Get out that little toothbrush and the chicken-flavored toothpaste. It’s time to brush your dog’s teeth. Not only is it a necessary routine, but lack of proper dental care can actually lead to a number of health problems. A daily dental ritual will combat the ill effects of periodontal disease and keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.
• Why Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
Just like a human, you dog’s teeth can accumulate plague. If left unchecked, this plague can cause periodontal disease. Not only can periodontal disease cause bad breath, but it can also cause pain and inflammation in your dog’s mouth. Worse yet, extremely advanced periodontal disease can travel through your dog’s bloodstream and actually cause damage to their internal organs. Therefore, just like a human, we need to brush our dog’s teeth.
• How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
If you don’t know how to brush your dog’s teeth or are having difficulty with the task, the American Veterinary Medical Association has a wonderful video narrated by Dr. Sheldon Rubin entitled, “Dental Health: How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth.” From introducing your pet to flavored toothpaste to how to best access teeth for brushing, this video is a no-nonsense powerhouse of information for the average pet owner.
Start by purchasing chicken, beef or mint flavored toothpaste and allowing your dog to lick it off a soft-bristled dog tooth brush. The idea is to make it more of a treat than a chore to brush your dog’s teeth. Therefore, slowly introduce the toothbrush and gentle cleaning in small sessions until you establish a daily routine for dental care.
• Treats and Toys that Help with Dental Health
There are also a number of treats and toys that can help you keep your dog’s teeth in good condition. Chew, rope and specially-formed toys can actually scrape some of the plague from teeth to aid in good dental health. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian for recommendations on safe treats and toys. Let their expertise be the guide that steers you to a careful selection of dental aids that are right for your individual pet.
• February is Pet Dental Health Month
February has been declared Pet Dental Health Month. Visit the PetDental.com website sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition for valuable information about pet dental care. This includes things you can look for to determine if your pet is suffering from gum disease. Bad breath, red or swollen gums or a crust of plaque on your dog’s teeth is a red flag that your pet needs to see a qualified dental veterinarian for treatment.
To avoid costly dental work and to keep your dog healthy, start a dental care regimen that includes daily brushing. Use it a special time to bond with your dog and give him or her the attention they need to live long and happy lives with great teeth.
Enjoy more pet articles from Terry Mulligan:
Save Money by Grooming Your Dog at Home
Are Table Scraps Really Bad for Your Dog?
Tips and Facts on Caring for Finches