Let’s talk about dental health – for your pup. It may be something easily forgotten about – but a big part of overall health. We’ll discuss the relevance to health, conditions, overall importance of dental health, and ways to be proactive.
Just like humans, pups’ dental health is linked to their overall health. Proper oral hygiene is needed for many reasons! To start at the source, if there’s bacteria in the mouth, it can travel to other parts of the body and organs. Over time, this could cause damage in the kidneys, heart and liver. Poor dental health can cause appetite and weight loss, decreasing your pup’s quality of life.
Did you know over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 experience dental disease? When there is tartar build up, tooth decay or gum disease, (just like with our teeth), there can be pain- but they can’t tell you! It’s our job to be diligent and pay attention to their teeth and gums.
What are some signs of dental problems?
- Discolored teeth
- Bad breath
- Visual tartar build up
- Loose or missing teeth
- bleeding gums, may also look red and irritated
- Changes in eating habits
Proactive and preventative care is vital when it comes to dental health. Using dental chews as a treat, brushing your pups teeth, and encouraging the use of chew toys are great ways to incorporate dental hygiene in everyday life. Dental chews and toys help to scrape away plaque and tartar! The best way to get ahead of this issue is regularly scheduling regular check ups with your veterinarian. But it’s never too late to start! Catching something early makes a big difference.