Morristown, TN
Dental care for your dog should be a top priority. After all, their dental care contributes to the longevity of the life and their health. Allowing bacteria to form on your dog’s teeth increases his or her risk of developing issues with the kidneys, heart, and lungs. For younger dogs, you can have them put to sleep to have their teeth cleaned by a professional, but for older dogs, anesthesia may not be an option. Here are some at-home tips for taking care of your dog’s teeth. Remember, however, that you may still need to take your dog in for professional dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most preventive measure you can take to remove bacteria buildup from their teeth. It is recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth daily. For some dogs, attempting to brush their teeth may be quite a challenge, which is why certain treats or dental diets aid in removing plaque. There are even special solutions you can mix with your dog’s drinking water that helps to reduce plaque buildup.
Tips for brushing your dog’s teeth:
- Never force the mouth open, simply lift their lips to expose their teeth
- Start by brushing all teeth on the same side, then move to the front, and then to the other side
- Brush the top surfaces of the teeth from back to front
- Be sure to brush along the gum line
- Consider offering a healthy, tooth-friendly treat for good behavior
- Make a note of any changes in their oral health, changes in tissue color, strange odors, or anything that seems unusual
If your dog is completely non-compliant of the new oral hygiene routine, consider conditioning your dog to think otherwise by handling his mouth and lips regularly before you try to stick your fingers or a toothbrush in his mouth. If you notice any unusual changes in your dog’s oral health, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup. Better safe than sorry!
If you are unable to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, try some of these tips to help keep their oral health, and their breath in check.
- Feed your dog healthy food. Opt for nutritional foods made of wholesome ingredients instead of grains and corn.
- In the meantime, here are some ways to keep your dog’s teeth healthy between visits to the vet for cleanings.
- Offer healthy treats of fresh fruits and veggies. Dogs tend to like apples, carrots, squash, and even pumpkin. Avoid feeding your dog foods that are high in sugar.
- Healthy treats can include dried meats. Dogs love chewing on these, and they are quite tasty.
These are only a few ways to help protect your dog’s teeth. For more information about dental care for your pet, speak with your veterinarian for suggestions or answers to any of your questions.
AllDogs Canine Care Center offers services to meet your needs for dog training, grooming, and boarding. Please contact us today at (865) 475-2225 for more information regarding our services. We welcome pooches from Dandridge and Morristown, Tennessee.