Learn some effective tips for the dental health of your dog to reduce the risk of dental diseases
Table of Contents
Dental health is an integral part of overall health for both animals and humans. To ensure your dog’s dental health, it is important to practice preventive maintenance. It would be best if you also looked out for telltale signs such as bad breath, tartar buildup, and swollen gums indicative of some underlying diseases. Doing so will reduce the risk of dental diseases, which may lead to infection and loss of teeth at later stages.
So let us educate you about some effective tips to ensure your dog’s dental health.
Take Notice of Bad Breath
- Stinky breath is the first sign of an underlying disease. By nature, dogs usually don’t have a great breath. But if it gets particularly worse, like rotten eggs, then it is something to worry about. It can be due to periodontal disease or decaying teeth. First, examine your dog’s mouth. If you can’t find the cause of bad breath, take him to a vet immediately.
Lookout for Gum Problems
- Healthy gums have a distinct pink color. However, if they are swollen or have turned white or red, then something is not right. Schedule a visit to a vet if you believe that something is not right with your dog’s gums.
Lethargy and Irritability Can Be Due to An Infection
- Periodontal disease, dental decay, and buildup of tartar and plaque can lead to dental infections. If not treated on time, these conditions can become particularly painful and cause irritability and lethargy in dogs. Dogs are not good at expressing pain. Some telltale signs of dental infection can be lethargy and refusal to eat. If your dog demonstrates these signs, investigate the cause of it.
Practice Tooth-Brushing
Brushing your dog’s teeth is a great way to keep the germs, plaque, and tartar at bay. It is one of the most effective preventive maintenance tips to follow. Dogs don’t like getting their teeth brushed, so it is better to train them for brushing while they are young. Make it an exciting routine so they won’t resist it.
There are specific toothbrushes and toothpaste available for dogs in the market. Don’t use your ordinary toothpaste for brushing your dog’s teeth. Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which can be quite dangerous to the dog. Instead, you can make it a habit to brush your dog’s teeth 3 times a week.
The purpose of brushing teeth is to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Practice the following tips to have the best brushing experience:
- Place your dog in your lap and tilt his mouth gently. Again, getting the dog in a comfortable position is important.
- First, rub your dog’s teeth and gums with your finger to desensitize him to the feel of a foreign object poking inside the mouth.
- Then, place the toothbrush inside the mouth and gently start rubbing it. Move the toothbrush from the front to the back and from top to bottom.
- Place a little toothpaste on your finger and let the dog lick it to familiarize it with the taste.
- Then put some toothpaste on the brush and continue the brushing action.
- Keep repeating words of encouragement along the way.
By practicing the above-mentioned preventive maintenance tips and feeding your dog nutritious food that keeps its teeth trouble-free, you can ensure your dog’s dental health stays healthy. In addition, Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center offers top-notch dental care services in Charlottesville, VA, for all pets. Consult us if your dog has any dental health issues.
