Caissie Canine Instruction: The Importance of Dental Health for K9’s

We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 18-month-old German Shepherd named Max.

Max has lots of energy, loves “his people” and is loyal, as well as being a good guardian.

He enjoys walking, training, spending time with his family, and going to the cottage.

Welcome to Doggie Dialogue

K9 dental health is important as dental disease can cause pain, tooth loss and potential organ damage. When neglecting your K9’s dental care this can lead to bacterial infections and spread to the bloodstream, which can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to bad breath, gum disease and weakened tooth structures. Regular dental care can help prevent costly treatments associated with advanced dental disease.

When the plaque builds up on your K9’s teeth, the plaque hardens into tartar. When the tartar makes its way below the gumline it can cause real problems.

Signs of dental disease can begin with drooling, or your K9 not wanting to eat, loose or broken teeth, and possibly bleeding from the mouth.

As a K9 owner ensuring your dog has a healthy mouth is important. Good dental care will ensure that those teeth-supporting structures will keep the teeth in place. With good dental care your K9 will prevent oral pain and bad breath.

Dental care can begin at home, by brushing your K9’s teeth every few days. You can also give your K9 dental treats as well. Dental dog toys such as, Nylabone Durachew Dinosaur dog toy is designed to clean your dog’s teeth and even freshen breath.

Professional dog teeth cleanings require general anesthesia to allow your vet to clean above and below the gumline and ensure that your K9’s entire mouth is cleaned.

Please speak to your vet about your options for your K9’s regular dental care routine.