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The Puggy Page
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Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you didn't brush them routinely. Now, imagine what it would be like if you never brushed them at all. Well, the same applies to your pet's teeth. Unless you are regularly providing some form of dental care, you are neglecting an important factor in the overall health of your pet. Gum (or periodontal) disease is one of the most common problems seen by wterinarians today. Periodontal disease is known as the "silent disease" because of its slow, progressive nature. Besides bad breath, gum disease can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, serious generalized infections, and even heart and kidney disease. The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allo\A/ed to build up on a pet's teeth. Plaque harbors the bacteria which can lead to infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Poor Oral Health * Persistent, foul mouth odor If any of the above signs appear, contact your veterinarian for an oral examination.
Treatment and Prevention The first step in promoting oral health is to have your pet's hardened tartar removed by your veterinarian. Since this requires the use of special instruments and equipment, it is not possible to remove the tartar yourself. Secondly, most veterinarians recommend an oral hygiene program which includes brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis with a toothpaste formulated for animals. [BOLD] Do not use human toothpaste. Do not use baking soda. [BOLD] Human toothpastes contain ingredients which may cause gastric problems and foaming in the mouth. The high sodium level of baking soda may cause problems in some animals, especially those with a heart condition. Diet is also a major factor in the development of plaque and tartar. Soft or sticky foods can contribute to periodontal disease. Hard, crunchy foods and dog biscuits are helpful, but they are not the entire answer either. Recent studies indicate beefhide chews are much more effective in maintaining clean teeth, but additional prewntive care is usually still necessary. The same preventive techniques recommended for humans, especially routine brushing, are the most effective means of controlling plaque and tartar build-up in animals.
Teeth Cleaning Instructions It is important to establish a pleasant routine for you and your pet. Start your home dental care program slowly and pick a time when you are both relaxed, preferably after mealtime. Begin by simply handling your pet's mouth for several minutes a day. Go slow and be affectionate. After a few days of becoming accustomed to this, gently hold the mouth closed with one hand, lift the lip on one side of the mouth and brush the teeth and gums. Brushing gently in a back-and-fbrth motion is most practical, although circular motion is more effective. Increase the number of teeth brushed each time until your pet accepts the routine willingly. The whole process should take only a minute or two. Use of a specially flavored animal dentifrice is often helpful. Just letting your pet taste the paste will often encourage acceptance. To assure gentle application, always use an extra soft-bristled tooth- brush designed for animal use. Various types of animal toothbrushes are available fromyourvetehn- arian. When starting a brushing routine, a "finger" brush (a brush that fits over an index finger) is often the least intrusive for the pet and most convenient to use. After brushing, gine a reward and a lot of love and affection. Besides toothbrlishing, other methods including the use of gauze pads, enzymatic beefhide chews and oral hygiene sprays can play an important pan in the oral health of your pet. Whichever method you choose, your pet will certainly appreciate your efforts. GOOD LUCK! NOTE: If your pet is a "struggle", an initial restraint method is to wrap your pet in a large bath towel with just the head protruding. Or ask a friend for help. If you continue to have problems brushing your pet's teeth, call your veterinarian. |