Dachshund Dental Care

April 3rd, 2017 Filed under: Dachshund

Introduction

Dental care for a Dachshund (as well as for other breeds) is an important part of a general dog care, since teeth play a significant role in a life of every dog: with the help of teeth they fetch toys and balls, nibble marrowbones and dry food, thus using dentition in as much daily activities as possible. Teeth are one of the main dog “organs” that make it strong and self-confident.

Teeth Problems

Teeth and gum problems are widespread among Dachshunds and sometimes can be a sing (or cause) of more serious internal body problems, such as kidney failure, heart problems, eye and sinus infections.

There are the most common Dachshund teeth problems:

Tartar is a mixture of food, debris, mineral salts and bacteria located and deposited on and around teeth. Tartar causes gum recession, tooth root exposure, gingivitis, tooth loosening and tooth loss.
Plaque is a “predecessor” of tartar that warns of general health problems or incorrect diet (for example, dry food of low-quality).
Gingivitis (infection of the gum) can lead to tooth loss, bone degeneration and, in severe cases, possible major organ disease.
Rotten teeth or dental caries as a result of bad genetics, incorrect diet (poor in vitamins and microelements) or overall body condition.

Recommendation: a vet doctor is able to remove tartar/plaque with the help of ultrasound dental machine (under general anesthesia). Before this procedure, a vet doctor should examine your Dachshund for general illnesses (blood tests, general surveying), as well as consider your dog’s diseases in past medical history and its age. Also, a vet takes X-rays of the teeth to determine if there are any pockets or abscesses around the teeth roots, and to look for any bone deterioration.

Symptoms of Dental Diseases

There is a number of distinct symptoms that can be a sign of Dachshund problems with teeth or gums (as well as of general illnesses):

bad breath;
inflamed gums;
plaque and calculus;
swollen jaw;
trouble chewing;
nasal discharge and sneezing;
high body temperature;
losing teeth.

Warning! If your dog has losing teeth or has tartar/plaque (as well as other symptoms), it is a signal to visit a vet doctor. A vet will examine your Dachshund for underlying diseases (kidney diseases, diabetes, cancer, mouth tumors), as well as secondary diseases that were provoked by dental problems.

Preventive Measure

The most effective and widespread preventive measure is home teeth brushing and cleaning. Choose special tooth paste for dogs as it can swallow it. Also, buy a special dog tooth brush (it has long round bristles).

Advice: start to clean your Dachshund teeth since the puppyhood.

Dental chew toys and traits are able to give extra care for your Dachshund mouth cavity.

It is advisable to switch to kibble, or a hard food if your dog is prone to dental illnesses.

Be careful! Dry food must be of very high quality, otherwise, it will cause teeth problems instead.

Сonclusion

Dachshunds are rather prone to dental illnesses. Better still, don’t let your dog’s mouth get into a condition where dental treatment becomes necessary.