Here’s How To Prevent Gum Disease That Affects Most Dogs

Periodontal disease in dogs is painful and deadly, but most importantly... Preventable. 80% of dogs suffer from this illness after they turn three, so there is a good chance your pup's a statistic.There is a simple solution to this fatal infection, which everyone knows they should do but no-one actually does often enough - brushing your pup's teeth.

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The reason dog owners often neglect this necessary hygiene task so often is that it takes a lot of time in between the daily rush of life, and also because most dogs absolutely hate it. They fight against you with their paws and refuse to open their mouths. But the mouth is one of the onlyaccessible body parts wherepet owners can directly contribute to positive changes that benefit the.

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Brushing your dog's teeth can prevent this gum disease which could spread into the bloodstream, affecting the lungs, kidney and even bones. Weekly brushing can prove to be insufficient - make the time to brush your pup's teeth no less than three times a week. While there is no better way to keep hismouth clean than by brushing, there are some alternatives.When a dog chews, his teeth are naturally cleaned, but typical dog food containsa lot of carbohydrates and this isn't enough to act as nature's toothbrush. Dental chews are a good way to clean your pet's teeth while giving him a tasty treat at the same time. They remove plaque and debris from his mouth, but be careful to find dog chewsthat are natural and low in gluten, as you don't want to be feeding your friend artificial ingredients and chemicals.

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Another way to get him chewing away bacteria and infections, preventing a deadly disease, is by giving him chew toys. An abrasive surface will grind away most leftover food and keep your pup's teeth sparkling.Your dog deserves the absolute best treatment, andthat means making a little extra effort to look after his hygiene. Because in this case, bad hygiene can lead to bad health, and even death.

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If you're thinking of having your pup tested, make sure to have X-rays taken. Most of the time the bacteria is below the gum line and invisible to the naked eye.^{Featured image: The Dogist}