Just like with humans, the health of your dog’s teeth affects his overall health. The American Veterinary Dental College reports the majority of dogs start to show signs of periodontal disease by three years old. You can help your dog avoid this by taking a few simple steps.
It’s not uncommon for dog owners to overlook the importance of dental hygiene considering dogs, in general, are not known to have fresh, minty breath. Since dogs don’t typically have fresh breath, it’s easy to overlook this symptom. And while your canine buddy’s breath may have an odor, it shouldn’t be so bad that it makes you gag.
Here are a few ways you can freshen your little buddy’s breath:
● Dental dog treats - these freshen the breath and remove plaque buildup
● Brush your dog’s teeth with dog toothpaste on a regular basis (not human toothpaste, since that contains ingredients that can be toxic to a dog). Your vet can help you find quality toothpaste for dogs.
● Dog chews - helps scrape plaque off the teeth and some of them also contain teeth-cleaning enzymes
● Dog tooth wipes - these offer a nice alternative to brushing for dogs that don’t like getting their teeth brushed
And don’t hesitate to consult your local animal hospital Coral Springs, FL for other ways to care for your dog’s teeth, especially if Fido’s breath is really bad. Learn more here.