Your Rottweiler’s breath may be so bad that it’s funny, but it is nothing to laugh at. Well over three quarters of dogs have some form of dental disease and unlike their human owners the Rottweiler’s teeth will probably never be taken care of unless the owner first understands the importance of proper dental care.

The average Rottweiler has 42 teeth – 22 uppers and 20 lowers. Just as with humans, they start out with baby teeth that will generally fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth at around six months.

You should talk to your vet about caring for your Rottweiler’s teeth early on in its life. Your vet will also be able to help you watch for baby teeth that do not come out as well as bite problems (technically called malocclusion) that can lead to an increase in tartar build up and possibly even gum disease.

What should I look for?

Checking for dental problems in your Rottweiler is not all that different from checking it in yourself or your children. Lift the lips and look for excessive tartar, discolored or inflamed gums, broken teeth and of course, the bane of our existence, bad breath.

If you notice that your Rottweiler doesn’t eat normally or play with its toys as it usually would, this too could be a sign of an oral health problem that if caught early enough, can prevent permanent or uncontrollable damage and loss of teeth.

What sort of effects can this have on the rest of my Rottweiler’s Body?

The main issue with infections is that they spread, and they contain bacteria that can move throughout the entire body, affecting everything from your Rottweiler’s heart, kidneys and intestines to their joints. Regular routine dental cleanings and basic care can stop these major problems before they even get started.

How do I do it?

First things first, do not ever use your toothpaste on your Rottweiler. It is formulated for human use and the dog’s system is not like yours. That said, the best course of action for someone who has never taken care of their dog’s teeth is to sit down with your veterinarian. Chances are that not only does he/she have doggie toothbrushes and toothpaste, but they will be more than happy to show you how to use them.

Before any dental work is done by your veterinarian, it is most commonly recommended that your Rottweiler have blood work done ahead of time to look at the overall health picture and the condition of the blood, the liver and the kidneys. This should always be done in adult Rottweilers prior to any procedure requiring anesthesia.

Just as your dentist might do for you, he will give your Rottweiler a course of antibiotics for several days to lower the infection and the potential for problems. He will also probably recommend that you not feed your Rottweiler anything the night before the procedure, as this can cause complications with anesthesia.

Just remember – your dog’s dental health is just as important as yours! Now get brushing!