Dental Care For Great Danes

Almost every dog owner wants their Great Danes to live longer and happier. They provide proper nutrition, regular exercise, proper grooming and training. But how many among the countless dog owners make it a point to ensure their dog's dental care? Dental care for dogs is one of the most taken for granted part of health care.

Dogs are considered man's best friend and often, they share many other characteristics and needs with their human owners. They do use their teeth to eat and just like human, they have the tendency to develop plaque, tartar and gingivitis. Plaque is made of large groups of germs that build ups on the teeth, the spaces between the teeth and under the gums. If plaque is not removed, it causes tartar to develop. Tartar, also called calculus, is a plaque that has adhered strongly on the teeth.

It can also form at the gum line and underneath it. The tartar can irritate the gums and causes bad breath. It also causes an inflammation called gingivitis, characterized by reddening of the gums and gums that bleed easily even with gentle brushing. Periodontal disease may develop if other minor dental problems are not addressed immediately. So if you see red, swollen and bleeding gums, blood in the saliva, yellow-brown tartar at the gum line and broken teeth, you need to take further steps to check your dog's dental and mouth condition. Other signs of dental problem also include loss of appetite and foul breath.

To prevent these health problems, good dental care is necessary. Regular visits to the veterinarian with oral exam, veterinary dental cleaning as well as daily home care are part of the quest for your dog's healthy teeth. A dog's teeth should be brushed at least twice every week. Use a toothbrush specially made for dogs or if using a human toothbrush, choose a soft, nylon bristle. Specially formulated dog toothpaste should also be used. This toothpaste must be safe for pets to swallow since dogs cannot rinse and spit after brushing. Home dental care is not just regular brushing. Mechanical removal of plaque is also part of the story. Feeding of hard kibbles, chew toys and tartar control biscuits are other ways to help care for Fido's pearly whites.

All of us deserve to live life with a smile, even your Great Danes. So take good care of your dog's teeth.