Pearly whites…you want them for yourself, so shouldn’t your dog have the same shining smile? Hey dog lovers, did you know that February is Doggy Dental Health Month? It is the perfect time to call your veterinarian and schedule a dental check up for your furry family members. Keeping on top of your pet’s dental health has lasting, positive effects. Furthermore, some studies suggest that maintaining oral health can add up to five years to your pet’s life! Of all the reasons to get a dog, we bet your never thought about doggy dentistry as your side hobby? Let’s talk about how can you improve your dog’s dental health on a daily basis.
Brush ‘Em
Brushing and wiping your dog’s teeth daily (yes, daily) is the most effective way to keep those toofers clean. By doing this it removes the daily plaque before it turns into tartar. Before you reach for your medicine cabinet and grab your toothpaste to share, go to the kitchen instead. Coconut oil is a great tooth cleaner for your pup that helps combat gum disease and bonus it helps to diminish bad breath!
Chew On This
Fact: dental chews and toys do work! There are a huge variety of doggy chews that will help keep that tartar away. Check out this cute ‘gator treats! Dog dental toys are also great as they keep them occupied, as well as cleaning their teeth and freshening their breath. Win win! Here are some great ones!
Time To Call A Pro
Periodontal disease is an infection between the teeth and gums that can cause swelling, loose teeth, pain, difficulty eating, or even nasal discharge. If any of these things are happening, better get the next appointment at your veterinarian’s office. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports 80 percent of dogs can have some sort of oral disease by the age of three. It’s one of the most common problems faced by our four-legged family members.
Prevention
Because the average teeth cleaning for Fido is upwards of $300 – $700…it’s best to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene. Neglecting oral hygiene in dogs can also lead to other larger health issues like heart disease, lung disease and kidney disease.
