Regrettably, plaque buildup and gingivitis may result in not only tooth loss but can also permit hazardous levels of bacteria into the bloodstream, possibly causing damage to other organs like the heart and kidney.
Small breeds incorporate additional issues into the mixture. First, their mouths are considerably smaller than larger breeds. Second, small breeds commonly consume soft canned food or people’s food that sticks to the teeth and gums. Finally, small dogs usually live longer, giving the periodontal disease a long time to cause difficulties. When dogs begin the process of shedding their puppy teeth and making way for the adult teeth, some toy breeds have a harder than ordinary time ‘pushing’ out these baby teeth. These stubborn baby teeth will need to be removed by a veterinarian. In addition, breeds such as the Japanese Chin and Chihuahua have exceptionally tiny muzzles; therefore, toy strains could experience overcrowding of teeth. To keep a normal bite and proper alignment, veterinarian removal of a tooth may also be necessary.
Toy breeds also appear to get tartar and jolt buildup faster and earlier than many of the bigger breeds. A good dental health regimen needs to be established while the puppy remains young. Here are a couple of suggestions for keeping appropriate dental health in toy breeds:
- Begin exposing your puppy once you bring him home to the concept of touching his mouth and teeth. Put doggie dental paste in your finger for him to lick. The more used he’s into the senses, the simpler it to correctly clean his teeth.
- Clean the daily debris from his teeth. There are several options for keeping his teeth clean and nice. Daily cleanings are ideal, but attempt to clean at least a few times weekly. You can use either a baby washcloth moistened with warm water, a pet finger toothbrush, or a small extra-soft bristled kid’s toothbrush (the heads on these toothbrushes are extremely small). Apply only a little bit of pet toothpaste and gently apply to your teeth. You can wash just a few teeth at a time until he becomes more comfortable with the procedure.
- Several liquid products can be put on the teeth frequently to help discourage bacterial growth. Veterinarians can also apply OraVet (a plaque control gel) in addition to an appropriate dental cleaning.
- Toys and treats may be an essential part of dental care, but you must be cautious about what your toy strain is chewing gum on. Many tiny dogs have chipped or broken teeth inappropriate chew toys. Be certain to only buy chew treats that are specially made for toy breeds. Other products will have warning labels saying not for use by strains under 15 lbs. Never give your dog using an unsuitable item. Many products have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for toy breeds.
- Throughout your annual veterinarian examination, be sure to heed the advice of your veterinarian. If he or she believes a comprehensive dental cleaning under anesthesia could be greatest, schedule an appointment for the procedure. Your toy strain will possess exceptional oral health by establishing a good dental hygiene program early on and consistently doing it. Make sure that you brush your pet’s teeth regularly, prevent chew treats that are unsuitable for it, and schedule professional cleanings when warranted. Remember to routinely inspect your dog’s mouth as well to ensure there isn’t any overcrowding of teeth or diseased teeth that might have to be eliminated. Lastly, note any observations of fluctuations from teeth or gums like swelling, discharge, or growths, and make sure you point these out to a vet in a visit.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Regular pet dental care is an integral component in both dogs’ and cats’ oral and general health. But lots of pets do not receive the care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
In Park Pet Hospital we’re pleased to provide comprehensive dental hygiene services for your furry friend which range from the routine dental checkup, tooth polishing, and cleanings, to dental operations and x-rays. Learn more about veterinary surgery here.
Our veterinarians in Park Pet Hospital provide specialist preventative and restorative dental health care ranging from cat and dog dental checkups to oral hygiene. Visit our website for more details.
