Among dogs, as with humans, it is very important to take care of oral hygiene. Although dogs’ teeth are much stronger, they also need proper care. What should we do when our dog develops tartar and how can we recognise the problem?
How does dental calculus form in a dog?
Dental calculus is a yellowish-brown, rough deposit that forms in your dog’s mouth. It is hard and usually appears at the edges of the gums. It is caused by bacteria as well as the combination of various substances in the muzzle of the dog with saliva, for example, from the food it eats. This problem can affect any pet, but old dogs, small breeds and those with short muzzles are particularly prone to it. How can you tell if your dog is struggling with tartar? It may be hard to see it with the naked eye, but the first worrying sign will be a bad smell coming out of your pet’s mouth. A lack of appetite, drooling or reddening of the gums may also occur. It is worth mentioning that tartar often leads to more serious diseases due to the large number of bacteria in the mouth – we can point out heart, liver and kidney disorders. This is why it is a good idea to visit your vet regularly to check your dog’s dental condition and, if necessary, to inform you of the presence of tartar.
Removal of calculus in a dog
It is very important to stress that there are no homemade methods that will allow us to remove calculus, from our pets’ teeth on our own. It will be necessary here to visit a veterinarian, who will help to deal with the problem with the use of a special device, which is a scaler that uses ultrasound to break up the deposit. The procedure is painless and performed under anaesthesia, thanks to which we do not have to worry about our dog’s health and well-being. The price depends on the breed of the animal, as well as the scale of the problem: the amount of the scale and the place where it is located. The whole procedure can be repeated later if necessary. Unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary to remove infected teeth.
Prophylaxis is essential!
Proper care of our four-legged friend’s oral hygiene will minimize the possible occurrence of the problem. Our pet’s teeth should be cleaned daily. We can use toothpaste and brushes especially prepared for pets. There are also various types of gels, liquids or even specialised wipes available on the market. The most popular option is all kinds of treats cleaning the oral cavity, which can be bought in practically every pet shop, although they won’t replace brushing. Let’s remember to clean teeth already in puppies, which will influence their good condition.
Everyone wants their four-legged friend to feel great and enjoy good health for as long as possible. This requires proper, everyday care. Remember that teeth play a very important role in your dog’s life and they are not just for eating.
