his daily doggy routine. It is possible to teach an adult pooch to tolerate a toothbrush, but it may take longer.
First, gently place your fingers on your dog friend’s teeth and gums. Afterward, praise your furry pal and give him a delicious treat as a reward. This will help him connect it with good things, like getting treats and praise. Continue the process until your beloved pet becomes accustomed to this. The following step is to add some dog toothpaste. Apply a small amount to your finger or toothbrush. Once more, provide a yummy treat and praise.
Continue doing this consistently until your dog becomes accustomed to it. You can now use Your furry friend’s toothbrush.
What Should I Do If My Dog Is Resistant To Having His Teeth Brushed?
Ultimately, you really don’t want to force matters. It’s important to avoid any potential bites and ensure that Fido feels comfortable with human touch. If Fido just isn’t having it, there are alternative ways to keep his teeth clean, such as dental rinses, dental flakes, dental chews, and dental-formula food and treats.
Can I Use Toothpaste Made For Humans On Your Furry Friend, Fido?
No. This could be dangerous. Several ingredients commonly found in our toothpastes can be harmful to dogs. One such example is birch sugar, or xylitol. In addition, doggy toothpastes are available in flavors that dogs enjoy, such as chicken or beef. It’s probably safe to say that Fido will prefer a product that tastes like steak over the mint or cinnamon flavors we humans prefer.
Likewise, it’s best to steer clear of using a toothbrush designed for humans on your furry buddy. They are not a good fit for his mouth.
I Just Adopted An Adult Dog. Is It Too Late To Start Brushing His Teeth?
On a physical level, it’s never too late. All the same, as your furry friend ages, this task will become more challenging. Training is important in this situation, but it’s best not to push the matter too much. If you’ve taken in an older dog who’s resistant to the idea, consider exploring the alternative options mentioned earlier, like dental flakes. For more comprehensive guidance, reach out to your veterinarian in Las Vegas, NV.
How Often Should I Brush Fido’s Teeth?
In a perfect world, Your furry friend should have his teeth brushed at least twice a day. However, once a day, or even every other day, is more than sufficient. Even once a week is better than nothing! There’s no need to clean your pup’s entire mouth all at once. Just finish one quadrant at a time and continue rotating. This should be easier, as it will be pretty fast. Once you and your adorable companion have mastered this, it should only take a minute or two.
How Many People Brush Their Pets’ Teeth?
We don’t have an exact number, but it’s definitely fewer than we would prefer. Based on a poll conducted by Ipsos, it was found that a mere 8% of dog owners take the initiative to clean their pets’ teeth.
Fido outperformed Fluffy in this area, with only around 4% of cat owners regularly grooming their kitties’ choppers. (Let’s be honest, attempting to brush Fluffy’s sharp little teeth can be quite risky.)
Book an Appointment at Your Las Vegas, NV Pet Hospital
Do you have any questions about your dog’s health or care? Are you aware or have any concerns about your furry friend’s dental health? Feel free to reach out to us at your Las Vegas, NV hospital, whenever you need!
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