If you are a dog owner, chances are you have experienced inhaling your beloved pooch’s bad breath when they reach in for a kiss. While it certainly isn’t normal for your dog’s breath to smell like roses, unusually bad breath may be a sign that something is wrong.
Many pet owners drop the ball when it comes to dental care for pets, which can actual endanger the health of your furry friend. Just like humans, dogs require routine dental care in order to ensure their teeth, gums and mouth are healthy and bacteria-free.
For many pet owners, the task of cleaning your dog’s teeth is one that is often neglected. However, it is crucial for you to establish a routine at-home oral routine and also make sure your dog’s teeth are given the attention they deserve by your vet. This month and every month, make a commitment to safeguarding your dog’s dental health by doing your best to avoid these three common oral care mistakes.
#1: Failing to Establish an At-Home Dental Care Routine
Similar to humans, dogs need to have their own oral hygiene routine at home. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about what kind of routine is appropriate for your pup. An easy at-home oral hygiene routine may include teeth brushing, feeding your dog special food that works to remove plaque and stop tartar buildup and following a schedule for regular in-office cleanings.
#2: Not Knowing How to Recognize Gum Disease
Gum disease is an unfortunately common ailment that affects dogs, mainly because of a lack of oral hygiene. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, may lead to tooth loss, pain and problems with internal organs if not identified and properly treated.
Checking your dog’s gums and tooth on a regular basis will go a long way. When doing so, look for gums that are red or swollen, have visible tartar buildup, and cause pain or bleeding when you touch them. If you notice any of these signs, please contact your vet today.
#3: Not Getting Your Dog’s Teeth Cleaned Regularly
This goes along with the previous two tips but is so important that it needs to be addressed on its own. A critical part of your dog’s oral care will be to get his or her teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis.
While many pet owners are wary of this because the dog will need to be given anesthesia, this is actually much safer than you may realize. Your dog will need to be asleep so that the vet can perform a thorough oral exam and remove any tartar build-up.
If you have any questions about these common dental care mistakes or would like to discuss your dog’s oral hygiene routine with one of our vets, please give us a call.
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