Does your canine buddy have bad doggy breath? Do your dog’s affectionate kisses make you wince? If so, Fido may need his choppers looked at! Bad breath is often a sign of dental trouble in dogs. Just like people, dogs can develop some very painful—and dangerous—dental troubles. Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy is very important! Here, a Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses keeping your dog’s mouth in good shape.
Dental Exams
Fido should have his teeth examined every year by a vet. Dogs can get a wide variety of dental troubles, such as abscesses; infections; and cracked, broken, or misaligned teeth. Your canine pal can also develop gum disease. Gum disease may not seem serious at first, but it’s actually quite dangerous. The infection can spread from your pet’s mouth to his vital organs, and can cause or contribute to some very serious medical issues, including heart disease. Between visits, watch for signs of dental trouble, such as excessive or ropy drool, swelling, and tartar buildup. Ask your vet for more information.
Brushing
Brushing your pup’s teeth is really the best way to keep those choppers in good shape. You’re probably going to be facing a bit of a learning curve with your furry pal, so start by just gently rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger. (We know, this is a bit icky, but it’s just for training purposes.) The next step is to add pet toothpaste, and then, finally, a toothbrush. Just do one section of Fido’s mouth a day, and keep rotating.
Water
Making sure Fido is properly hydrated is very important for many reasons, not just his oral health. Keep your canine companion’s water dish full! If you like, you can get him a pet fountain.
Dental-Formula Products
If your furry buddy won’t sit still long enough to get his teeth cleaned, ask your vet about using dental-formula kibble, treats, and chews. These help remove plaque and tartar, and will also help keep Fido’s mouth in good shape.
Chew Toys
Did you know that chewing is actually good for Fido’s mouth? It promotes saliva flow, and also keeps his jaws strong. Make sure your canine friend always has suitable chew toys to nibble on.
Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, today!
