Is your dog’s breath extra stinky? Your dog’s breath isn’t really supposed to be minty fresh. Let’s face it, dogs will eat garbage if given a chance! However, your dog’s breath shouldn’t smell so bad it makes you recoil. Terrible breath is usually a sign of something going on with their dental hygiene.
Dogs need to follow dental hygiene practices, just like humans. We’re sharing five dog dental tips and symptoms to watch for with your pup to avoid periodontal disease and keep them smiling!
5 Dog Dental Hygiene Tip
1. Annual Dental Check-Up
Your dog should visit the veterinarian once a year for an overall wellness exam. During this exam, the vet will check your dog’s mouth for any signs of periodontal disease. Depending on what he finds, he may recommend a dental cleaning or offer other suggestions.
2. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Your dog should have his teeth brushed just like yours! Ideally, you should brush his teeth every day. You can pick up a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically for dogs or ask your vet for a recommendation. It’s best if you can start brushing your dog’s teeth when he is a puppy. If your dog is not a puppy, you should try and see how he likes having his teeth brushed. Some dogs just don’t like it, and that’s okay. There are other options for keeping his teeth clean.
3. Dental Chew Toys
Chewing on a toy is a great and natural way for your dog to loosen and destroy plaque from his teeth. Certain dog chew toys are made from rubber and almost look like a toothbrush with bristle-lined grooves. This helps brush teeth while your dog enjoys a good chew!
4. Dental Treats
Similar to the chew toys, dental treats help chip off plaque and provide some cleaning for your dog’s teeth while he gets to enjoy a nice snack! You can find lots of dental dog treat options where you pick up your dog’s food or ask your vet for a recommendation.
5. Dog Food
The type of dog food you feed your dog can help improve his dental health. Feed your dog high-quality dog food with ingredients that boost dental health. Check for the label Veterinarian Oral Health Council (VOHC) on the bag of dog food. This means the brand of food is approved by the VOHC as a product that improves a dog’s dental health.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
The best way to prevent periodontal disease in your dog is you! By watching for these symptoms of periodontal disease. If you notice any of these early, you can provide preventative action.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Red gums
- Yellow to brown tartar
- Blood on the gums
- Excessive drooling
- Change in eating habits
Your dog can’t let you know that his mouth isn’t feeling good or that it hurts to chew. If you notice your dog not eating normally or you notice his behavior changes, that’s a sure sign that something isn’t right.
Book a Tour of Lucky Dog Pet Lodge
We encourage you to visit our boarding page to learn more about our boarding options. Schedule a tour to see the facility and meet some of the staff. Check out our reviews on Facebook and see why dog parents trust us.
