February 1, 2008

Bassett Hounds: Top 5 Tips for Oral Care

When was the last time you thought about your Bassett Hounds teeth? Did you know that the number one health problem diagnosed in dogs is oral disease, making it even more important that you provide your Bassett Hounds with good dental care. February has been officially established as National Pet Dental Health Month by the American Veterinary Dental College and the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry so I felt it was important to review 5 vital tips for a Bassett Hounds oral care.

Tip #1: Acknowledge the need for oral care of your Bassett Hounds teeth. Some people are not aware it is necessary. Just like humans, dogs get plaque, tartar, cavities and worse. Minerals from saliva work with plaque to create tartar and can cause many problems if not promptly removed.

Tip #2: Make sure your Bassett Hounds are eating the right food. It might be surprising to find out that food has a lot to do with the health of your dogs teeth, not only from a nutritional standpoint but because kibble (dry food) serves as an abrasive to help keep the teeth clean. Know what your dog is eating! I have posted an excellent video below spelling out the sources, contents and processes of many commercial dog foods. You might be surprised.

Bassett Hounds Dog Food Video

Tip#3: Strong breath or tartar build up mean it’s time to seek professional help with the removal of problem buildup. Brushing is not always enough if your pet goes too long without proper care. Brushing is not a bad start but more than brushing is needed for proper care.

Tip #4 Visit the canine dentist at least once a year after your Bassett Hounds are 5 years or older. By this age they most likely will need some care or at least you need the assurance there are no problems. If there are, they can be dealt with early.

Tip #5: Visually check your dog’s teeth at least once a month. Are they clean? Is their breath normal dog breath or is it even more offensive than normal? Any buildup? If anything is out of the ordinary, it is time for a doctor’s visit.

If you take action on these 5 tips for canine dental care, it will go a long way toward keeping your Bassett Hounds teeth healthy and bright. Below is a news interview of a dentist talking about the methods available for dog hygiene. Everything from wipes for the timid dog to an electric toothbrush for dogs and beef flavored toothpaste. Find out what is right for you.

Bassett Hounds Dog Teeth Brushing

In conclusion, the care for dogs teeth is changing and Veterinary dentistry is becoming more common and sophisticated. Pets are more often having the same procedures as humans including root canals, crowns and sometimes braces.

The author of this post is Kirk “the hound” Hanna and a hound lover for life. For his other articles about Bassett Hounds visit one or all of the sites below.

•