Your Mobile Pet Vet Wants to be Sure You’re Taking Proper Care of Your Dog’s Teeth
Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? That, of course, doesn’t mean you should only worry about your pet’s dental health one month out of the year, but it serves a good reminder to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your pets happy and healthy. Although dogs’ teeth are generally less prone to cavities and other dental issues than humans’, they still experience problems such as plaque and tartar build up and even gingivitis. In this post, we will look at how you can extend your dog’s life by taking proper care of their teeth and gums.
The most obvious thing you must do to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy is to brush them. If you have a puppy, that’s great news. Getting them used to it early makes life easier for you and your dog. Get recommendations from your mobile pet vet about what kind of toothbrush and toothpaste you should use. If your dog is not used to having their teeth brushed, they make become agitated. When you’re first starting out don’t worry about getting the whole mouth if your dog is in distress. Do a bit more each day until your dog is used to it. A treat at the end can mean your dog will be looking forward to having their teeth brushed in no time.
You can also purchase chew bones and teeth for your dog to gnaw on in between brushings. There are toys and bones that are specifically made to help with oral health, but anything that’s not too hard and is safe for your dog is better than nothing. Providing your pooch with a good bone or toy to chew on can help get rid of buildup and keep their teeth and gums strong.
If you notice your dog is experiencing bad breath, has changed their eating habits, seems depressed, is drooling more, or has any abnormalities on their gums or teeth – call your mobile pet vet right away. Unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to serious infections that can greatly harm or even kill your dog. The good news is that these types of issues are largely preventable and manageable with proper dental care.
