The effects of neglecting your dog’s oral hygiene
The consequences of neglecting to take care of your dog’s oral health goes beyond bad breath and discoloured teeth. Here are a few examples:
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease)
- Dental ulcers
- Cavities
- Tooth loss
- Diminished bone density
- Chronic pain that may make your pet aggressive
- Dental or jaw fractures without injury
- Chronic cough
- Weight loss
- Respiratory system infections
- Heart problems
- Kidney lesions
If the animal isn’t taken care of quickly, oral health issues can cause long periods of pain and suffering and eventually death. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
The essential elements of optimal oral health in dogs
Many people think that giving their dog crunchy cookies or dental treats once in a while is enough to keep their teeth healthy. However, these measures alone aren’t sufficient. To avoid the problems mentioned above — including black teeth — you need to adopt good habits. This means you need to:
Brush your dog’s teeth daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs
Feed your dog quality food (no sweets or table scraps)
Make an annual appointment with your veterinarian for an oral exam and tartar removal
Keep in mind that certain oral problems in dogs, such as subgingival tartar, are invisible to the naked eye. Even if your dog doesn’t have discoloured teeth, it’s important to get them checked regularly to detect any problems before they get serious. Additionally, be aware that teeth can darken after a shock (such as a fall or an accident). In either case, it’s best to consult an expert to get the facts straight.
At Chico, you’ll find the products you need to help you establish a oral hygiene regimen with your dog. Drop by one of our locations for more advice.