Dental Care for Your Golden’s Pearly Whites

Reprinted from our Feb/March 2005 Newsletter

Dental disease is the most common disease in our canine companions. It is also one of the most preventable and treatable diseases. Plaque, composed of various mineral salts, organic material and food particles, builds up on the tooth surface daily. Within 36 hours, plaque becomes mineralized and hardens into tartar that cannot be removed with a brush. If unaddressed, continual accumulation of tartar can cause inflammation and, eventual recession of the gums and loose teeth. Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the valves of the heart and other vital organs.

To prevent tartar and plaque build up, try these tips:

• Feed your dog hard or coarse foods. Canned foods are a nice treat for your dog, but they don’t provide the abrasiveness that a hard food does which helps to keep the teeth tartar-free. Many dog food brands now advertise a plaque and tartar control formula.
  
  
• Provide rawhide, hard rubber or nylon chew toys, or hard treat foods. Remember, though, that the treat foods are a source of calories and may lead to obesity if too many are given. Don’t want to give your dog rawhide? There are plenty of other chew toys available to help your dog’s teeth stay clean. For example:
  
  
  • Rope Bone Chew Toys -Try a dental rope chew toy for great flossing action. As your dog chews on these toys the rope fibers clean between the teeth. Spray on some dog dental care spray or rub on a little flavored pet toothpaste to really enhance the cleaning action of this enticing dental chew toy.
    
    
  • Dental Chew Toys - For long-lasting chewing fun, and a great dental workout, get your dog a dental chew toy. Some brands are manufactured with grooves that make these dental toys real winners for cleaning your dog’s teeth. Some dental chew toys can also be stuffed with your dog’s favorite treats for hours of stimulating chewing. Just add some pet toothpaste to the dental grooves and your dogs will eagerly participate in their daily dog dental care routine.
    
    
  • Edible Dog Chews - Many pet shops and online stores now carry a variety of composite chews. These all natural rawhide dog chews can't ribbon, are easy to digest and dogs love the baked-in flavor. There is even an edible dog chew treat available that contains no animal by-products.
    
    
• Brush your pet's teeth periodically. Your veterinarian can provide a special enzymatic toothpaste. Human toothpastes and baking soda can cause problems. Abrasive dental cleaning pads are also helpful in cleaning the teeth. Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Anything other than a bristled toothbrush will not get below the gum line, which is the most important area to brush.
  
  

Signs or symptoms that your dog may have dental disease include, but are not limited to, bad breath, chewing on one side of the mouth, appearance of being in pain when eating or drinking, hesitating to eat even when hungry, swelling under the eyes, discharge from the nose, drooling or excessive salivation. If dental disease is expected, see your veterinarian right away.

Even with the best tooth brushing, some dogs may still need an occasional professional cleaning, just like humans. By brushing your pet's teeth daily and curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your pet with a healthier, smile and sweeter breath!

Step 1 - Select an appropriate time
Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your dog are both relaxed.

Step 2 - Acquaint your dog with the process.
For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush. Hold your dog the same as when you are cuddling her. Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger. After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it.

Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush
Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line. The purpose of this step is to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the brush.

Step 4 - Begin Brushing
Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed. It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate. Go slowly and gently. Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your dog begins to fuss. If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier. Build up to about 30 seconds per side. Dogs don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces Be sure to brush the big teeth way in back.

Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience
Proceed slowly and gently. Stop each session while it is still fun and lavishly praise your dog afterwards. She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.