Did you know that dental issues are one of the most common problems our canine friends face? Fido can be afflicted by many painful dental problems, including abscesses; misalignments; infections; gum disease; and cracked, broken, or chipped teeth. Taking care of your dog’s teeth is very important! Below, a Crown Point, IN veterinarian offers advice on doggy dental care.
Veterinary Care
Your canine pal’s teeth should be checked by a vet at least once a year. In between appointments, you’ll want to watch for signs of dental issues. Some common ones are bad breath; stringy or excessive drool; bleeding gums; tartar buildup; and swelling. Fido may also lose interest in his chew toys if his teeth hurt, and may have trouble eating, especially dry food. Your furry friend may also act rather grumpy, and may not want his mouth touched. If your pet has tartar buildup, he may need a good deep cleaning. Other issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis, after a diagnosis has been made.
Brushing
The best way for you to keep your pup’s choppers healthy is to brush them. To get Fido accustomed to the idea, start by gently rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger. Once he accepts this, add a bit of pet toothpaste. (We know, this part is a little icky, but it’s only for training.) The next step is to move on to using a doggy toothbrush. You don’t have to do all of your four-legged buddy’s teeth every day: just do a few at a time, and keep rotating.
Dental Products
We know, not all of our canine pals will sit still to get their teeth cleaned. If Fido isn’t having it, ask your vet for recommendations on using dental-formula treats, kibble, or chews. These are formulated to help fight plaque and tartar.
Water
Making sure Fido always has fresh water is of course crucial to his overall health. It’s also very important to his dental health. Clean your pup’s bowl daily to keep it from gathering harmful bacteria.
Chew Toys
Proper chew toys will help keep your pet’s jaws strong. They also stimulate saliva flow, which will help rinse food particles away from Fido’s teeth. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Do you know or suspect that your dog has dental issues? Contact us, your Crown Point, IN animal clinic, today!
