Care the teeth

Healthy teeth are important not only for maintenance of the
health of a dog but they also have serious value for breeding.
Usually at shows, judges demand much of the condition
of the teeth and defects may cause the dog to be removed
from the ring or disqualified.

The dental tartar (the hard deposits which form on teeth when
they are not cleaned) is a dark salt strike, which can cause
a bad smell from the mouth and loss of a tooth. It arises owing
to an inflammation of gingival edges , and also as a result of
infringement of a mineral exchange.

Old dogs are especially predisposed to a dental tartar, but quite
often it happens even when a dog is still developing.

Deposits are formed in the places most plentifully moistened
with saliva, all over again on lateral surfaces of canines
and cutters, then on an internal or external surface molar tooth.

Dental deposits are necessary to be removed on a regular
basis and it is even better to make sure that they do not
develop at all. For this purpose there is one important
rule � you must get a Cocker used to having his mouth
opened by you for teeth cleaning from the earliest age.
Doing this will mean that dental problems should never develop.

Much is written about cleaning teeth in different magazines
and books where many different recommendations are given.
We will give you our personal recommendations below.
There is on sale a big quantity of various special tooth-
pastes and brushes especially for dogs. But I, for example,
have tried many different brushes, including the long plastic
type with a bristle, and the short type with rubber or latex
denticles, also putting sausage-flavoured pastes on a finger.
Our opinion is that these are inconvenient and not actually
necessary.

I have adapted a method to clean teeth not by using a brush
but by rolling up on a finger a piece of a gauze, moistening
it in boiled cool water, then dipping it in preliminary prepared
bowl with..... normal toothpowder(cretaceous powder).
It is necessary to note that the powder should be as simple as
possible, without any additives (mint, a sage, etc.). The effect
of cleaning by a powder will "be available". It is important to use
this method of cleaning teeth very carefully so as not to
damage the gums. It is also a good idea to have a prepared weak
solution of potassium permanganate in case the gums start
to bleed. But don�t be afraid if this happens - simply apply a cotton
bud with potassium permanganate to this place. But if the gingiva
does begin to bleed, it could means the beginning of disease
as parodontosis.
If you see a slightly yellowish deposit on the canines of your
Cocker (at the tooth�s base), we may guess that you have a young
dog and tartar is just beginning to form. If it is only a thin layer,
using your nail can clean it off. Such early tartar is removed
very easily. The teeth should then be examined periodically
(approximately once a month) and any tartar removed in the
same way. Then the tartar will not develop into a hard build-up.

If your dog already has significant tartar build-up on the canines
and on other teeth, it is possible to advise to try to clean off this tartar
by using a special dental tool. This is a steel stick with different
blades on the ends which are used to grip and scrape off the tartar.
During this procedure, the dog should lie absolutely quietly & relaxed,
not being nervous and not fidgeting .It would be a good idea
if you have handy some Hydrogen Peroxide or a solution of
potassium permanganate. It is clear that this procedure may not
be possible for every person to carry out and not on all dogs.

But if your dog is used to such procedures in its mouth, you can
perform this technique and the teeth of your dog will always be
white and healthy. Well it is also necessary to tell you that healthy
teeth are a result of the general health of your dog and of the
quality of the diet, daily physical exercise and genetics.

If you have a stubborn Cocker that does not allow you to clean off
his tartar but he has teeth that need attention, don�t be lazy;
bring your dog to the vet where they will do this necessary procedure
quickly & without serious consequences.