February is National Dental Health month for your canine pal. However, doggy dental care should, and needs to be a year ’round ritual for the health and well-being of your pooch. Unfortunately, dental disease is one of the most common disorders reported by veterinarians. An astounding 80% of dogs will develop some sort of dental disease by the early age of 2.
Just The Facts
- Just like humans, dogs go through two sets of teeth in their lifetime.
- Dogs have more teeth than humans. 42 for dogs, 32 for dog moms and dog dads.
- Dogs use their teeth differently than humans. Their canines are used primarily for grasping, lifting and pulling.
- The roots of dog’s teeth are much longer than humans.
- Cavities are extremely rare in dogs.
The Signs
As a dog lover, you need to watch for the signs of dental disease and how to make sure doggy dental care is part of your routine. Here’s what you DON’T want to see and smell:
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Plaque
- Thick saliva
- Favoring one side of the mouth
- Dropping food while eating
- Rubbing the face with a paw
Prevention
How can you prevent doggy dental disease before it happens?
- Just like humans, daily teeth brushing
- Professional teeth cleanings at the vet
- Use dog plaque teeth wipes
- Water additives to prevent tartar buildup and freshen breath
- Dental treats
Longevity
Your friends at Dog Is Good have learned that having healthy doggy teeth can add years to your dog’s life. When your dog has dental problems, it can affect their heart, kidney and other major organs. So, next time Fido heavy breathes in your face, take a whiff and if his breath makes your eyes water, go to your vet and get it checked out.
P.S. Because February is Doggy Dental Month, many vets are offering specials on products and teeth cleaning. Don’t delay, get those pearly whites shining!
