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How to Prevent Gum Disease in Dogs
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to stop gum disease in dogs. It is recommended that brushing should be done every day in order to prevent dental problems. Starting when your pet is young will enable brushing to become second nature. Using human toothpaste can not be used as they contain fluoride which is toxic to dogs, therefore, Beaphar Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit for Dogs and Cats is perfect for cleaning your dog's teeth as it is ultra-soft and practical. The smaller brush will ensure you clean even the back of your dog’s mouth to get rid of bacteria and plaque.
Top 5 Dog Dental Tips
Follow these steps to ensure you clean your dog’s teeth correctly:
1. Give your dog a small sample of the toothpaste to introduce the taste.
2. Lift the lip to expose the outside surfaces of your dog’s gums and teeth.
3. Brush with gentle motions to clean the teeth and gums, as you would your own.
4. Clean the outside (cheek-facing) surfaces, as most pets will not allow you to brush the inside surface of the teeth.
5. Be sure to reach the back upper molars and canines, as these teeth tend to quickly build up tartar.
Dental disease otherwise known as periodontal disease is a common problem affecting 87% of dogs in the UK. Our guide will raise awareness of the oral health condition by examining the reasons why dogs have gum disease gingivitis and how owners can stop dental disease by ensuring daily dental routine is achieved as well as other tips for an overall healthy mouth.
Causes of Dental Disease
Due to the daily adventures of our pet dogs where they put pretty much anything in their mouth, so it’s understandable that continual presence of bacteria and their associated toxins have a daily impact on dog’s health. A dog’s mouth is warm and moist which has significant nutrients for organisms to grow on making the oral cavity of dogs the ideal location for bacterial to build up and cause dental disease.
Bacteria causes tartar to build up which really is the enemy, and it can lead to dogs diagnosed with serious illnesses such as heart, kidney and liver disease – so a clean mouth is the ONLY answer to stop gum disease.
Bad breath is a symptom which many owners notice, this occurs when food particles collect along the gum line forming plaque. If the plaque is not removed the gums cause inflammations, resulting in bad breath. If your pet dog has one or more missing tooth this is a sign of gum disease, which will also lead to pain and discomfort.
These symptoms will also lead to stress and anxiety, so your pet dog may not be their jolly self and you may notice a difference in their behaviour such as rubbing their face with their paw to signify a symptom of gum disease. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and gums that bleed easily, so if you notice any of these symptoms take your dog in for an oral exam where they will undergo dental X-rays to see exactly what’s happening in your dog’s teeth and below the gum line.
Whimzees comes in rounded points to help clean the smaller spaces between teeth, as well as having all natural ingredients. The fun shapes are also a great way to keep your dog entertained for hours. Greenies Dental Treat’s are easily digestible treats for dogs that have uniquely shaped rounded grooves to allow a better scraping action, ensuring that teeth and gums are effectively cleaned to stop dental disease and for a cleaner, healthier mouth.
The Arm and Hammer dental products are water additive based which will soften plaque, making it easier to be removed, and will also decrease the amount of bacteria in your pet's mouth.
It is important to remember that pets with dental pain may not show obvious signs and they frequently maintain a normal appetite. If you are concerned about your pet’s teeth, it is recommended to visit one of our pet clinics, find the closest to you.