Owners frequently overlook dental care for dogs, even though many veterinarians recommend regular attention to the teeth. Here´s some information:
- Just like people, puppies have baby teeth. These 28 sharp little teeth grow in when the puppy is three to four weeks of age. A dog´s 42 permanent teeth will start erupting at about four months of age. Puppy teething will usually peak at about six months of age.
- Regular tooth brushing and veterinary checkups can make it easy to diagnose more serious dental problems with your dog, which might include:
- Broken teeth, which is common among outdoor dogs and dogs that vigorously chew on hard objects, such as cow hooves;
- Teeth that don´t meet correctly;
- Baby teeth that did not fall out of the gums as they should and are causing problems;
- Cancer;
- Canker sores or other lesions
- Regular tooth brushing and veterinary checkups can make it easy to diagnose more serious dental problems with your dog, which might include:
While there is no substitute for regular brushing of your dog´s teeth, there are some ways that you can help your dog´s oral health, along with a brushing program. Additional methods to try might include putting doggie toothpaste on a frequently chewed toy, giving your dog a raw carrot occasionally, or some of the crunchy treats specifically designed for dental care. Caring for your pup´s teeth and mouth regularly will assist you in monitoring your pet´s overall health as well. Infections or periodontal disease can be nipped in the bud when you are accustomed to monitoring your dog´s mouth.
