Good Dog Dental Health Adds Years to Your Poodle’s Life
Did you know that according to PetMD you can help add years to your poodle’s life through routine dog teeth cleaning? Yes, that’s right!
And did you further know that it is NOT normal for your poodle to have bad breath, or “doggie breath” as they say?
Bad breath (or Halitosis) in dogs is a result of bacteria being allowed to multiply and grow in your dogs’ mouth.
Brushing your poodle’s teeth is the single most important thing you can do to ensure good oral health for your poodle. It’s the “Gold Standard”.
Other things that contribute to dog dental health:
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Poodle Health Tip All of these things contribute to healthy teeth, but should NOT be considered a substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth. Plaque not removed within 72 hours becomes cemented onto your poodle’s teeth in the form of tartar.Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day, but for sure every 48-72 hours. Establishing a good Oral/Dental Care program can help prevent Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease which can begin to develop before the age of two.
Listen as holistic veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker discusses pet dental care.
Consequences of NOT Cleaning Your Poodle’s Teeth
Not everyone is aware of the importance of dog dental health. Perhaps you’re researching this subject now because you’re beginning to see signs of a problem and are concerned.
Symptoms of a Problem in Dog Teeth
As I mentioned earlier, symptoms of Periodontal Disease can start before your poodle is even 2 years old.
Symptoms of Dog Gingivitis (gum inflamation or infection) Include:
- Bad breath (Halitosis) – caused by bacteria in your dogs’ mouth
- Irritation or tenderness
- Gums will be swollen and red
- Tenderness and Bleeding
- There may even be pus that oozes out when his gums are pressed
Symptoms of Dog Periodontal Disease (bone and soft tissue loss) Include:
- Loose Teeth
- Eventually Detached Teeth
- Pain
- Reluctance to eat, even though your dog has a good appetite.
- Dropping food back out of his mouth
- Drooling
- Nasal Discharge
An important element to Dog Dental Health is to visit your Vet on a yearly basis. He can examine your poodles’ teeth and alert you to a problem before it becomes serious.
Things Your Vet May Recommend
Based upon a visual examination of your poodles’ teeth, your Vet may recommend one or more of the following in addition to routine brushing:
- A dental diet and/or dental chews
- Anti-plaque gel, rinse or spray
- Awake and/or anesthetized complete oral exam
- Cleaning dogs’ teeth under general anesthesia to remove plaque and tartar
- Possibly even tooth extraction
Remember … Veterinarians ARE OUR FRIENDS! They care about our dogs’ health as much as we do (maybe even more) or they wouldn’t be doing what they do.
Most dogs over 2 years of age will develop some level of Calculus (tartar) buildup over time, just as we humans do. But routine brushing of your poodles’ teeth will help keep them healthy.
I’d like to help you avoid expensive dental bills for your poodle. Think of dog teeth cleaning this way – a few minutes a day brushing your poodles’ teeth can save you $$$ down the road. And you’ll have a happier, healthier dog.
Hopefully, you are now more comfortable in your understanding of why dog teeth cleaning is vital to the health of your poodle. And be comfortable with brushing your dogs’ teeth at home.
Your dog is depending on YOU to keep him healthy!