10 Ways to Improve Dog Dental Health
Your dog benefits from healthy teeth and gums, just like you. If you don't know much about dog dental health, the professionals at Country Creek Animal Hospital can help. Below are some of the ways you can keep your dog's teeth healthy.
1. Inspect Your Dog's Teeth and Gums
Inspect your dog's teeth and gums on a regular basis. Watch for indications that your dog is feeling discomfort or signs of a change in your dog's oral health. If you do notice a change, contact the veterinarian as soon as possible.
2. Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian for Teeth Cleaning
Just as you go to the dentist to get your teeth professionally cleaned, so can your dog. Bring your dog to a veterinarian that offers regular teeth cleaning. This will help your dog maintain good breath and healthy teeth and gums.
3. Brush Your Dog's Teeth Regularly
Use a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste to clean your dog's teeth. Getting your dog used to the toothbrushing process can take some time. You'll need to do this gradually. If your dog has a hard time adjusting to the process, talk to the vet for suggestions.
4. Notice When Your Dog's Breath Smells Bad
Bad breath can be a sign of a dental problem like an infection, cavity, or gum disease. Your dog's breath may not smell the freshest, but if your dog's breath smells strange or worse than usual, talk to a professional.
5. Watch Your Dog's Diet
Give your dog crunchy foods and treats that are designed to clean your dog's teeth. Some dental chews are designed specifically to help your dog maintain healthy teeth and gums.
6. Give Your Dog Toys To Clean Their Teeth
Just as some dog treats are designed specifically for the purpose of cleaning your dog's teeth, so are some dog toys. Look for dog chew toys that advertise dental cleaning properties.
7. Add Oral Rinse to Your Dog's Water Bowl
Did you know that a specially formulated pet oral rinse can help freshen your dog's breath and improve dog dental health? Add it straight to your dog's bowl. Your dentist can recommend an oral rinse brand that would be good for your pet.
8. Know the Signs of Dog Dental Disease
Watch for symptoms of dog dental disease. Puffy, swollen, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and lost teeth are all symptoms of a dog dental health problem.
9. Contact the Vet if Your Dog Has an Oral Health Emergency
If your dog seems to be in discomfort or your dog is having a hard time eating food, this could be a sign of a dental problem. Contact the veterinarian as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
10. Use Dog Tooth Wipes
Pet dental wipes are similar to dog toothbrushes, but some people find wipes easier to use. You can use wipes instead of a toothbrush if your dog doesn't adjust well to using a toothbrush. However, toothbrushes can do a better job, so if your dog will accept a toothbrush, always use this instead.
Protect Your Dog's Dental Health in Allen, TX
Have questions about how to maintain your dog's dental health and hygiene?
Call the professionals at Country Creek Animal Hospital at (972) 649-6777 to learn more.
