People and dogs have more in common than one might originally think. To keep their teeth and gums healthy and to prevent periodontal disease, the Bichon Frise requires routine dental care, just as you do. Beginning dental care when your Bichon Frise is young can help prevent gingivitis, a buildup of plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth. Left unattended, gingivitis could lead to much more serious health issues. Checking your Bichon Frise for tartar at a young age can help avoid many more serious dental issues from occurring.
It's quite simple to examine your Bichon for signs of dental decay. Simply lift his lip and look into his mouth, paying special attention to his teeth and gums. When teeth have a reddish brown discoloration near the gums, it is an indication of plaque. Over a period of time, the tartar begins to build up and your Bichon Frise's gums begin to turn red and inflamed, rather than their normal healthy pink color. Infection, bad breath, gingivitis, loss or teeth or jaw bone damage can result when no dental care is given to your dog. Along with being uncomfortable and painful, it is very unhealthy for your Bichon Frise to miss out on dental care.
The main method to avoid or delay dental problems is brushing your Bichon's teeth regularly. Beginning this routine at an early age with your dog will increase the ease of the process when he gets older. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, begin by gently rubbing your fingers on your Bichon Frise's gums and front teeth, using a small amount of doggy toothpaste. The pet companies have made getting your Bichon Frise to enjoy toothpaste an easy feat - there are many flavors on the market, including chocolate, chicken, lamb and others. A pleased dog is more likely to cooperate when having their teeth brushed. Once your dog is used to your finger, graduate to a small rounded, soft child's or dog toothbrush. Begin with the front teeth only; as your pet becomes more comfortable, work your way back until you brush all of his teeth. Just as humans, it is important to brush your dog's teeth in an up and down motion. The pet market has a large variety of dental chews to help prevent calculus and plaque accumulation on your Bichon Frise's teeth.
Annual dental checkups are important for your Bichon. If you suspect a problem, you should consult your veterinarian right away. A cleaning may be in order for your dog. This is simply a painless procedure performed by the veterinarian while your pet is under general anesthesia or while sedated.
Eye care is just as important as dental care when dealing with your Bichon Frise. One common problem is tear staining. These reddish brown stains appear around your pet's eyes and can be very unattractive. If the staining is excessive, your veterinarian should be consulted. Although a small amount of staining is normal, excessive staining may indicate blocked tear ducts, allergies, or dental problems. Ruling these potential problems out or treating them is important to your Bichon's health. Further, routinely cleaning your dog's eyes with a warm damp cloth as part of the daily grooming routine will help reduce the staining. Remove any gunk from the corners of your dog's eyes and keep the hair trimmed away from his eyes. Keeping these irritants at bay can prevent more serious eye problems. The grooming section of your local pet store will likely have several products to help your reduce or remove the eye stains. Try using one of these products or mix a bit of boric acid with warm water until you find a solution that works for you and your Bichon Frise.
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