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(January 17, 2022)
Has your pet’s doggy breath been a little overwhelming lately? In case you didn’t know, our pets’ teeth really need to be brushed daily just like ours! It’s also recommended to take them to the veterinarian once a year for a dental cleaning to take care of their dental health.
In between these visits, here’s how you can prevent dental disease in your pets at home and keep their mouth and teeth healthy!
- Buy a toothpaste formulated specifically for your pet. DO NOT use human toothpaste, as it isn’t safe to swallow and your pet won’t know better.
- Allow them to get comfortable with the toothbrush. Don’t push it, give them time to become familiar and reward them for being calm with this new tool!
- Green dental treats can be helpful in preventing plaque buildup and removing small amounts of tartar. However, once a thick layer of calculus forms, treats and food likely won’t correct the problem.
If your pet will allow you to lift their lip up so you can view their teeth, here are a few signs of dental problems that you’ll want to work with a vet to correct. Advanced dental disease may require teeth extractions.
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Yellow, green, or brown discoloration on the teeth
Keeping up with your pet’s dental health and hygiene is part of being a responsible pet owner! Make an appointment with your family veterinarian to discuss a good routine for your pet.
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