Tooth cavities and tooth decay in dogsThis is a discussion thread · 4 replies Anonymous: Do dogs have dental cavities? Do they suffer from tooth decay? If yes, how do you prevent this? I heard that it is possible to brush their teeth but my poodle never allows me to do that, and I'm really afraid that he can develop cavities. He's 7 years old. Any suggestions? Hello, Anon, What I have to say is that pets, just like their owners, are at risk of dental cavities, indeed. However, cases of toothdecay in dogs are quite rare because their diet, basically, has no sugar (the latter provokes damage to teeth). Veterinarians draw attention to the fact that if you regularly give your dog treats containing sugar, you dog is very likely to develop tooth cavities. Hence, it's best to feed only dogfood and treats to your dog in order to eliminate an exessive risk of tooth decay. Animal Lover 506  Cavities can be painful and can interfere with a dog's eating habits. There are some good inexpensive products that can help reduce plaque and improve your poodle's dental health. There are treats, such as Greenies or Brite Bites, which when given once per day can greatly reduce plaque. Or, if he will allow you near his mouth for a short time, there are some leave-on gels that break down plaque and freshen breath. Also, most veterinarians can clean your dog's teeth for you or refer you to someone who can. And I agree with the first comment that sugar should always be avoided. Hope that helps!  Newcomer 06 More common than cavities in dogs, and the source of bad breath, is gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to liver and kidney damage. The best prevention is regular brushing of your dog's teeth (I brush mine every night, they don't like it but they learn to tolerate it) as well as regular cleanings at your veterinarian. If your dog won't tolerate a toothbrush, try a finger brush or dental wipes and sprays. A high-quality sugar free diet, such as Innova, Blue Buffalo, or EVO also makes a huge difference.  Participant 70 Anonymous: The advice to avoid suger is good advice but no one has mentioned the fact that most dry foods are full of grains- dogs do not have the enzymes in their saliva required to break down the carbohydrates (sugars) therein.Dry foods can lead to tooth decay... | |
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