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Canine Dental Care
As care-givers, we should provide our dogs a good canine dental care program to ensure they have strong and healthy teeth. The mouth and teeth are important for our pets because they are essential for eating and grooming - not to mention having clean white teeth is a big plus when it comes to getting girls :)
Common Dog Dental ProblemsPlaqueFood particles, hair, and bacteria collect along the gumline to form plaque, a common cause of peridontal disease. To prevent plaque from developing into tartar and thus causing more serious gum disease, such as gingivitis, we should give our dogs daily brushing to remove the plaque. Tartar If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva will combine with the plaque and form tartar. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. The gums adjacent to the teeth will become red and inflammed, causing bad breath and swollen gums. At this point it is necessary to visit a veterinarian for the removal of the tartar. Periodontal Disease If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums, causing further inflammation, pulling away and receding gums. A "pocket" opens up between the teeth and the gums, collecting more debris and encouraging even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible - the dog's teeth will loosen and fall out. In serious cases, it is very painful and can cause complications such as the development of abscesses, bone loss or infection. It is obvious therefore, that providing our dogs with regular canine dental care is essential for the maintenance of strong, healthy teeth and gums. TopCommon Signs of Dog Teeth Problems and Gum Disease
Herbal Remedies for Gum Disease in DogsIf your dog has developed gingivitis or peridontal disease, you should take him to a veterinarian right away to have the tartar build-up removed. Very often, the dog is put under anesthesia for this major dental work, after which the gums will be very sore and inflamed. Fortunately, a number of herbs can be used to speed up the healing process and to prevent recurrence.Oregon grape, Goldenseal, or Myrrh Use a tincture of any of these herbs to inhibit bacterial growth. Use a cotton swab to liberally apply the tincture directly to your dog's gums. These herbs are antiseptic and they also promote new gum tissue growth. If the teeth are infected and your dog is weak and thin as a result of his dental problem, try apply a tincture of echinacea directly to your dog's gums directly with a cotton swab. If your dog has bleeding gums, apply a tincture of calendula directly to the gums. Calendula is excellent for healing wounds and stopping bleeding. TopNatural Supplements for Canine Dental CareSupplements are essential as part of the canine dental care program. The following two supplements are particularly useful if your dog has dental problems:Coenzyme Q10 Dogs with dental problems most likely have red and swollen, sometimes bleeding, gums. Coenzyme Q10 helps gums heal better and quicker. (Dosage: 10 mg to 30 mg per day, depending on the dog's size). Vitamin C Vitamin C boosts a dog's immune system, so that the body can become strong enough to fight bacteria in the mouth. Canine Dental Care at HomeDaily brushingWe tell our children to brush their teeth every day. Why shouldn't we form the habit of brushing our dog's teeth every day as well? Regular daily brushing is an important part of any canine dental care program to prevent dog teeth and gum diseases. Some veterinarians, however, do not recommend using doggie toothpaste because many brands of dog toothpaste are usually sweetened with sugar, so it can actually increase plaque with continued use. Also, the glycerin contained the toothpaste will stick to the teeth for a long time and cause food particles and bacteria to create plaque. A more effective (and cheaper) alternative is to brush our dog's teeth with a combination of hydrogen peroxide, aloe vera juice (1:1) with a little bit of baking soda. Regular home oral exam While brushing your dog's teeth, look for warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, and plaque or tartar around the gumline. When touching your dog's mouth or the gums, do they move away, obviously in pain? Also look closely for signs of more serious dental problems such as swollen and bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, etc. Any bumps or masses within the mouth should also be checked by your veterinarian. TopPreventing Teeth and Gum Problems in DogsAs always, prevention is better than cure! Besides daily brushing and oral check-up, we should also incorporate the following measures into our canine dental care program:Feeding our Dog a Healthy Natural Diet It is advisable to feed your dog a healthy and natural diet. Avoid snacks or poor-quality foods rich in starch and sugar. Include fresh vegetables such as broccoli and leafy greens in your dog's diet. Feeding a hard raw vegetable such as a carrot to your dog regularly will also help clean his teeth. Calcium and phosphorus, together with vitamins C and B complex are also beneficial to fortify your dog's teeth. Brewer's yeast is a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Other foods rich in calcium include:
Other foods rich in phosphorus include:
Garlic can also be fed to your dog as a dietary supplement. Having Regular Dental Check-up Have your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian or veterinary dentist for any possible teeth or gum problems. If you do the above to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy, she sure will give you a big smile every day!
Pitcairn & Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
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