Nobody likes smelly dog breath - or the problems that cause it. Studies have shown that items such as soft foods and treats can lead to canine plaque and calculus buildup which, if left untreated, can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. It has also been shown that by early adulthood, the majority of household dogs show signs of some sort of dental disease.
Plaque is the first sign of dental disease. It's a thin film that develops on the teeth and when left unattended develops into a thicker substance known as calculus (the yellow appearance on teeth). If calculus development is not addressed over time, it will develop into gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, and ultimately Periodontal Disease which as in humans can cause severe tooth and root damage.
With this in mind, dog owners should initiate a dental hygiene regiment with their dogs as early as possible - during the puppy stage would be ideal.
The best place to begin a program is by speaking with your dog's veterinarian. During checkups ask the doctor to evaluate the appearance and health of your (similar to what a human dental hygienist does) to an appointment with a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist may be scheduled.
In between checkups there are a wide variety of items that can help ensure that your dog has the healthiest teeth possible. Anything that promotes chewing is an excellent dental aid when it comes to combating plaque.
Rawhide
For owners who like offering their dogs rawhide as a treat, the chewing action stimulated by the rawhide is ideal. In studies conducted by Hartz at independent research facilities, it was shown that our flavor infused rawhide, when offered to a panel of dogs on a daily basis, reduced Plaque by as much as 46% and Calculus by as much as 68% within 3 weeks. This data has been submitted to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for approval to display their seal on our packaging. The VOHC is the highest authority in approving products (diets, treats and accessories) that aid in plaque/calculus reduction and as of this writing only ten products have been awarded this honor.
Toys
Toys are also an excellent choice in the fight against plague. Items that feature tips, nubs or rubber rings not only clean in between teeth but also gently massage gums as the dog chews the product. Toys such as the Hartz ® DENTAL™ Tooth Scrubber™ were developed with input from veterinary dentists while other items within the Dental Line, such as the Hartz ® Pet Shoppe™ DENTAL™ Chew 'n Clean ® , were approved by members of the veterinary community because they felt the design would aid in the control of plaque and calculus. Similarly to rawhide, independent studies have shown that dogs with access to the previously referenced chew toys had significant reductions in both plaque and calculus.
Toothbrushes
For pet owners who prefer a more hands-on approach, using a toothbrush on which a small amount of a pet approved toothpaste has been added can be used to manually brush the dog's teeth.
Combining regular veterinary checkups that include dental evaluation with a consistent home program, you can be assured that your dog will have healthy teeth and gums for a long time. |
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