Is Dog Dental Health Important?
Oral hygiene is extremely important because tooth and gum problems are common medical conditions seen in pets. An unhealthy mouth can affect the kidneys, liver, heart and even the brain.
Studies show that 98% of pets with bad breath are suffering from severe plaque build up. Bad breath can mean your pet's mouth may be a filled with unhealthy bacteria, tartar and plaque, but it can also point to unhealthy intestines. Inferior quality food can cause digestive problems, thus promoting bad breath. Feeding premium dog food is very important. Other factors include viruses, bacteria and not enough abrasive foods.
It all starts with the gums looking almost red, and some of the teeth coated with tartar. When it comes to your pet's mouth, don't take anything for granted. When you examine your pet, slowly open his mouth with your fingers and ask yourself the following questions:
Does his breath smell like bad fish?
Are any of his canines or molars discolored (gray, brown or green)?
Are his gums swollen and bright pink or sunburn red? The normal color of gums should be light to medium pink. For some dark colored cats and dogs, gums may be gray. Do you see any sores on the gums, particularly if you have a cat? They'll look like craters on the top or bottom gum or lip.
Are his bottom teeth worn down like the soles of a shoe?
Do you see any swelling or sores on his face around the lips, under the eyes or nose? Bad teeth can result in a manifestation of external sores. If you have a puppy or a kitten, do you see any double teeth?
Is he drooling like a newborn? Keep in mind that some dogs always drool, like the St. Bernard. If your pet is experiencing excessive drooling but doesn't usually, it could indicate some problem.
Has he lost weight recently as a result of not eating enough?
It's also important to observe your pet's behavior as far as food is concerned. Has your pet been approaching his food bowl reluctantly? Has he been eating slower than usual and has he exhibited trouble biting hard things? Does your dog or cat cry during or after eating? Does your cat have the tendency to pick up food, spit it out, pick it up again and finally throw it to the back with his tongue?
If you've nodded your head to two or more of any of the questions above, then it's clear that your pet has some dental health issues! You must take your pet to your veterinarian right away for an oral examination.
Lori enjoys researching and studying health and wellness for humans and pets. Please visit http://www.premium4pets.com for more information.
Related Articles:
Dog Training - Train Your Dog to Come On Command
One of the most important commands for dogs in their early years or as an untrained dog for safety is the 'come' command. If your dog breaks the leash and runs free, this command could save your dog from running in front of a car or into any other of the many dangers untrained dogs face.
Dog Training Techniques: How Dog Training Has Progressed Over the Last Few Decades
When a dog owner looks down at their brand new, small and tender puppy quietly sleeping in its little bed, it's difficult to think that in just two to three months it may grow to be 40, 50, or even up to 100 pounds depending on the type of breed Although your dogýs behavior may cute at first, like jumping up and putting his front paws on your body, these actions will be far less pleasurable when your dog is all grown up and literally knocking you over
Dog Training: What Is Dog Training?
The term ?dog training? can mean many different things ? this is an important fact to remember when deciding what exactly you need to do with your dog. First, there is "behavior training?.
Crate Training Your Dogs - Ultimate Dog Training Method
They say that the Crate Training method is the most effective way to train dogs. How do we crate train our dogs? Is it harsh to confine a dog or an adorable puppy in solitary confinement so to speak? Crate Training was once seen as cruel and inhumane but it has gain popularity in recent years. Crate Training can be a useful tool to train a puppy or even a stubborn old dog.
Positive Dog Training With Dog Training Treats
If you want a well behaved dog that is used to obey commands and listens to you in all kind of situations you need to train your dog and if it is possible you should start training when he or she is still a puppy A well trained dog is of immense importance to both you as the dog
Dog Training - Easiest Dogs to Train
There are many different breeds of dog and choosing the right one for you or your family can be a difficult choice as there is several different aspects to consider. This article may help you decide on the one you want by naming the dogs with the best training abilities.
Dog Training -What You Should Keep In Mind When Playing With Your Dog
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides them with the opportunity to exercise and also to form bonds with littermates.
Dog Training Tips and Tricks: Recall Training Your Dog
Recall training has two basic concepts. The first is to treat your dog well each time he comes to you. Be it a kind word, a pat on the head, or a scratch behind the ears, Buddy will relish the affection you show him.
Training Your Dog To Jump The Rope Trick: Simple and Fun Dog Trick
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand hold a cane just high enough above the ground so that your dog can easily step over it, and in your left hand hold a piece of treat just in front of him, so that he will have to step over the stick to get it. As the dog grows older and understands what you want him to do, you can raise the stick a few inches at a time, so that he will be obliged eventually to jump over it to obtain the reward.
Dog Micro Chip - Dog Training
You'd be surprised how many dogs go missing each year around the world when their perfectly good owner has a brief laps in concentration and the dog ends up running away after a squirrel or other animal never to be seen again.