Just as it’s crucial for humans to maintain dental hygiene, ensuring your dog’s teeth are well cared for is essential to their overall health and well-being. Many dog owners may overlook dental care, but the implications of neglected canine teeth extend far beyond bad breath. Today, we’re diving into why proper dental care is pivotal for your canine companions.
Why is Dental Care Important for Dogs?
Dental health in dogs is often a clear indicator of their overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to various problems, not just within the mouth but throughout the body. Plaque buildup can evolve into tartar, which not only causes gum disease and tooth decay but can also lead to more serious health conditions.
Recognising Dental Health Issues
It’s vital to know what poor dental health looks like so you can address issues before they worsen. Common signs include:
- Bad breath: Contrary to popular belief, “dog breath” isn’t a normal or healthy phenomenon.
- Difficulty eating: Changes in eating habits or obvious discomfort while chewing can be a major indicator.
- Discoloured teeth: Yellow or brown teeth are a sign of tartar buildup.
- Swollen gums: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums can indicate gingivitis.
- Loose teeth: This is often a result of advanced gum disease.
Steps to Maintain Canine Dental Health
Here are some preventative measures and steps you can take to ensure your dog’s mouth stays healthy:
- Regular Brushing: Brushing your dog’s teeth might seem daunting, but it’s the most effective way to remove plaque. Start slowly, using a toothbrush designed for dogs and toothpaste that is safe for pets.
- Dental Check-ups: Regular check-ups with your vet are essential. These visits can help catch and address dental issues before they escalate into more serious health problems.
- Chew Toys: Chew toys are not just good for your dog’s mental stimulation and stress relief; they also help keep their teeth clean. The action of chewing can help scrape away plaque.
- Professional Cleanings: Sometimes, a professional cleaning by a vet is necessary to remove tartar buildup and assess the health of the dog’s mouth thoroughly.
Canine dental care is not just about avoiding bad breath or tooth loss; it’s about maintaining your dog’s quality of life. As responsible pet owners and animal lovers, it’s our duty to ensure our furry friends receive the best care possible. Start incorporating dental care into your routine today and help your dog lead a happier, healthier life.
If you’re an animal care or dog grooming professional who wants to learn more about, or who would like to expand your practical skills to incorporate preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene into your role, why not undertake our new Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene? You will learn about safe methods and techniques to keep the mouth healthy and prevent deterioration so that you can clean canine teeth and advise pet owners on oral hygiene and dental care and refer to a veterinary professional when needed.
The Level 3 Award is a predominantly online course, with one practical day at our Huntingdon or Leeds centre, which takes 12-14 weeks to complete. You can find the full course details, fees and next available start date, as well as how to apply, here.