Why Hounds Need Dental Care
Caring for your fur family member requires more than providing them with good food, a comfortable home and a gorgeous array of hound accessories. Unfortunately, one aspect of hound care often overlooked is dental health. Like humans, dogs are prone to dental problems that can affect their health. In today's Mountain Hound blog, we will investigate why dogs need good oral hygiene and what pet parents can do to keep their hound's teeth healthy, glistening and strong!
Dental Problems in Hounds
Dental problems, aka gnasher issues, are not just painful for dogs; they can also cause serious health problems. Some of the most common dental problems that affect dogs include:
- Periodontal disease – infection & inflammation of gums eventually affecting bone around the teeth
- Broken teeth
- Oral tumors
If left unaddressed, these dental problems can lead to bacterial infections, which can affect your hound's heart, liver, and kidneys.
Symptoms of Dental Problems
Spotting dental problems early in your hound can prevent a lot of pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, just because your dog seems happy doesn't mean their dental health is in good condition. Some common signs include:
- Bad breath
- Loose or broken teeth
- Bleeding or red gums
- Difficulty chewing
- Drooling excessively.
When to Take Your Dog to the Vet
If you notice any of the above dental problem symptoms, it's time to phone your vet for an urgent check up!
Dental Care for Dogs
The good news is that dental problems in dogs can be prevented. Here are some tooth-a-licious tips on how to keep your hound's teeth healthy and strong:
Brush Your Dog's Teeth Regularly:
Like humans, hounds need their teeth brushed regularly to prevent plaque and tartar build up. However, using dog accessories like a dog toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for canines is important. Why? Because although we advocate sharing absolutely everything you own with your hound, sharing your toothbrush is perhaps going a little too far!
But more importantly, human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, for example, Xylitol which can cause issues from hypoglycemia to vomiting, diarrhea and even death in small breed hounds!
Offer Your Hound Dental Chews & Toys:
There are many dental chews and toys available that can help keep your hound's teeth clean and tartar free. These chews work by mechanical action, similar to brushing, except the teeth are scraped clean while chewing.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings:
Even with regular brushing and chew toys, your dog may still need a professional dental clean every so often. This will help your veterinarian identify and address any emerging dental problems.
The Importance of Prevention
Preventing dental issues is always best when it comes to your hound's oral care. By taking care of your dog's teeth, you can prevent dental problems from developing and causing more serious health issues. Remember, dental care is not just about your dog's teeth; it's also about their overall health and well-being.
The Final Chomp
Taking care of your dog's dental health is an important aspect of pet care. Sadly, if dental issues are left unchecked, they can cause serious problems. As a responsible pet parent, brushing your hound's teeth regularly, providing dental chews and scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can keep your hound's teeth healthy and ensure they live a happy, healthy life.
Remember ideal pet products to use for cleaning a hounds teeth include those that are fluoride and xylitol free. Plus if you can find a deliciously meaty flavored doggie toothpaste, chances are your hound will love brushing their teeth so much, you’ll have to hide their toothbrush away. Happy toothy grins everyone!
