Doggy Dental Care Tips

Does your canine pal have bad breath? Fido isn’t exactly known for having minty-fresh breath, but his affectionate puppy kisses shouldn’t make you gag, either. In fact, bad breath is often a sign of dental trouble in dogs. Dental problems can be just as painful and problematic for dogs as they are for people, so taking care of your pet’s teeth is very important! Read on as a local Ellicott City, MD vet offers some helpful doggy dental care tips.

Know Warning Signs

Make sure you know how to recognize signs of trouble. Bad breath, as mentioned above, is a common one. Some other things to watch for include ropy, stringy, or excessive drool; swelling; tartar buildup; reduced appetite; grumpiness; and lack of interest in play. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Checkups

We recommend that all of our canine patients have their teeth examined at least once a year, starting at age one. If your pup is overdue, schedule an appointment ASAP.

Water

Keeping your furry friend properly hydrated is important for many reasons. However, it’s also one of the best things you can do for Fido’s oral health. Make sure your canine companion always has plenty of fresh, clean water.

Brush Regularly

The best thing you can do for Fido’s teeth is to brush them. Start by just rubbing your pet’s teeth and gums with your finger. Next, add some pet toothpaste. The last step is to start using a doggy toothbrush. You don’t have to do your four-legged pal’s entire mouth every day. Just do one section a day, and keep rotating.

Dental-Formula Goodies

If Fido won’t let you brush his teeth, ask your vet for advice on using dental-formula treats, kibble, and chews. These are made to fight plaque and tartar, and will help keep your furry buddy’s choppers in good shape. Plus, you’ll get that furry tail going as well!

Chew Toys

Did you know that chewing is actually good for Fido? It helps keep your pet’s jaws strong, and also promotes the flow of saliva, which is helpful in rinsing food particles out of your four-legged pal’s mouth. Offer your canine companion lots of suitable chew toys. Do you know or suspect that your pet has dental issues? Contact us today! As your local Ellicott City, MD animal clinic, we are always happy to help.