Brush up on doggie dental care

You may want to brush up on a few pet care facts to make sure your dog’s teeth and gums stay healthy.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of pets over the age of 3 are diagnosed with an oral disease each year.

Letting your pet’s teeth reach an unhealthy state can lead to tooth loss, potential spread of infection to other vital body organs and bad breath.

To prevent such problems, take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a dental checkup. If plaque and tartar buildup is evident, a professional cleaning may be recommended.

Here are some expert tips to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy:

1. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly; once a day is recommended. Using both a toothbrush and toothpaste developed for pets is the best way to remove and prevent plaque buildup in between veterinary visits.

2. Provide hard food, such as edible bones and crunchy snacks, to exercise the teeth. Dogs on such a diet may be less prone to having dental problems.

3. Rawhide dog treats have been used for many years to satisfy dog’s natural desire to chew. The abrasive action of chewing rawhide helps reduce plaque and gingivitis in dogs, up to 25 percent according to some studies.

4. Fun chew toys, especially with raised tips, can massage and strengthen gums and help decrease plaque buildup. For puppies left alone, chew toys can relieve boredom and keep them from biting other items. They also offer an alternative to hard objects that might lead to tooth fractures.

5. If your dog has bad breath, don’t fret. There are breath strips currently on the market, similar to those sold for human use. Also, check your pet for bleeding or irritated gums, tartar buildup or oral pain. Seek veterinary assistance for any chronic problems.

By combining regular veterinary checkups with a consistent home program, concerned and loving owners can help their dogs have healthy teeth and gums for a long time.

Story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.