Dog Training: Why care about your dog's dental hygiene - Part 2

Dog Training

Here's an interesting fact...

Dog owners who know how to look after their dog's teeth develop a better sense of empowerment and confidence.

And are better in handling situations because prevention is always smarter than trying to find a cure!

Did you know that dogs seldom experience tooth decay, this is partly due to their non-acidic saliva.

And because of the cone-shaped teeth and natural cleaning from their habit of chewing and gnawing.

Hi Dog Loving Friend,

How are you doing...

When a puppy is born, they're without any teeth, so it generally takes two to three weeks to develop teeth. At about eight weeks, he has about twenty-eight 'temporary' teeth including:

• Incisors
• Pre-molars
• Canines

Within twelve weeks, he starts to lose these teeth.

Like humans, tartar can be found below the gums and if left unchecked breeds bacterial growth, leading to inflammation.

An antibiotic may be used to manage a dog with bad teeth to control the infection and minimize complications.

Fasting will also be required the night before anesthesia application as the check-up itself will involve looking for:

• Cavities
• Gum pockets
• Loose teeth
• Tartar
• Unusual palate or gum growth...

Adult dogs grow about fourty two permanent teeth that start appearing at six months.

When this happens, some dogs can become uncomfortable, chewing actively and mouthing anything to ease the discomfort and pain.

Dogs develop incisors use for grooming themselves and for picking up small objects:

• Twelve small front teeth

They develop canine or cuspid teeth that are long and pointed for biting, picking up larger pieces including food:

• Four canine or cuspid teeth

Slicing action on small food bits is done using sixteen premolars, while grinding and crushing support comes from ten molars at the back of the dog's mouth.

In part 3, we'll take a closer look at steps to ensure healthy teeth.

Dog training....success made easy and fun!