Dog Oral Hygiene

by Sharon Barbee

Based on a question posed at the KerryBlues-L Newslist.

Dr. Steve Holmstrom, past president of the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) says, "Periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of all cats and dogs over the age of three. It starts as bacteria and plaque on teeth and progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even damage to the heart and other internal organs." Plaque appears as a yellow to reddish brown coating on the teeth. It first appears near the gum line and can spread to cover the whole tooth. Let's take a look at how our Kerry List members address oral hygiene for their dogs.

Tooth Brushings

Regular tooth brushing, daily to weekly, is one of the best methods of fighting the development of plaque on the teeth and stimulating the gums. Using an enzymatic toothpaste formulated for dogs avoids upsetting the stomach and makes tooth brushing a tasty experience your dog may enjoy. Some of the tools used for brushing are the finger covered with gauze, molded finger covering with raised nubs, hand-powered doggie toothbrushes, battery-operated toothbrushes, and rechargeable toothbrushes. The dog toothpaste and toothbrushes are available at pet stores and through pet and veterinary supply catalogues. The use of soft brushes is recommended. I progressed through each of these tools and found the rechargeable toothbrush the most effective and easiest to use. I prefer the rechargeable toothbrush because it does the best job of cleaning the teeth and stimulating the gums in the shortest period of time, the very small head is easy to maneuver in the dogs mouth and it keeps running until I turn it off which lets me concentrated on the teeth. Starting with simple tools seems to help the dog become comfortable with the concept before progressing to self-propelled tools. The method with which you and your dog are most comfortable and will use regularly is the one you should use.

Scaling

Another method of plaque removal is scaling the teeth with an implement called a "scaler." The consensus of Kerry list members is that scaling without polishing the teeth can cause plaque to build faster than it would otherwise. The scaler is made of metal and may have scraping surfaces at one or both ends. I bought one that, even though blunt at both ends, very effectively removes the plaque. The preferred motion of scaling is from the base of the tooth to the tip of the tooth. Kerry owners have told me that the scaler creates very small scratches on the tooth surface making it easier for plaque to attach to the tooth after scaling. My conclusion is that if you are not equipped to properly polish the teeth after scaling, leave it to the professionals. Your veterinarian can recommend a veterinary dentist if they do not offer the service. Some of our list members have found hygienists that come to the house and do not use anesthesia.

BEFORE

AFTER

Diet

Diet is another way to control plaque. Table scraps promote the development of plaque and should be avoided. If you use a commercial dog food, check the bag to see if it is approved by the AVDS. Approved foods have plaque-fighting properties. Some Kerry owners find that feeding a raw diet helps to control plaque. If you select this option, please research how to effectively administer a raw diet. A raw bone once a week has been recommended. Raw bones do not splinter like cooked bones and are in keeping with the habits of canine ancestors. Some owners prefer a daily dog biscuit or other edible chew to cleanse teeth and exercise gums. Owners have been generally wary of commercial edible chews designed for the sole purpose of dental care due to some negative experiences with digestive blockages. Other owners have given them successfully while observing their dog.

Other Methods

Finally there are medicines, additives, and non-edible chews intended to help remove plaque. One list member has used a tablet called Fragaria 6C with success. (Please consult a veterinarian before using medication.) Another list member has successfully used a retail additive for the water bowl intended for tartar control. There are non-edible chews with "nubs" for exercising gums and rope bones that act as floss when chewed. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your dog when using non-edible chews and to make sure the chew is in good condition. Dispose of frayed or worn chews.

Good oral hygiene is one key to your best friend's quality of life. When making healthcare decisions for your canine, please consult your veterinarian. With the exception of the quote in the first paragraph, this article is a summary of the opinions and experiences of Kerry owners. Thank you to all who contributed.

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