Dental for Dogs- Just Like People: Sprite's Trouble

If you have a dog, it's important to treat the dog like a child, especially with DENTAL issues. Their teeth, like yours, need to be brushed daily. Their teeth builds up plaque, and food caught between them generates bacteria, which can lead to bacteria, bad breath and gum disease.
   When we took in our foster dog, Sprite, his breath was rancid. It was so bad that driving in the car with him was awful and the windows had to be opened (that was in late November!). He had 7 teeth removed. Now, despite the daily teeth brushing, a dental supplement in the drinking water to reduce bacteria and dental treats - the teeth simply continued to deteriorate. There are now 9 more of Sprite's teeth that need to be removed. That will leave him with about 5 or 6.
  Because his breath has become unbearable, we brought him into the Vet this week.  
  Teeth affect every part of the body. *Believe me, I (Rob) know. I've had a lot of trouble with my own teeth.  So, because Sprite's teeth are in such poor shape, any continuing infection (and there certainly smells like one is happening now) would begin to affect his organs.
   We also noticed that he wouldn't eat (unusual for a food-driven Dachshund) until his kibble was watered down and softer. That indicated tooth pain to me.
   We're working with the rescue, and we'll cover half of the operation (it gets pricey, so brushing teeth daily is a good thing to do). Sprite will hopefully go in in the next week, so he won't be hesitant to eat anymore.