|
Old Dog Resources
|
|
Dental Care for Dogs
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), eighty percent of
dogs and seventy percent of cats have periodontal disease by the age of three!
Alarming statistics? Yes, and it is known that proper dental care could increase
their life by two to five years.
Dental care in dogs and cats has become quite common over the last six years.
The AVDS has even selected February as National Pet Dental Health Month. Like
humans, dog teeth and gums are also susceptible to the same oral health problems
– Gingivitis and Periodontal disease.
Unlike humans, animals rarely get cavities. This is because cavities are
primarily caused by the high sugar content of the human diet. Periodontal
disease affects both human and mammals alike. Periodontal disease is caused by
bacteria and plaque which attach the soft gum tissue of the mouth. The first
stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This is very common. In this stage,
the bacteria have mixed with saliva and formed plaque. The plaque adheres to the
teeth and hardens, forming tartar and calculus. These tartar deposits irritate
the gum tissue and cause inflammation, swelling and infection. It is this stage
that gingivitis is most notable.
Early warning signs of gingivitis are sensitive gum tissue, redness or bleeding
gums, trouble eating/chewing and bad breath. Yes, the dreaded "doggy breath"!
The breath may take on a sulfur (rotting eggs) odor from the by-products of the
bacteria in the mouth. This is often the first sign of gingivitis and serious
dental problems.
If caught at this stage, gingivitis is treatable. A thorough dental exam and
cleaning most likely will be needed. Many dogs will also most likely need to be
put under anesthesia. (This presents its own series of side-effects and dangers
as well.) If gingivitis is not treated, it will progress to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is not treatable. At this stage, there is irreversible bone
loss and tooth damage. Roots are also weakened and the animal may experience
loose teeth and teeth that simply fall out. Animals may also begin to lose
weight. This can lead to other problems associated with improper nutritional
intake. Dental treatment will be needed and may result in the extraction of
teeth. Again, this will need to be done under anesthesia.
Additionally, the bacteria and infection in the mouth may spread through the
bloodstream to cause heart, kidney or liver disease. These diseases can cause
serious damage to the organs and lead to premature death.
Periodontal disease is preventable. Like with humans, dogs need regular
dental care. The first step is to have your pet examined for existing problems.
If needed, your veterinarian can do a dental cleaning. Next, develop an at-home
dental care program including a proper diet and mix of dry and wet foods. Diet
alone can not prevent dental problems.
Most sources recommend brushing the teeth with pet toothpaste on a gauze or
small pet toothbrush. This is the optimal program. If you choose to do this, be
sure to select a toothpaste made for pets, avoid fluoridated products and pastes
with sugars as one of the top ingredients. Brushing or even wiping the teeth
with gauze will be a learning and training experience. With dogs, the process is
estimated to take between 8 to 16 weeks before the animal is comfortable with
the experience. Start slowly and build each day.
A more practical option for many pet owners may be an oral hygiene solution.
There are now pet oral hygiene solutions on the market that can be added to
pets’ drinking water. These are much easier and more convenient to use and are
formulated for animals. Owner compliance with these programs, unlike with daily
brushing, is much higher. As the pet drinks, the solution works to repel and
retard the plaque and eliminate the bacteria and bacteria by-products. They are
odorless and colorless.
Another helpful "trick" is to try one of the healthy dental treats on the
market. They help remove the forming tarter. Be sure to check the label for
ingredients -- some treats are really "tricks" in that they contain sugars, dyes
and other questionable substances.
Once an at-home program is established, be sure to follow-up with regular
veterinary exams.
Marian Brown has been involved in holistic and natural pet care for over 12
years. She is editor of Holistic Health News
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marian_Brown
|
|
|
