Monday, May 4, 2009

dog tooth health

Dog tooth health is a key issue when it comes to your canine friend, as your pets use their teeth a lot more than we do, for more than just chewing their food.

Generally dogs don't get cavities but they can occur if they eat soft food that can collect in their gums. That can lead to infection, which causes gums to soften and recede. If your dog's breath smells worse than normal, that could be an indication of a problem. Train your dog to open his mouth on command so you can inspect his teeth while he's still a puppy. If you wait until the dog is older to start checking his teeth the dog may not be a willing partner. http://hongri2000.wiki.zoho.com/cat-breeds.html

Dog teeth health issues include tartar buildup, which can happen if your dog is drinking hard water. Tartar buildup leads to gum disease and possible tooth loss. You can remove tartar buildup from your dog's teeth by using a three per cent hydrogen peroxide solution or a one per cent hydrochloric acid solution. Use a rag and rub the solution thoroughly on the teeth.
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An easier way to avoid tartar buildup issues is to give your dog a raw marrow bone periodically. The gnawing motion and the thoroughness of the dog's attention to chewing and delight in the activity scrapes away tartar. It makes a mess and outside is the best place for a dog and a bone. Do not use cooked bones, which can easily splinter.

Even if your dog is no longer a puppy you can train them to accept having their teeth brushed with some patience and perseverance. Both dogs and puppies alike can be acclimated to having the toothbrush in their mouths simply by starting out using your finger and a dab of peanut butter.

As your pet licks your finger and the peanut butter, begin rubbing the teeth and gums while offering plenty of praise. After a day or so of this, or as soon as your dog begins accepting this new process, use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and do the same thing as above. Rub the gauze around the teeth and gums using a circular motion as you would with the toothbrush. Once they are used to this, it's time to introduce them to the real thing.

Never use toothpaste intended for humans on your dog as ingredients such as baking soda will upset their stomach. Also, dog toothpaste is specially formulated for their teeth and will have an appealing smell and taste to help make the process a bit easier. Start out by letting your dog lick a dollop of toothpaste off of the brush first, then use more to finally start brushing.

Lift the sides of your dog's gums so you can access their upper teeth, aptly called the canines, and hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle for the best results. This allows you to clean the gum line as well as the teeth to keep the gums equally as healthy. Brushing two to three teeth at a time, brush in a circular motion anywhere from eight to ten times or so in order to get each area clean. A dog's upper back teeth tend to be the most susceptible to decay and periodontal disease, so if anything, focus your efforts there first.

Dog teeth cleaning should always be a happy, positive event. However, you will want to remain upbeat, but also low-key to keep your dog on the same wavelength and from becoming overly excited. Usually no more than one minute or so is long enough before your dog loses interest, but after practicing for a bit, you'll find that that's all it takes to keep your dog's teeth clean, keeping them happy and healthy.