Pet Dental Health Month: Dogs Need Good Dental Care, Too

  Posted on February 6, 2020  by Joy of Living  No comments

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Well, it is…and it’s time to focus on your pet’s mouth to keep his health in check! It’s not just about a sweet smile and those pearly whites! It has been noted that more than 85% of pets over the age of four have some form of periodontal disease. Keep your pet’s mouth healthy and out of that statistic!

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Signs of Dental Disease

First of all, does your dog’s breath smell musky? Is it an assault on the senses? Beware of bad breath, bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, loose or missing teeth or yellow/discolored teeth. Those could be signs of periodontal disease.

Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Dental Health

Brushing Teeth

If you haven’t developed the habit, begin to brush your dog’s teeth with a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. When shopping for a toothpaste to use for your dog, check the ingredients. Some toothpastes contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is often toxic for dogs.

It may take awhile for your pet to warm up to this idea, so give him time, but aim to work up to brushing for 30 seconds at a time on both sides of his mouth at least every other day.

Dental Rinse Additive

There are many dental additives on the market. Simply add to your dog’s drinking water daily to prevent dental disease.  I’ve used these in the past, they do slow the development of tooth and gum disease, but don’t necessarily eliminate it.

Give your pet some chew toys and treats that are specifically designed to promote good oral health. Look for dental chews that come in various sizes and purchase the appropriate one for your dog’s size. This reduces the possibility of your dog choking on a treat that’s too large, or too small.

Schedule Dental Exam

And be sure to ask your vet for a complete dental exam for your pet. Once the exam is complete, schedule a teeth cleaning for your dog if needed.

Thanks to the experts at vetstreet.com for this helpful information!