| Article 8: Does My Dog Really Have
to Visit a Dentist |
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Does My Dog
Really Have to Visit a Dentist? Part 1
Over the years, there have been many advances in dog medicine
and care. New areas have opened up for consideration. Dog
psychology and behavioral psychology, for example, are
burgeoning fields. There is interest in alternative ways to
treat your pet. Dogs can see acupuncturists and chiropractors.
A further expansion into the field of veterinarian medicine is
dog dentistry. With dogs increasing their lifespan, this is a
natural outcome. There is also an increased need for dog
dentists as a result of the various diets available. The
increased use of soft food adds to the need. So, too, does the
preference of some people to spoil their dogs with sweets and
unsuitable food. The result is a growing awareness of the need
for an owner to ensure the proper care of his or her dog’s
teeth.
Indicators of Dental Problems
You know you may need a dentist when your dog exhibits the
following symptoms.
1. Tartar. There is a significant tartar build-up on the teeth.
Like humans, dogs can have tartar increase as they age.
2. Halitosis. Bad breath from a dog is not unexpected. They do,
after all, eat some of the most disgusting things at times. If,
however, the bead breath is constant and accompanied by other
symptoms, it may be time to see a veterinarian dentist.
3. Painful mouth. If your dog cannot eat properly or if she or
he has a sore mouth, it may well be time to see a dentist. The
dog may have a broken, infected or ill- formed tooth. If the dog
will not let you open the mouth to see the problem, arrange for
a visit to the vet’s. Your vet may be able to clarify what
exactly is wrong.
4. Difficulty eating/poor appetite. A dog with a poor appetite
is a sick animal. If they are obviously having trouble eating,
there could be dental problems.
5. Inflamed gums. If the color of the gums of your dog is not
pink, this could be an indication of gum disease. A visit to the
vet’s is required.
Common Dental Problems
There are several dental problems your dog may encounter during
his or her lifetime. Most are readily avoided through preventive
measures. If your dog has dental issues, you will need to take
him to a doggy dentist. Below are the most common dental
problems.
1. Periodontal disease. This disease currently affects around
80% of all dogs of 3 years and older. Periodontal disease
affects the gums and supportive tissue. It is an inflammation
and an infection. A causal factor is a tartar build-up.
Tartar build-up allows bacteria to breed. If this type of dental
disease progresses, your vet will recommend cleaning and
polishing the teeth. He or she will combine this with a
treatment of antibiotics. If the case is very severe, your vet
may have to remove the infected teeth.
Periodontal disease has become a serious problem over the last
few years. It is particularly prevalent among toy dogs. You can
avoid it by taking the appropriate measures. This includes a
healthy diet with kibble. It also means brushing the teeth of
your dog daily.
2. Endodontic conditions. These are the result of broken,
fractured or abscessed teeth. The conditions may require a root
canal or extraction. Large dogs are more prone to endodontic
conditions of the teeth. This is because they chew on objects
such as fences and bones. This causes a wearing down or breakage
of their teeth.
Fractures may split the teeth creating pain and opening the way
for abscesses. Removal or repair is the only way to help the
canine regain a pain-free life.
Conclusion
In the past decades, people did not consider taking their dog to
a dentist/vet. Today, it is a more common practice. This is due
in part to the changing nature of our relationship with dogs. It
is also the result of changing diets and the increased lifespan
of our canine companions. Part 2 of this article will look at a
few other dental problems facing dogs. It will also describe
dental hygiene practice for you and your dog.
Content provided by Crissi Stevens of
www.ohmydogsupplies.com, check for new specials on
backpack style dog carriers online.
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