PetKnows

Did you know that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3? That’s what the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) warns. Another scary fact I learned recently: many dogs with bad breath are suffering from periodontal disease, a result of plaque build up. If left untreated, this can lead to a bacteria infection, which can enter the bloodstream and spread to your dog’s kidney, liver, heart and even their brain.

Since becoming aware of the seriousness of dental care for pets, I have become very diligent about taking care of Mosby’s mouth. At his regular check ups with the vet, he has always gotten a clean bill of health after his oral exam, but I want to make sure that I am continuing to do things to prevent any issues from arising. While dental hygiene is important at all ages, older dogs can have a harder time recovering from an infection, so I want to take extra care to avoid any problems.

There are many ways to prevent dental issues for your dog that you can do right at home.

• For starters, brush your dog’s teeth.Mosby doesn’t love this but he’s getting used to it with practice.I started by letting him lick the doggie toothpaste* off of the tooth brush, and did only a little at a time so he could get used to it.Force it too much and your dog will only be afraid of it.You want them to be okay with it and learn to enjoy it. * Important note: NEVER use human toothpaste. Only use toothpaste that is formulated for pets.

• Between brushings, give your dog dental treats and chew toys. As they chew, their teeth are getting scraped, which means less build up. You cannot rely on this as your sole source of dental care, but it does help. The Veterinary Oral Health Council has a list of VOHC approved products on the market. Just remember to always supervise your dog while he is eating a dental treat or playing with a chew toy.

• Studies also indicate that kibble will help keep a dog’s teeth cleaner. Some people also advise against feeding dogs table scraps or sweet treats because they can increase the build up of plaque and tartar, and can lead to other health problems.

I tried to get a picture of Mosby getting his teeth brushed but he wasn’t so keen on cooperating for both me and the camera. But here is a picture of him chewing on a Bright Bites Dental Treat after dinner the other night!