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Evaluating Your Dog’s Health – Mouth & Teeth

September 24th, 2009

Following is our next post in our series of articles on “Evaluating Your Dog’s Health”.  This week — Mouth and Teeth!

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A healthy mouth has nice white teeth and pink gums. To check your dog’s mouth, lift their lips to look at the color of the gums. Red and pale white gums could mean a serious problem. Next, examine their teeth. Dark yellow or loose teeth are also signs that attention is needed. Bad breath can be another bad sign. Problems in their mouth can spread to the kidneys and heart.

• Look for redness or pale gums
• Look for dark yellow, loose or discolored teeth
• Look for tarter build up: usually along the gum line
• Bad breath could be a sign of an infection or stomach problems

Good dental hygiene can begin in puppyhood to greatly reduce the chance of your dog developing periodontal disease. To brush a dog’s teeth, use a small, soft toothbrush or finger brush with toothpaste or tooth-cleaning solution formulated for pets. Human toothpaste foams too much, and the additives can upset your dog’s stomach.

Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day, but even a weekly brushing will help. Although dogs don’t usually get cavities, they are prone to gum disease caused by tartar buildup. Tartar is a by-product of plaque. Tartar buildup has to be removed by your veterinarian, so the extra effort of regular brushing will save you, your dog and your vet.

HINT: To make toothpaste for your dog at home, mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with a little salt and water. Apply it with a toothbrush or with gauze wrapped around your finger. Don’t use this recipe if your dog is on a sodium-restricted diet.

This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters.  Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: brush dog's teeth, cleaning dog teeth, dental care, dog, dog dental care, dog dental hygiene, dog gums, dogs, healthy teeth, toothpaste for dogs
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