Dealing with My Dog's Bad Breath: Solutions Inside!
It's not hard to imagine the state of your teeth if you never brushed them. Now, you understand why your dog's breath might be so unpleasant.
What we often overlook, however, is that dental issues account for about seventy to eighty percent of health problems in cats and dogs.
Dental diseases typically develop over time, with food particles, saliva, and bacteria combining to form plaque.
If you don't brush your teeth, this plaque will gradually mineralize into tartar and calculus.
As tartar accumulates in the mouth, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections that can cause gum recession and damage to the tooth structure.
Without treatment, this can lead to pain or even tooth loss.
Moreover, the bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, potentially leading to sepsis in severe cases.
What should you do if your dog or cat has dental issues?
If your furry friend is suffering from dental problems, it's best to take them to a pet store or veterinary clinic for professional assistance.
After examination and assessment, pet stores will typically remove calculus, clear bacteria from the roots, and may even polish the teeth if necessary.
Without polishing, teeth that have been damaged are more susceptible to bacterial侵蚀, making plaque formation more likely and increasing the risk of recurrence.
Some pet hospitals use Xrays to assess the severity of dental problems and decide whether extraction or additional treatments are needed.
While humans can endure and undergo thorough teeth cleaning and oral care, our pets cannot. The unfamiliar environment, people, and equipment can cause them immense fear, necessitating the use of general anesthesia.
Many pet owners are concerned about the risks associated with anesthesia. It's important to note that even when performed by trained professionals or even by the pet owner themselves, there are risks that do not involve anesthesia.
Pets with dental issues often suffer from mouth pain, and without anesthesia, they may become aggressive or bite out of fear, potentially injuring themselves or staff.
Are there options without anesthesia?
Thankfully, many professional pet stores and clinics have introduced advanced imported equipment that can handle less severe cases of calculus without the need for anesthesia.
Some pet stores offer nonanesthetic dental cleaning services.
Therefore, regular oral care and prevention are crucial:
1. Take your pet to the pet store for baths and grooming, and take advantage of the opportunity to have them perform dental care as well; this service typically costs only a few dozen yuan.
2. Many pet stores sell oral care products, such as Demeijie toothpaste gel, Bolodan, ADPC toothpaste, and more. These products can last for several months, averaging only a few dozen yuan per month, and many pet owners have reported positive results and high safety.
3. Certain dental chews or treats can also help remove plaque and calculus, such as John's Farm dental snacks and Peak deer antlers.
Regular care and checkups are the best and most costeffective ways to prevent severe dental issues. Don't wait until it's too late and the treatment costs become exorbitant!