Dental Care

Our Cocker Spaniels have the same dental issues as we have. Their most common problem though is Tartar buildup. It is very important to keep up with your Cockers Oral Health, as if left un checked or maintained, may lead to more serious health problems for your loved one! In this section, I just wanted to talk about three main topics: What Tartar does? How to Prevent Tartar Buildup? and a little about Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaning. If you haven't already, please check out the maintenance at home section for more help on dental care for your Cocker. As always, if you have any questions please contact me at: CamelotCockers@aol.com.

What Tartar Does:

Gums recede exposing the roots of the teeth. The teeth loosen and infection can enter the root socket.
Infection accumulates causing gingivitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), halitosis (bad breath).
Infection will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to vital organs of the body (kidneys, heart valves), damaging them.

Preventing Tartar Buildup:

Teach your Cocker from the very beginning to allow a mouth exam. Open your Cockers mouth frequently, reaching inside & touching gums and teeth.
Brush your Cockers teeth daily, either with a pet toothbrush or with a rubber finger brush. Attractively flavored toothpastes are available so your pet looks forward to the cleaning as time goes on.

Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaning:

Removes existing plaque buildup; anesthesia is required.
Modern anesthetics minimize risks even to older pets.
Scaling teeth by hand removes tartar completely even under the gum line; flouride coating strengthens enamel and decreases the rate of future plaque formation.
most commonly EXPENSIVE! But very well worth every penny!