Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this article is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any information found on this site is meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your dog’s veterinarian about what options or treatments are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
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You love your big, old mutt just much as any other member of the family. But do you know as much about dental care for your four-legged children as your human ones?
How you care for your senior, large breed dog’s teeth will affect the health of the whole dog as he ages.
We rely on our veterinarians to help us take better care of our canine companions. And this is especially true with regard to dental care.
But there are ways that you can help to keep your dog’s mouth healthy in between visits to the vet.
Paying attention to your dog’s teeth can help you avoid costly medical and dental care down the line, which can also be frightening and painful for your dog.
By learning more about canine dental care now, you can ensure your dog’s teeth and gum tissue will remain healthy well into his senior years.
Why Proper Dental Care Is Essential for Large Breed Dogs
Taking a cue from the relationship between oral health and physical health in humans, veterinary researchers have found similar correlations in dogs.
Large breed dogs are just as susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay as human beings.
According to the American Kennel Club, the majority of dogs develop periodontal disease before they turn three years old, but it’s entirely preventable.
Periodontal disease includes gingivitis (red, inflamed gums) and periodontitis (when the bone and soft tissue around the teeth are lost).
It begins when the bacteria in the mouth form a sticky substance called plaque on the surface of teeth.
Minerals in saliva harden the plaque into dental calculus or tartar. The tartar that sits above the gum line is obvious to many owners but is not actually the cause of disease.
The real problem comes from tartar creeping under the gum line.
When bacteria get under the gum line, a cycle of damage to the supporting tissues around the tooth is set in motion which will eventually lead to the loss of the tooth if not treated.
Bacteria under the gum line secrete toxins and stimulate the dog’s immune system.
White blood cells (the body’s infection fighters) move into the space between the gum or bone and the tooth. The white blood cells are there to destroy the bacterial invaders, but if there are too many bacteria, the chemicals they release can cause damage to the supporting tissues of the tooth.
Instead of helping the problem, the patient’s own protective system actually makes the situation worse if it comes up against a severe build-up of plaque and tartar.
Over time, untreated periodontal disease can result in damage to your dog’s heart, liver, and kidneys.
How Can You Recognize Periodontal Disease?
Bad Breath
“Dog breath” is a myth.
It’s actually unnatural for a dog to have foul-smelling breath. This is, in fact, a major sign that your dog may have dental issues.
While it’s not going to smell like mint, it shouldn’t be offensive either.
If your dog does have bad breath, this is probably an early sign of gum disease or tooth decay.
Plaque Build-Up
Unless it’s removed, plaque can harden on the teeth into a substance called tartar.
As previously mentioned, plaque is an early sign that your dog’s oral health is compromised, but the real problem is when the plaque hardens and gets beneath the gum line.
Tartar beneath the gum tissue may require X-rays to discover the extent of the problem and, while plaque can be removed by brushing, tartar must be scraped away by your veterinarian.
Behavioral Changes
If your aging dog seems uninterested in eating and has been losing weight, his appetite may not be the real problem.
If you observe this, start paying closer attention to your dog at mealtime. Watch how he eats to determine if he’s just chewing on one side of his mouth.
Alternatively, your dog may be gulping his food down to avoid chewing altogether. He may also be slobbering or spilling food and water excessively.
Any of these behaviors may indicate an oral care problem.
Taking Better Care of Your Dog’s Teeth
Your ultimate goal is to keep your dog’s teeth and gum tissue healthy.
This will make vet visits easier on your dog and cheaper for you.
But how do you get it done?
The following suggestions should be discussed with your vet to determine the best strategy for caring for your dog’s teeth.
This will ensure you can keep your dog healthier as he ages.
Brush Daily
Just like people, dogs should have their teeth brushed daily, but avoid using brushes and pastes intended for people. These products are too abrasive and can wear away the enamel protecting your dog’s teeth.
Instead, ask your vet about products specifically designed for dogs.
Canine toothpaste comes in flavors such as seafood or chicken to make brushing more enjoyable.
You should lightly brush the outer facing sides of the teeth, especially those teeth behind the cheeks. Brush as close to the gum line as possible.
Your dog may take some time to get used to this, especially if you are starting later in life. But just like anything, regular practice and starting slow will let you work up to a full daily brushing.
Rinse with Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that will help control plaque in the hidden areas of the mouth.
Chlorhexidine is as unpalatable as it sounds unless you find a flavored brand. Although it also comes in gel form, the rinse may be easier to administer.
Simply squirt the rinse into the dog’s mouth, aiming at the upper teeth and gums just behind the teeth.
As the dog reacts to the chlorhexidine, his tongue and saliva will spread the substance to all areas of his mouth.
Give Daily Treats
This one will be your dog’s favorite tip: giving your dog chews on a regular basis can help prevent the formation of tartar. The simple act of chewing can help keep teeth healthy and strong.
Additionally, many chews and toys are coated with special anti-plaque compounds that treat the dog without him realizing he’s being medicated.
Cow ears, bully sticks, dental biscuits, and chicken strips are a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy. If weight is an issue, long-lasting rubber or nylon chews can fill your dog’s need to gnaw without adding calories.
According to the American Veterinary Dental College, real bones should not be given to dogs and may pose a special threat to senior dogs. When wild dogs chew real bones, it’s to tear the meat from the bone. Giving a dog a real bone with no meat on it means he will chew the bone itself. This creates the risk of breaking, chipping, or cracking his teeth.
Also, always keep an eye on your dog while he’s got a chew. Any large or pointy pieces that break off could be a choking hazard.
Rawhide is controversial. It can be hard for your dog to digest and large pieces can cause blockages (a big emergency). There are companies out there making chews with smaller fibers to make it much easier for your dog to digest. Check with your vet to see if these are appropriate for your dog.
Keeping your dog’s teeth and gum tissue healthy begins in his early years, but it’s never too late to start. Your dog still needs to have a dental evaluation by a vet with his regular check-ups. But, if you remain consistent with home oral care through your dog’s life, his teeth should remain strong and healthy well into his senior years.
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