Unfortunately, plaque buildup and gingivitis may result in not just tooth loss but can also allow toxic levels of bacteria into the bloodstream, possibly causing damage to other organs such as the kidney and heart.
Small breeds add additional issues into the mix. Second, small breeds commonly eat soft canned food or people’s food that sticks to the gums and teeth. Finally, little dogs usually live longer, giving the periodontal disease a long time to cause difficulties. When dogs begin the process of shedding their teeth and making way for the adult teeth, some toy breeds have a more difficult than ordinary period ‘pushing’ out these baby teeth. These stubborn infant teeth will need to be eliminated by a vet. In addition, breeds like the Western Chin and Chihuahua have exceptionally tiny muzzles; hence, toy breeds could undergo overcrowding of teeth. To keep the usual bite and proper alignment, vet removal of some teeth may also be necessary.
Toy breeds also seem to acquire tartar and plague buildup faster and earlier than a lot of the bigger breeds. A good dental health routine has to be established while the puppy remains young.
- Begin exposing your puppy once you bring him home to the concept of touching his mouth and teeth. Put doggie dental paste on your own finger for him to lick. The more accustomed he’s to the senses, the easier it to correctly wash his teeth.
- Clean the daily debris from his teeth. There are several options for keeping his teeth nice and clean. Daily cleanings are perfect, but try to clean at least a few times weekly. Apply only a small amount of pet toothpaste and gently apply to your teeth. You can clean only a couple of teeth at a time until he becomes comfortable with the process.
- Several liquid products can be applied to the teeth regularly to assist discourage bacterial growth. Veterinarians may also employ OraVet (a plaque control gel) in addition to an appropriate dental cleaning.
- Toys and treats may be a crucial part of dental hygiene, but you need to be cautious about what your toy breed is chewing gum on. Many tiny dogs have cracked or broken teeth inappropriate chew toys. Make sure that you only purchase chew treats that are specifically made for toy breeds. Other products may have warning labels saying not for use by strains under 15 pounds. Never provide your dog with an unsuitable product.
- During your annual vet exam, make certain to heed the advice of your vet. If he or she feels a comprehensive dental cleaning under anesthesia could be best, schedule an appointment for the procedure. Your toy breed will possess excellent oral health by establishing a fantastic dental care program early on and always doing it. Be certain that you brush your pet’s teeth regularly, prevent chew treats that are unsuitable for it, and program professional cleanings when justified. Remember to routinely inspect your dog’s mouth as well to make sure there is no overcrowding of teeth or diseased teeth which may have to be eliminated. Last, note any observations of fluctuations from teeth or gums like swelling, discharge, or growths, and be sure to point these out to your vet during a visit.
However, many pets do not receive the attention they need to keep their gums and teeth healthy. Learn more information about pet dental care from this dog dentist.
At Park Pet Hospital we are proud to offer comprehensive dental care services for your furry friend which range from regular dental checkups, tooth polishing, and cleanings, to dental operations and x-rays. Ask our vet surgeon for more details.
Our veterinarians at Park Pet Hospital provide specialist preventative and restorative dental health care which range from cat and dog dental checkup to oral surgery.
