Why Dog Dental Care?
According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), the most common disease in dogs is periodontal disease (gum disease). Just as with people, it is an infection created by a buildup of soft dental plaque around the gums and on teeth surfaces. If the plaque (which comes from food particles, bacteria and debris) accumulates, it can lead to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth. In fact, this is so common the AVMA reports more than 85 percent of dogs at least 4 years old have periodontal disease. Bad breath is the most common sign of gum disease. Additionally, a dog can be in pain from irritated gums, which can lead to appetite loss. The key to beating gum disease is prevention. “As bacteria grow inside the mouth, the plaque turns to tartar. If not treated, plaque and tartar buildup can result in gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums,” says Candice Veloce, junior vice president of CanCor Innovations Inc., an Orono, Ontario, Canada-based company that created a dog-dental chew
