Hey, guys. We’re back at it. Back to talking about our pups. This week we’re talking about dental health.

What?

Our dogs need dentists? Don’t panic if you’re just now finding this out. There are many dog lovers who don’t know the importance of doggy dental health.

After reading today’s article, hopefully you’ll see how important it is to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Dogs can have similar issues to ours when it comes to their teeth and gums. If we don’t see the dentist in a while, some of us will start to notice our dental health deteriorating.

If we don’t brush our teeth, our teeth feel “yucky,” and I don’t know about you, but if I forget to brush my teeth I am in a panic and need to rush to find a toothbrush. And flossing, I absolutely need that daily, too.

Same with our doggies.

Knowing more about your dog’s dental health will help you understand how to better care for your furry best friend. I have a bit of information for you here in this articlw, but I do recommend finding out for yourself through your own research and talking to your family veterinarian.

GUM DISEASE STINKS

Gum disease is extremely common in dogs. You wouldn’t think so, but wow. Researchers have found most dogs show signs of gum disease as early as three years old.

Three years old.

If you’re concerned your dog might already have gum disease, the signs include bad breath, yellow or brown buildup in their mouth (tartar), and irritated gums.

You should take a peek inside your dog’s mouth on a regular basis to check for these signs. How often is “regular?” This is something you should talk to your vet about.

When you visit your veterinarian for your annual check-up, you can ask your vet what he or she thinks of your dog’s teeth. After all, if there is a big concern, there are veterinarians who specialize in doggy teeth.

ROOT CANALS

FOR DOGGIES

Have you ever had a root canal? Or, knew someone who had it done?

Dogs need root canals sometimes, too.

Most people think root canals are only for humans, but this is just not the case. It’s more common than you think for dogs to break teeth.

Those hard toys. The sticks. The rocks. Yes, some dogs actually chew on rocks. Any of these could break your dog’s teeth.

If your dog needs a root canal, don’t fret immediately about the cost. It usually costs about the same as our own root canals. And, you can investigate payment plans.

To help avoid the need for a root canal, be sure to watch what your dog is chewing on. If it looks like it’s too hard, it should be taken away and replaced with a softer “chew” object.

Providing your dog with “soft” objects can help significantly. I don’t mean soft as in toys they can shred apart in two seconds. But, not ‘rock’ hard or overly solid.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

IS REAL

Wait. Periodontal disease in dogs is a thing?

Yes, this is relatively common in dogs, too.

Smaller breeds are at a higher risk than large breeds because their teeth are actually a bit too big for their little mouths.

There are signs you can look out for here too.

Yellow teeth. Brown teeth. Loose teeth. Missing teeth. Smelly, yucky breath. Swollen gums. Loss of appetite. Weight loss.

To prevent periodontal disease, you should brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Of course, if you have an adult dog who has never had his teeth brushed, this can be quite the process.

Be sure to introduce the toothbrush slow to your dog or puppy. And, be patient.

You should also request dental cleanings from your veterinarian on an annual basis to keep up on your dog’s dental health.

TOOTH INFECTIONS HURT

Tooth infections are horrible. Have you ever had one? If not, you are one of the lucky ones. Tooth infections can cause all sorts of pain for us — headaches, nausea, and just plain out feeling awful.

I had an abscessed tooth before. The pain is unexplainable. Ouch!

Keep an eye out for this in your dog. It hurts.

If your dog’s fourth premolar is infected (this is more commonly infected than the others), you will notice swelling under their eye.

The fourth premolar tooth is bigger than the others. You might know this tooth as the carnassial tooth. If you’re not sure which tooth this is, do a bit of quick research and you’ll find out quickly.

Keep those teeth clean.

P.S. — Only use the toothbrushes and toothpaste that are specifically designed for our dogs. They can’t use our toothpaste. They need their own. Our toothpaste is toxic to our pups.

THE BOTTOM LINE

ON DENTAL HEALTH

Just as your dental health is an important aspect of your overall health, your dog’s is too. We want them to feel as good as possible. We want them to live long, healthy lives. Ensuring they have good dental health plays a huge role in their well-being.

Regular checkups and consulting with your veterinarian on recommended toys, treats, and food will keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Until next time!