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Poof! Begone! Your breath is too strong!

Hey Good Day Guys,

If my post  bought you here then WELCOME!!

In my many years of providing pet care and gaining experience, one problem that has always come up and will continue being a prevelent issue is oral health. 

Knowledge is key. Well a toothbrush is key, but we will get into that.

Many clients come in and complain that their pooch or kitty's breath smells like unmentionable items.

Halitosis shan't be overlooked. 

 Oral hygiene is often overlooked,but very important. It is the perfect incubator for bacteria. The mouth is warm, moist and provides significant nutrients  for organisms to grow on. Most are normal and natural, but once plaque and calculus (tartar) form on the teeth the normal microbial flora gets out of balance. When this happens, and the pathogenic organisms proliferate, trouble ensues.

Some dogs don’t show that they are painful, and will continue to eat and act normally. The problem with that is the bacteria that is growing on their teeth has the ability to get into their bloodstream and cause more issues. This bacteria can affect the heart, the liver, and kidneys causing damage and ultimately failure. 

However!  It can all be prevented with regular dental cleanings and professional checkups.

Health is Wealth

If left untreated,  dental disease can rack up a hefty bill, sometimes reaching in the field of hundreds of dollars. Professional dental cleanings should be a option if there’s nothing that could’ve been done at home or if your pet need extractions. You should add brushing teeth into the normal routine of your dog. Now in saying that, you should brush your dog's teeth about 2-4 times a week. 

I know you’re probably thinking “ if only it was that easy”. Well, I’m here to say that it can be. Just be consistent and have patience. Although it is recommended to begin brushing teeth and dental care as puppies, it is ok if you start a little late. Just take a slow, patient approach, and remember that lots of love and treats go a long way in winning your baby over. 

Theses are a couple definitions that can help clarify what exactly your baby is going through and what you should look out for

 

Gingivitis - inflammation of the gums.

Periodontitis - a general term for a disease of the oral cavity that attacks the gum and bone and delicate tissues around the teeth.

Pyorrhea - inflammation of the gums and tooth sockets, often leading to loosening of the teeth and accompanied by pus. 

Caries - an area of decalcification of the tooth enamel leading to cavities in the tooth. Caries are very rare in dogs.  

Plaque - the first buildup of material adhering to tooth enamel. Composed of a mix of intercellular matrix of bacteria, salivary polymers, remnants of epithelial cells and white blood cells, it can cause caries, calculi buildup and periodontal disease.  

Calculus (Tartar) - calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate combined with organic material, deposited on the surface of the tooth.     

 

So. Since dogs aren't able to care for their teeth themselves, it is up to us to consider it for them. This is where chew toys and the many different dental products out there come in. A good chew on nylabones, kong products, and other harder toys that will scrape away plaque and dirt. I'm pretty sure, there shouldn't be a problem there, especially if you treat and reward them when they do. Natural choices include rawhide or knucklebones. Please please please be careful when you give your dog these. I have seen a lot of cases when they didn't go so well and too much was chewed off. Knucklebones are a softer bone that's gentler on the teeth. Never NEVER give harder items such as hooves or bones from steak, ribs, and shanks. Theses can fracture the teeth and cause horrible GI upset. 

Some dogs would prefer to chew on the toys rather than the natural items. just take it one day at a time and see what your baby likes. They will love the attention and will thank you as soon as the right toy is obtained. Always try rubber or nylon toys with a rough or bumpy surface, large enough so that it wont present a choking hazard. Same goes with chew treats. The treat must be large enough for them to actually chew, not swallow it whole. However, you can always consult with a veterinarian or dog treat professional to see what is the best for you and your chewer. 

If you are going to try to use chew treats and different crunchy foods to break down the tartar, plaque, or bacteria make sure that you are using a VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved item.

 

There are a number of other items that can be used. Some of them include:

1. Doggy Toothbrushes- you can get at any pet store. A human toothbrush is doable, just make sure that it is soft.

2. Canine Toothpaste.- Your pup wont be able to spit it out so making sure that it is veterinary approved and isn't flavored with something your pup is allergic to is of vital importance. 

3. Wipe and pads. - These are for use when there is not time to brush. Wipe your baby's teeth and gum-line to help remove some of the bacteria and food. You should be able to buy them at any pet store. 

 

NOW LETS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

Are you ready to brush your baby's teeth?

First, dont rush it. Go slow and take your time with your pup. Spend time handling their muzzle and get them used to having their mouth touched. Reduce their fear and anxiety any way you can. Definitely have treats on hand and use positive reinforcement!

Use peanut butter, meat baby food, or nonfat yogurt to get your baby used to getting his teeth touched so that it isn't an issue when it a toothbrush. 

1. Move your dog's lips aside, then rub the visible teeth with either finger or the toothbrush, A touch of toothpaste may spark his interest. 

2. Gradually increase the number of teeth you brush, reapply as needed. Remember to brush along the gum line. A circular motion works best. 

Always conclude with a special reward---play, treat--or affection. Even if the process didnt go well the first time, you want a positive association with brushing, so a happy ending will help make the next time a lot easier. 

All in all, thank you for reading this post and considering doing better at keeping your dogs dental health at tip top shape.

But remember, always consult with your veterinarian for any concerns or questions.   

HAVE A HAPPY HEART DAY

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