Most veterinarians report that progressive levels of dental disease are the most frequent problem seen in the practice. Regrettably, plaque buildup and gingivitis can lead to not only tooth loss but can also allow hazardous levels of bacteria to the bloodstream, possibly causing damage to other organs like the heart and kidney. 

Small breeds add additional issues to the mixture. To begin with, their mouths are substantially smaller than larger breeds. Second, little breeds commonly consume soft canned foods or people’s food that adheres to the gums and teeth. Last, small dogs usually live more, giving the periodontal disease a long time to cause problems. When dogs start the process of losing their teeth and making way for the adult teeth, some toy breeds have a harder than normal period ‘pushing’ out these teeth. These stubborn baby teeth will need to be eliminated by a veterinarian. In addition, breeds such as the Western Chin and Chihuahua have exceptionally tiny muzzles; therefore, toy strains could undergo overcrowding of teeth. To maintain a normal bite and correct alignment, vet removal of some teeth may also be necessary.

Toy breeds also appear to acquire tartar and jolt buildup faster and earlier than a lot of the bigger breeds. A good dental health regimen needs to be established while the dog remains young.

  1. Begin exposing your puppy once you bring him home to the concept of touching his teeth and mouth. Put doggie dental paste on your own finger for him to lick. The more used he is to the sensations, the simpler it to properly wash his teeth.
  2. Clean the daily debris out of his teeth. There are lots of choices for maintaining his teeth nice and clean. Daily cleanings are perfect, but attempt to clean at least a few times weekly. You can use either a small baby washcloth moistened with warm water, a pet finger toothbrush, or a small extra-soft bristled child’s toothbrush (the heads on these toothbrushes are very small). Apply just a small amount of pet toothpaste and lightly apply to your teeth. You may wash only a few teeth at a time until he becomes more comfortable with the process.
  3. Several liquid products may be applied to the teeth frequently to help discourage bacterial growth. Veterinarians may also apply OraVet (a plaque management gel) as well as a proper dental cleaning.
  4. Toys and treats can be a crucial part of dental care, but you need to be careful what your toy breed is chewing on. Many small dogs have chipped or broken teeth on inappropriate chew toys. Be sure that you only buy chew treats that are specifically made for toy breeds. Other goods will have warning labels saying not to be used by breeds under 15 lbs. Never give your dog using an inappropriate item. Many products are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for toy breeds.
  5. Throughout your yearly vet exam, be certain to heed the recommendation of your veterinarian. If he or she believes a thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia could be best, schedule an appointment for the procedure. Your toy breed will possess excellent oral health by establishing a fantastic dental care plan early on and always doing it. Be certain to brush your dog’s teeth regularly, prevent chew treats that are inappropriate for it, and schedule professional cleanings when warranted. Don’t forget to regularly inspect your pet’s mouth too to make sure there isn’t any overcrowding of teeth or diseased teeth which may have to be removed. Lastly, notice any observations of fluctuations from gums or teeth like swelling, discharge, or growths, and make sure you point these out to your veterinarian during a visit.

Routine dental care is an integral component in both dogs’ and cats’ oral and general health. But lots of pets do not get the care they need to keep their gums and teeth healthy. Learn more from cat dentist Lethbridge.

In Park Pet Hospital we’re pleased to offer comprehensive dental care providers for your furry friend which range from regular dental checkups, tooth polishing, and cleanings, to dental operations and x-rays, and even dog spaying.

Our veterinarians at Park Pet Hospital provide specialist preventative and restorative dental health care which ranges from dog and cat dental checkups to oral hygiene. Visit parkpethospital.ca for more information.