February is Pet Dental Health Month, which is the perfect opportunity for us to give you some tips on how to make sure your dog’s teeth and gums stay healthy for many years to come. Just like it is for humans, brushing your pet’s teeth on a regular basis is important for their overall oral health and wellness.

Beyond brushing teeth, there are a handful of other things you can do to ensure your pet’s teeth are white and bright, both during Pet Dental Health Month and throughout the rest of the year. Developing good oral hygiene early on is a major step in safeguarding your pet from dental disease and other problems down the road, so make sure you educate yourself on your role in your pup’s oral health right from the get-go.

These 5 Tips Can Help Get You Started

Unfortunately, dogs can’t care for their teeth themselves, which means it is up to you to ensure they are healthy and have the proper toys to keep their mouth healthy. Here are five important tips to keep in mind for your pet’s overall oral health:

Do the breath test. While your dog’s breath shouldn’t necessarily smell like a bed of roses, it also shouldn’t be overly offensive. If you notice your pup has very bad breath coupled with a loss of appetite, vomiting or drinking excessively, please contact your vet right away.
Examine the gums and teeth. Get in the habit of checking out your dog’s gums and teeth at least once a week. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and the teeth should be clean, without any brownish tartar.
Know the signs of oral disease. The following are signs that your pup may have a problem in his mouth and should be checked by a vet as soon as possible: bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, tumors in the gums, cysts under the tongue, loose teeth.
Learn how to brush your pup’s teeth. It is important to get your dog used to you touching his or her mouth and having their teeth brushed. Early on, massage the lips with your finger in a circular motion for about 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks. Once they are used to this, move on to the teeth and gums. As soon as he or she seems comfortable being touched this way, put a bit of dog-formulated toothpaste on the lips to get them used to the taste. You will then be able to introduce a toothbrush designed especially for dogs, which will allow you to brush their teeth and brighten those pearly whites!
Chew toys. Chew toys are a great resource that can make your dog’s teeth strong while also satisfying their natural desire to chomp on things. Be sure to ask your vet to recommend toxin-free rawhide, nylon and rubber toys for best results.

While February is nationally known as Pet Dental Health Month, we encourage you to adopt all the above practices year-round for your dog. By being proactive about the care of their teeth, gums and mouth overall, you will be doing your part in keeping them healthy for many years to come.

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