As a leading provider of Puppies for Sale, we are constantly striving to make you aware of any threat that your dog will face throughout its life. I am sure that everyone knows plenty about the risks of gum disease in humans, but what about the risk it poses to your pet? The human and canine body is very different, but also very similar. They basically have all the same vital organs that we do, and the same diseases that threaten us threaten them for the most part. Gum disease is something that for alot of people flies under the radar, so it is no surprise that we miss it in our animals.

Gum disease has 2 known stages. Stage 1 can be easily treated, so it is important that you monitor your dogs teeth and check for changes regularly. It is when they reach stage 2 that the real problems begin. First of all, stage 2 is extremely difficult to reverse and very costly, not to mention the fact that the disease has often started to attack the bone structure below the tooth and do irreversible damage. Another huge risk factor of gum disease in dogs is that it releases bacteria into the bloodstream of the animal and travels to the liver, kidneys, and most importantly, the heart. Just like in humans, a canine with gum disease has a much higher likelihood of having any number of heart related problems. Some of these problems include inflammation of the heart valves(endocarditis), and congestive heart failure to go along with it. Other complications are the more obvious ones, such as bad breath, difficulty eating, chronic sneezing, and recession of the gum line leading to bleeding.

The great thing is that you can prevent this disease in your pet. I brush my dog’s teeth once a week at least, plus provide him with lots of good items to chew. Personally I recommend Pedigree Denta-Stix for healthy teeth. Another effective way is to make sure you feed your dog dry kibble as oppossed to wet food. Wet food is more likely to be caught in between teeth and cause plaque build up, which can lead to gum disease. Last but not least, at your visits to the Vet, have them check your dogs teeth and clean away any tartar buildup. Taking these steps can help your friend live a longer, healthier life, and reduce future medical costs as well.

Bottom line is, We love our pets like a member of the family. And while you probably wont get your furry friend braces or a retainer to improve his smile, you want them to enjoy the highest quality of life possible. For all the love they give us, the least we can do is help them maintain good dental health. Thanks for stopping by!