When was the last time you checked on your dog’s pearly whites? Dental care is very important for our canine friends, because oral issues that are left unchecked can quickly lead to serious health problems around the body. Use these tips from a San Diego, CA vet clinic to maintain Fido’s good dental health:
Mouth Checks
Our first tip is to check your dog’s mouth regularly. Once a week or so, gently pull back your pup’s lips to check out the teeth and gums. Look for anything out of the ordinary—excessively red gums, a lot of brown-colored tartar build-up, misaligned teeth, bleeding, etc. Let your vet know right away if you find something that warrants concern.
Chew Toys
Make sure your pooch has a selection of chew toys to play with. These items not only keep your dog occupied and provide a lot of fun, they’re good for dental health. That’s because the action of chewing helps to scrape away some of the loose plaque along your dog’s gum line and on the outer tooth surfaces, getting rid of it before it can harden into tartar.
Tooth Brushing
Brush your dog’s teeth at home to keep the entire mouth healthy and the breath a little fresher. Always use a canine-formulated toothpaste, as toothpastes made for humans might contain toxic ingredients for pets. And be sure to use a dog-specific toothbrush for maximum effectiveness. Brushing every day, or at least a few times a week, is recommended to keep your dog’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
If you need a recommendation on a dog toothpaste, or if you’d like help getting started with brushing sessions at home, contact your vet’s office.
Good Food and Fresh Water
Feeding your pet a great diet is a good thing for just about every part of the body, the mouth included. When Fido receives good nutrition through the diet, the gums and teeth stay strong. And plenty of fresh water is important not only for hydration, but for flushing out the mouth and getting rid of leftover food particles and other grime.
Dental Cleanings
There’s nothing quite like a professional dental cleaning procedure at the vet’s office. A veterinary dental cleaning makes for a plaque- and tartar-free mouth and sets your dog up for good oral health in the future.
Ready to schedule your dog’s dental cleaning? Call your San Diego, CA veterinary clinic.
