PDSA urges owners to take better care of their dog’s teeth
PDSA, a leading animal protection charity, has urged dog owners to take better care of their pet’s teeth and gums.
Many owners are unaware of the need to look after their pet’s teeth and concentrate instead on other areas of their pet’s health; most dog owners are aware of the need to exercise their dogs and feed them a healthy diet, however most don’t take any action to protect their oral health.
According to representatives from PDSA an increasing number of dogs are suffering from dental decay and gum disease; this is mainly due to the diet dogs are now consuming, with a large proportion of dog owners admitting they feed their dogs snacks including sweets, biscuits and chocolate, on top of their usual pet food. A diet so rich in sugary and acidic foods increases the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which contributes to the production of plaque; plaque clings to the surfaces of the teeth and weakens the enamel surfaces of the teeth. Oral health conditions are potentially harmful but they can also contribute to very serious medical conditions including kidney problems and cardiovascular disease.
Sean Wensley, a senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA, said that owners should brush their dog’s teeth from an early age; owners can also give their dogs special dental chews and sticks, which are designed to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Owners should look out for signs including unpleasant breath, bleeding, inflamed gums, discoloured teeth, inflammation of the jaw and weight loss, as these could all be symptoms of oral health problems.
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