Dental Care for King Charles Spaniel – What you need to know

The soft silky coat of the King Charles spaniel makes them look adorable. Inside the mouth are 42 teeth which need to be taken care of. Poor dental health leads to diseases of the kidney and heart. Adult dogs have 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 teeth in the lower jaw, while puppies have 14 teeth on each jaw. The puppy teeth are called deciduous teeth and grow at about three to four weeks, while adult teeth emerge at about three to four months.

The most common dental problems in the King Charles Spaniel is gum disease, known as gingivitis. The gums become inflamed which may cause periodontitis, teeth become loose and fall out. Periodontitis is a problem suffered by most canines and is caused by plaque, tartar buildup, food debris, and bacteria. Periodontal disease is called the silent killer as they result in heart, kidney, or liver disease if not treated in time. Proper oral care can increase the life of your pet by almost two years.

Dental care for the King Charles Spaniel

Brushing your pet's teeth about twice a week is recommended. Begin the brushing training when your pet is a puppy, so that they become accustomed to the routine. Make it enjoyable for him by re-warding them every time they behave themselves and lets you brush their teeth. It may even become a fun time activity which it makes the process easier.

Use a pet toothbrush with canine toothpaste. As a puppy, use your finger to rub his teeth and massage his gums. You may wear gloves and use gauze to clean the plaque. King Charles spaniels have a small oral cavity which makes it difficult to brush. Once he is used to your finger in his mouth, introduce him to the toothpaste to play with. Gently apply the toothpaste and rub his gums and teeth. Then begin to use the toothbrush. Remove all the plaque which builds up in to tartar with saliva. Remove the food debris.

Include a diet that consists of dry, crisp stuff that automatically cleans the plaque. Natural raw foods work as teeth Massagers. Also floss the teeth and give bones with some meat, so that the teeth remain strong.

Take your King Charles spaniel for an annual dental checkup to rule out any gum diseases or tooth problems. If required, have the tartar removed by a professional after which you can continue home dental care to maintain the dental health of your pet.

With forty two teeth, it is important to ensure that your pet receives excellent dental care to their them healthy and disease free throughout their life.