TEETH AND MOUTH CARE – CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
Cavaliers need special attention to their teeth in order to avoid bad breath, tooth decay, tooth loss and possibly development of other health problems. Diseased gums and teeth can release bacteria into the blood stream and may play a part in some heart complications as well as affecting generalized health. Unfortunately, Cavaliers tend to have small poorly rooted teeth that are susceptible to disease. There are ways to promote a healthy mouth.
FOOD: Feed a hard kibble rather than wet, semi moist or table foods. Some premium brands now have product lines designed to help prevent tartar development. “Iam’s Eukanuba” line of foods now promotes itself as having a superior dental “defense” system (be careful though as often I’ve noticed that Eukanuba puts weight on dogs). “Science Diet” has carried special biscuits for dental health. “Prescription Diet”, carried only by vets, also has a formula food for keeping teeth clean. I use large breed kind giving two of the large kibbles at night for their bedtime treat. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list but ideas on available products.
TREATS: There are many products on the market designed to help teeth. These items range from toys with fibers to “floss” the tooth surface, to grooved or bumpy surfaced rubber or nylon objects, to a whole array of tooth “healthful” edibles. I also like to give my dogs “Bullybones” or “Bullwrinkles” as chewies. Another option is to buy knuckle bones as soup bones from you supermarket. Give them to your dog raw once a week or so keeping them frozen until ready to use. One product I have found to be very popular with the dogs is “Greenies”. Greenies and rawhides can be bad for dogs. Removing large pieces from a blocked intestine is not uncommon since dogs don't always chew sufficiently. In some cases it can be fatal. That is why I recommend that you do NOT give your dog Greenies or pressed rawhides at all.
BRUSHING: Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can make a big difference in tooth and gum health. There are a variety of toothpastes on the market for dogs. I prefer a complete dental care system that includes a chlorhexidene rinse or cleaning pad (source: Drs. Foster & Smith Dental Care System website: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10792 / Phone: 1-800-826-7206). Brushing does NOT take the place of a visit to the veterinarian for significant teeth and gum problems that have already affected the mouth. If started when your dog is young, he/she gets used to the brushing and will not put up much of a fuss. The more regularly you brush the better (daily), but even weekly or monthly will have benefit. Dog tooth brushes come as pretty standard looking brushes, ones that fit on your finger, abrasive pads on a handle, wipes, and multisided bristles (my favorite).
ADDITIVES: Several commercial products are available to add to your pet’s water to help with teeth. The best know among them is “Oxyfresh Pet Oral Hygiene Solution” (source: Oxyfresh.com / website: http://oxyfresh.com/pet/petoralhygiene.asp / Phone: 1-800-333-7374). To the best of my knowledge, it is helpful and safe provided you remember to use it – the biggest problem in my house.
