Dog Teeth Cleaning - Methods For Removing Tartar

Cleaning dog's teeth is important for many reasons. The most obvious reason is to help the dog avoid the dreaded "doggie breath" so many suffer from. Another reason is to prevent the unsightly look of plaque build-up on the teeth. A happy smile with pearl white teeth is what every dog owner wants for their canine.

However, there is another reason for cleaning dogs' teeth which is far more important. Just like in humans, if plaque is allowed to build up on your dog's teeth, there is a significant chance for infection of the gums. This infection can often lead to bleeding gums. The fact that the gums are bleeding signifies that there is a direct access there in the gums to the blood supply. Therefore, the bacteria associated with the plaque build-up can then have direct entry into the blood stream.

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The blood can then carry the bacteria to other parts of the body and actually infect various organs. The byproducts given off by the bacteria can be very harmful. Illness and even death in dogs have been attributed to such infections.

With respect to cleaning dogs' teeth, always remember it is far easier to keep the plaque from building up in the first place than it is to remove it once the deposit is heavy. Oftentimes, a vet will consider the plaque such a threat to the dog's health that he or she will suggest scaling. Cleaning dog teeth in this way requires general anesthetic.

Putting a dog under anesthetic can be dangerous. This is especially true in older dogs. Owners should understand that the death rate with adverse reactions to anesthetic is much higher in dogs than in humans. Questions about the risks of the procedure should always be asked before scaling is used to cleaning dog teeth.

Again, it is far easier to keep dog teeth free from tartar than it is to remove it once the build up is great. There are products such as dog toothpaste and other cleaners which can be used. In fact, there are even "dog tooth brushes" which can be used with the gel or paste in order to keep the dog's teeth clean.

Although it may be difficult at first to get the dog used to the idea of cleaning his or her teeth, with some work and good dog psychology it is possible to have the dog relaxed and open to the act of brushing. If the plaque is not built up too heavily, brushing a dog's teeth is only required 3 or 4 times a week. If the build-up on the teeth is heavy, daily or even twice daily brushing for several months may be required.

Most of the gels and toothpastes available have a lingering effect which continues to work beyond the actual brushing. The products tend to help dissolve the plaque simply by being in contact with it. Therefore, it is important not to allow the dog to eat or drink anything for an hour or so after the teeth brushing. At night, just before bedtime is an excellent time to clean dogs' teeth.

Cleaning your dog's teeth is important part of maintaining his or her good health. It's important not to overlook that aspect of canine hygiene.

Dog Teeth Cleaning - Methods For Removing Tartar

Steve Weber has more articles about canine health and cleaning dog teeth at his http://www.CactusCanyon.com website.

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