If your dog's breath has started smelling a bit funky, it might be time for some dental care. Like humans, poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to cavities, gum disease and halitosis – bad breath. To provide proper dental hygiene, you should take your dog to the veterinarian at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning. In addition, here are some steps you can take at home to protect your dog's teeth and keep the bad breath at bay.
Bone Up On the Doggy Biscuits
One of the easiest ways to keep your dog's teeth clean between veterinary visits is to offer plenty of doggy biscuits. Those crunchy biscuits will scrub the surface of your dog's teeth with every bite. The crunchy texture will also strengthen your dog's gums and remove plaque from between their teeth.
Try Chew Toys
Chew toys are another excellent way to keep your dog's teeth clean, especially the hard plastic type that have bristles attached to them. Offer your dog these chew toys throughout the day to help keep its teeth clean. To make sure that your dog receives the maximum benefit, try rubbing beef flavored doggy toothpaste all over the surface of the toy. Your dog will continue chewing until the flavor is gone, which will ensure that its teeth are nice and clean.
Introduce the Toothbrush
The best way to keep your dog's teeth clean is with the toothbrush. Brushing its teeth at least twice a day will allow you to thoroughly clean in between your dog's teeth and along the gum line. This is also a good way for you to inspect your dog's mouth for sores, cavities and other dental problems. To brush your dog's teeth, you should begin slowly.
Place a small amount of beef flavored doggy toothpaste on the toothbrush and allow your dog to chew on it for a few minutes. Once your dog is used to the brush, lift its lip up and begin brushing the teeth. Continue practicing each day until your dog is used to having its teeth brushed on a daily basis.
If your dog is developing bad breath, you need to up its dental hygiene routine. Proper dental care will prevent problems such as cavities and gum disease. Use the tips provided above to help keep your dog's teeth clean. If you notice your dog favoring one side of its mouth, or it refuses to chew on solid food, be sure to speak to your veterinarian about pet dental services. Your dog may have a serious dental problem.
Share27 May 2016
Hello, I’m Manuel. I would like to discuss the various services offered by veterinarians. Animals are creatures that do not always clearly convey when they are sick or in pain. Regular vet visits can ensure your pets are not quietly suffering from a medical condition without showing signs of a problem. Vets check the pet’s vitals and check for subtle signs of a problem to determine if additional diagnostic tests are required. I will explore the diagnostic process vets use for each health condition or injury. My site will also cover information about common treatments used for pets. Please visit again soon.
