Dental Health

Did you know that the color and condition of your dog’s gums can give you important clues about her health? Paying attention to these...

Wood chewing is fraught with potential veterinary emergencies, from splinters in the mouth to pieces lodged in the gastrointestinal tract and more. So even though it's natures favorite chew toy it shouldn't be your dogs.

A black spot on a dog's tongue is usually nothing but pigmentation and is completely normal. It's only a cause for concern when these spots have an uneven texture, or are associated with foul odors and sores that you need to be concerned.

The good news: you can give your dog a thorough brush job in just two minutes a day. The bad news: few dogs fancy having their teeth brushed, and there ain't no Holy Grail of Canine Tooth Brushing, despite my attempts to extract one from Angela Mees, DVM, who owns a practice limited to veterinary dentistry in suburban Atlanta.

Of course, you can't just pick up your own tube of human toothpaste and start brushing your dog's teeth. Just like our dogs don't have the same dietary requirements as we do, dog toothpaste differs from toothpaste for people in several ways. It's important to use a toothpaste made specifically for pets

You might be one of the lucky ones; your dog might maintain gorgeous white teeth without any effort on your part whatsoever. Just wait, though. Sooner or later, all dogs can benefit from having their teeth brushed. Plaque and tartar accumulate on canine teeth just like ours. Plaque is made of proteins from saliva, which interact with bacteria. If left to accumulate on teeth, bacteria quickly multiply and can invade the gums around the teeth, causing inflammation known as gingivitis. If plaque is not removed, inflammation of the gums can spread to the bone around the teeth, leading in turn to bone loss or periodontal disease.

Dogs may lick their lips in anticipation of food or a tasty treat. However, the behavior can indicate a variety of health issues when it isn't associated with food, a treat, or a reward.

Cooper, my service-dog-in-training, trotted briskly at the side of my power wheelchair as we headed to the veterinary clinic, a mile from home. He was overdue for a routine dental cleaning, and my regular veterinary clinic was not within rolling distance. I decided to take a chance on a new vet, since it was just a standard dental cleaning. I dropped him off and rolled back home, relieved that I was finally able to afford the procedure.

Most of us have seen signs or advertisements for anesthesia-free teeth cleaning" for dogs and cats. To most people

Most dog owners are disappointed to hear that brushing their dogs’ teeth is a necessary part of maintaining the health of their dogs. Regular oral examinations and professional cleaning by a veterinarian is also needed.

Many people think of their dog's chewing as just a puppy thing" but the fact is

Bad breath, whether sudden or chronic, can be a sign of illness in dogs.