We all know that we need to take care of our teeth so that plaque and tarter buildup doesn’t cause bacteria that can migrate into our bloodstreams, resulting in serious health problems. The same is true with our pets. Along with good food, exercise, and lots of love, regular brushing of their teeth is one of the most important things we can do for them.  Poor dental health isn’t just about your dog’s teeth and gums.  Over 80 percent of them are affected by dental problems including serious periodontal disease by the time they are three years old, which affects their overall well- being.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month with the “Pets Need Dental Care Too” campaign. Remember what your teeth looked and felt like this morning when you got up?  That rough, thick feel to the surface of the teeth after going only overnight without brushing.  Can you imagine not brushing your teeth for a couple days…or weeks…or years?

Dogs depend on healthy teeth and gums for survival.  Like their caregivers, they are susceptible to bacterial plaque, tarter, cavities, and tooth aches.  Periodontal disease, caused by bacteria and their toxins, if left untreated, will damage the teeth, gums, and supporting tissues. They can also spread through the bloodstream to other organs, including the kidneys, liver, lungs and heart. Since dogs cannot brush their own teeth, it is the responsibility to the caregivers to keep their teeth and gums in tiptop shape.  According to recent surveys of dog caregivers, almost all confirm that they would proactively do anything to help their dogs live longer, healthier lives, but fewer than l0 percent recognize dental care as one of the top health concerns for dogs. Very few recognize the importance of brushing their dog’s teeth.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include brownish or discolored teeth, tarter buildup at the gum line, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums, irritability, decreased appetite or reluctance to chew, eat, and drink, pawing at the mouth, rubbing the face on the ground, and persistent bad breath.

To help your dog keep a healthy, lifetime grin, humans need to practice preventative care.

• Don’t dismiss doggie breath.  A dog’s bad breath is often an early warning sign of dental problems.
• Pay attention to your dog’s eating habits. If she is reluctant to eat hard kibble, it could be due to a tooth ache.
• Provide fresh water daily. Bacteria can escalate inside bowls containing water that is more than a couple days old.
• Treat your dog to a raw baby carrot or two every day. Raw carrots help scrub plaque away as well as provide vitamins and fiber.
• BRUSH her teeth…no, we are not kidding!  The idea of brushing your pet’s teeth daily can be a bit daunting at first, but it’s the best way to keep gum disease from getting started.  If you have never done this, start off easy. Begin by handling his mouth for a couple minutes every day for a few days. Stroke around his face, and then reward him with praise and maybe a carrot!  For the next week, work toward getting your dog comfortable with having his mouth handled.  Don’t even try to brush….

Next week’s Paw Prints will cover basic tips for actual brushing.

Please don’t be one of the majority of caregivers who will become discouraged …as Mark Twain said, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”  With patience (and carrots), you’ll eventually have a dog who happily lets you mess with his mouth!!