4 Ways To Protect Your Dog From Oral Health Problems

Posted on: 27 December 2017

Does your dog have unbearable breath? While a bad case of doggy breath may seem humorous, your dog's oral health is really not a laughing matter. Unfortunately, many pets don't receive the routine dental care that they need. As a result, many dogs end up with oral health problems, ranging from cavities to gum disease, by the time they're just a few years old.

Fortunately, there are simple steps all dog owners can take to protect their pets from oral health problems.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings

You already bring your dog to the vet for routine exams each year, so why not schedule a dental cleaning for your dog while you're there? Annual dental cleanings are by far the best way to protect your pet's teeth and gums. During a dental cleaning, a veterinarian will carefully remove plaque and other build-up from the teeth and gum line to reduce the chances of your dog developing cavities, gum disease, and other problems.

Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Did you know that you can buy tooth brushes and tooth pastes just for dogs at your local pet store? If you're not already into the habit of brushing your pet's teeth at least a few times a week, now is the time to get started. This is a great way to keep your dog's teeth clean in between professional cleanings.

Try Dental Treats and Chews

There are also special treats and chews you can buy for your dog that are designed to clean the teeth while your dog chews them. These shouldn't be a substitute for regular brushing and veterinary cleanings, but they can be a nice bonus for your dog, and they certainly don't hurt!

Use a Water Additive

Finally, you might want to consider picking up a non-flavored dental additive for your dog's water bowl. You can find these at most pet stores. Adding just a few drops to your pet's water can help to keep your dog's breath fresh and clean the teeth a bit in the process. Plus, since they're non-flavored and odorless, your pet won't even notice it in their water!

A little bit of dental care can go a long way when it comes to protecting your dog's oral health. If it's been a while since your dog's last dental cleaning (or if you've never had one done), now is a great time to schedule one with your local veterinarian. To learn more, talk to professionals like Brian E Hall.

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