Your Dogs’s Oral Hygiene Affects Their Overall Health
Just as we take care of our teeth regularly, we should be doing the same for our animals. Dogs experience plaque buildup and tooth decay just as humans do, so it is important to prevent dental disease and infection. Dental problems in canines can cause a host of other health problems, affecting their entire body as well as their mouth. By implementing basic dental care for pets, you can prevent the following issues.
• Organ Damage: A dog’s mouth is the ideal environment for bacteria to grow, especially when left untreated. As these organisms grow, however, an infection can develop and spread to the rest of the body. If this infection reaches vital organs such as the heart and liver, your dog could experience more complicated health problems. Keeping their mouth clean will help you avoid pouring money into pet healthcare in the future.
• Oral Pain: If you notice that your dog is pawing their mouth or licking their gums, they might be in serious pain from dental problems. Severe swelling and decay can cause extreme discomfort for your pooch, and they will likely show visible signs. When a dog starts exhibiting these types of behaviors, brushing at home may not be enough. Be sure to take them to a vet for dog dental care and cleaning.
• Difficulty Eating: When their mouth is in pain, your dog have difficulty eating or may not be eating at all. You may notice them struggling to chew their food. If you dog drops weight suddenly, this is another sign of dental problems. Losing weight suddenly could be detrimental to their health, so be sure to take them to a dog vet clinic as soon as possible. Your vet may recommend an alternative dog food brand to use until you repair your pet’s teeth.
About 65% of pet owners do not brush their dogs’ teeth, so be sure to start doing so. At-home brushing and dental care for pets, however, may not be effective if your dog has severe dental issues. In many cases, veterinary care is the only way to diagnose and reverse the problem. During your pet’s next checkup, be sure to ask the vet to thoroughly inspect your dog’s teeth. Also be sure to ask about prevention best practices, as adopting the best at-home care will keep your dog’s bite strong and healthy for years to come.