February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Just like us, dogs can suffer from a variety of dental issues, including plaque build-up and periodontal disease (infected gums). If not treated quickly, infections can spread to the dog’s organs and become life-threatening. As with most other health conditions, the best cure is prevention. Here are 10 ways to celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month and keep your dog’s teeth and gums in sparkling clean and healthy condition.
Make a dental appointment with your vet. Eighty percent of all dogs will be affected by dental disease by age two. One of the most important things you can do to prevent this is make an appointment for a dental checkup with your vet. Because February is National Pet Dental Health Month, many vet offices offer discounted exams and cleanings during the month of February.
Commit to brushing his teeth every day. In addition to making that vet appointment, why not commit to brushing your pet’s teeth every day? It may be difficult at first, but just like anything else, once it becomes habit, it will be no big deal.
Take him to the pet store to get a toothbrush and toothpaste. Most dogs really enjoy a trip to the pet store. What’s not to like? There are lots of other dogs, people to make a fuss over him, and even treats at the checkout counter.
Buy him a new toy. There are toys on the market specifically designed to help keep your dog’s teeth clear of plaque and tartar build-up. Many have deep, flexible ridges that massage the gums and remove plaque.
Break out the doggie mouthwash. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria. Using a mouthwash that contains Oxygene or grapefruit seed extract helps kill those bacteria and prohibits the build-up of plaque and tartar. Some varieties can be sprayed directly onto the teeth and gums, while others are added to your dog’s water dish. Do not use human mouthwash, however, as it often contains ingredients that can be toxic to your pets.
Change his treats. Add an occasional dental treat to your dog’s diet regimen. These treats work in much the same way as the dental toys described earlier, and often have additives to help control bacteria as well.
Switch to dry food. Although canned or moist dog food is just as nutritious as dry food, it can cause dental issues. Chewing dry food actually helps rid the teeth of plaque and thus, acts as a dental disease preventative. Canned food is more likely to get stuck in nooks and crannies and can accelerate plaque build-up, tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Switch to a larger bite of dry food. In addition to dry food being better for dental health than canned, a bigger piece of dry food can help as well. WebMD.com reports that increasing the diameter of dry food by 50 percent can lead to a 42 percent reduction in tartar.
Switch to a specialized dental diet. Some breeds of dogs are more prone to dental disease than others. For them it may help to switch them over to a dry food specially formulated to help prevent dental disease. The same report on WebMD.com states, “… coating the products with a substance called polyphosphate further reduced tartar by 55%. It prevents plaque from turning into tartar by isolating calcium on teeth.”
Help spread the word. Use your Facebook page or Twitter account to remind others about National Pet Dental Health Month, too. Post a picture of your pet’s beautiful smile or share an article that reminds others of the importance of good dental hygiene for their dogs.
Sources:
“Health Concerns for Dogs,” VetThink, Inc.
“Dog Dental Treats,” WebMD.com
More from Cherri:
Keep Your Dog Fit in One Hour a Week
Vitamins and Minerals Important for Your Dog’s Health
How to “Treat” Your Dog Without Compromising His Health