Tips on improving your Dog’s Dental Health

Healthy teeth & gums are vital to your dog’s wellbeing. Brushing their teeth, feeding them dental kibble & treats, and chewing on their favorite rubber chew toys will keep your little pooch’s teeth in a great shape.

Here are a few ways you can improve your dog’s dental health:

1. Brushing their teeth regularly:

Regular brushing can give your pup the best chance to have healthy teeth and gums. As silly as brushing your pet’s teeth regularly sounds, it is an excellent way to prevent plaque buildup. Most dogs aren’t too fond of the idea in the beginning, but with patience you can train your dog to have their teeth brushed just like you would have to trim their nails. Ensure you have a toothpaste specially made for dogs, never use a human toothpaste for your dog as it contains ingredients that are toxic for our pets. Plus, dog toothpaste comes in delicious flavors like chicken or peanut butter. You can get a toothbrush specially made for dogs or a toothbrush that fits your fingertip.

2. Dog tooth wipes:

For those that are unable to brush the pet’s teeth using a toothpaste and a toothbrush this can be a great alternative. Tooth wipes are made to be rubbed against your dog’s teeth to help remove plaque. They work similarly as toothbrush, but aren’t able to get tiny nooks that brush does. Still, they are a great way to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.

3. Dog dental treats:

There are hundreds of types of dental chew treats available for your pooch in the market, but almost all of them have the teeth cleaning properties. The act of chewing benefits your pet’s oral health, regardless of what they are chewing. Chews like bully sticks or chicken stripes are a great way of keeping your dog healthy and happy.

4. Routine dental cleanings:

Despite your best efforts, you’re not likely to get your dog a full, deep clean with a brush like a veterinarian can. Even if your pet has healthy teeth it is a good idea to have your vet perform routine cleaning where they scale plaque and tarter, clean the gum line and polish the teeth. Depending on the size of your dog you should take them for a routine cleaning every six months to a year.

5. When to visit your vet:

Whether you brush your pet’s teeth or not, you should keep an eye on their teeth and look inside their mouth every week or so. If you notice any of these dental problems, then take your dog to a vet immediately.

1. Bad breath.
2. Change in chewing or eating habits.
3. Excessive drooling
4. Misaligned or missing tooth.
5. Discolored, broken or crooked teeth.
6. Red, swollen painful or bleeding gums.
7. Yellowish-brown tartar crust along the gum line. 
8. Bumps or growths within the mouth.

Dental care can be a hassle to both humans and their pets, but proper maintenance can be a lifesaver in a long term. Letting it go can cost painful and costly vet visits. Many dogs can be given anesthesia to have their teeth and gums cleaned if the buildup is excessive.