Clean Teeth For Your Shar Pei

Taking proper care of your shar pei's teeth will ensure that they remain healthy all their lives.  Dental disease affects as many as 70% of all dogs in some form at some time in their life.  Most disease is treatable but mostis also preventable and the smarter road to travel.

There are signs you need to watch for that would indicate your dog is suffering from dental disease - painful red, nflamed gums that bleed when they are touched, yellow or brown tartar on the teeth, bad breath, and sometimes even missing teeth. 

Dental disease hurts!  When your dog has severe dental disease eating is incredbily painful.  They cannot chew properly so they try to swallow food whole which can cause poor digestion and an upset stomach.  Then again some dogs show no signs of trouble and their dental problems go unnoticed.

Bacterial infections in your dogs mouth can actually work its way into your dogs body including their vital organs such as heart and kidneys.  The health of their mouth is so important that some veterinary surgeons won't perform more serious surgeries unless the teath are clean. Dog.com - Discount Pet Supplies

Puppy Teeth

Puppies are like human babbies born with no teeth.  The 28 teeth begin to erupt during the first few weeks after birth.  Between four months and six months the baby teeth will fall out and their adult teeth will appear.  Most dogs have 42 adult teeth. 

Your puppy can find teethijng very painful causing them to chew on everything within their sight.  Your vet can give you gels and chewable treats that you freeze and then give to your puppy to soothe the process.

Brushing Your Shar Pei's Teeth

Start by rubbing your dogs muzze on the outside with your fingers then put your finger into your dog's mouth and rub along the outside of the teeth.  Once your dog gets use to this you can begin using puppy toothpaste and a puppy toothbrush and actually brushing the teeth.  Most dogs come to love it and enjoy all the flavors over time.

Let your dog's lick the toothpaste off your fingers as they become more comfortable with the process they'll give you little grief.

When you are brushing brush in a circular motion.  It should only take you about 30 seconds to do a full brush. 

Usually you can only bruch the outside of the dog's teeth because most dogs will only open their mouth far enough to brush the outside never cooperating enough to be able to brush the inside.  Be careful not too brush their teeth too roughly during teething whcih can cause gum pain. 

Rewarding your dog with a healthy treat is a great way to ensure that they like the brushing experience.

Early Dental Work By Your Vet Will Prevent Future Problems

Young puppies and adult dogs can both have dental problems. Some breeds such as the shar pei are affected with malocclusions which is an inherited abnormal bite pattern.  Sometimes the lower teeth can impinge on the roof of the mouth or other teeth can impale gum tissue.  Some puppies adult teeth don't erupt normally.  Sometimes baby teeth are still present in the spot the adult tooth needs to grow into.  This forces the adult tooth to be misplacerd often causing mouth pain and damage to the gums while preventing the puppy from chewing comfortably. 

These retained baby teeth need to be surgically removed by your veterinarian.  Starting proper dental care at a very young age is really important. 

Did You Know Dogs Can Have Braces?

Your vet can examine your puppy's teeth as he/she grows to check for any dental problems that might be on the rise.  X-rays can be taken to make sure the adult teeth are growing in properly.  Veterinary orthodontists can improve your dog's bite pattern with special braces.  You might be surprised to find out that your dog can even ahve root canals, crows, and bridges under the right circumstances.

Plaque and Tartar Protection

Your vet can advise you of dental care products taht can help reduce tartar and plaque.  These products can include treats, toys, and even water additives.  Make sure what ever you offer to your dog is safe.  There are plenty of great products available at your pet store.  Stores like Petsmart and Petcetera offer a full line of bones that help reduce tartar buildup.

Some dogs just develop more tartar for no real reason.  In these cases your veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning which cleans each tooth while checking for peridontal pockets.  Your dog will be put under a general anesthetic to make the process more comfortable and less stressful for your pet.

Removing Teeth

Your dentist can extract infected or broken teeth.  The relief your pet feels aver the bacteria is removed is great.  In fact so immense owners often report how their pet returns to acting like a puppy again.

Your shar pei deserves propper dental care from puppy hood through adulthood.