Regardless of whether you follow a program of dog dental hygiene with your pet,
you need to remain aware of what is going on inside your pet's mouth. Just as with children, a dog's teeth develops in a
particular way, on a specific schedule. The same applies to times in their life
dogs will begin exhibiting signs of oral issues. For instance, dental care
should begin very early. This is because dogs will begin showing signs of gum
disease at about three years of age unless care has been given for some time.
As important as the care is in ensuring your dog's health, using your skills of
observation is just as critical.
Proper dog dental hygiene includes regular
inspections of your pet's teeth and mouth. When inspecting, the dog's breath
should not be offensive. In addition, the teeth should be white with no
yellowing. Check the mouth and gums for any bleeding or discoloration. Above
all, when you touch the teeth, or gums, your pet should not exhibit any signs
of pain or discomfort at all. The most important point to remember is these
inspections should be done regularly and often. Problems can begin at any time.
