Ever suffered from toothache? If so, you know how awful it is. On the barometer of pains we face in life, it really is one of the worst. After scrubbing our Teeth for ages in the misguided hope that it will go away, we then book a visit to our friendly neighbourhood dentist, rather than endure the pain for a moment longer than we need to. But guess what? Our dogs can be prone to toothache too, as well as a number of other dental problems, including gum disease, plaque buildup and gingivitis (bad breath). Unlike humans, however, our dogs are less likely to let us know about the pain they are suffering; they will carry on as normal, without complaining to all and sundry about their pain. How awful for them! Still, the article here gives you the signs and symptoms of toothache (and other dental issues) in your Dog, so if you recognise any of them, do your dog a favour and take them to a veterinary practice which deals in dental care for animals to get rid of the problem. They might also pick up other health care issues related to your dog's dental problems, some of which can be life-threatening, so it really is in your dog's best interests to get them the help they need.
As with your own dental care, you can do a lot to protect your dog's teeth to alleviate the risk of any painful and troublesome problems. Aside from regular visits to the vet, you should also consider the following.
Brush your dog's teeth. With special doggy toothpaste (the human variety can be poisonous to dogs), brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis. Check outthis helpful videoto make the process a pleasant experience for both you and your dog, as it can be a tricky procedure if you don't know what you're doing. Aside from toothpaste, you can also purchase oral gels that can be rubbed around your dog's gums and between their teeth. This adds extra protection, neutralising both the buildup of plaque and bad breath. See your vet for details.
Choose food carefully. The experts say soft food is generally bad for your dog's teeth, as remnants are likely to stick to your dog's teeth and cause plaque and decay. Brushing your dog's teeth soon after a meal will help, but you might also consider giving them kibble and otherfoods that are good for their teeth as part of their regular diet.
Give your dog something to chew on. Provide chew toys that are designed to strengthen your dog's teeth. This is safer than giving them items from around your home to chew on, or letting your dog find their own object to nibble at, as potentially harder objects can break your dog's teeth. Your nearest pet store will sell what you need.
Be a better dog owner by adhering to these tips. Through regular trips to the vet and preventative care against dental problems, you will keep your dog smiling. Of course, you will be smiling too, as taking care of your dog's teeth and overall health will also save you the expense of veterinary medical bills. So, if you haven't already, follow our tips today, for your dog's sake, as well as your own.
