Doggy Dental Care Tips

Did you know that your dog can develop many of the same types of dental problems as people can? Man’s Best Friend can be afflicted by gum disease; abscesses; and broken, infected, or misaligned teeth. These issues can be very painful for your canine pal, and can have a serious effect on his overall health! A local Lakeville, MN vet offers some advice on caring for Fido’s teeth in this article.

Warning Signs

If your canine friend’s friendly kisses leave you gagging, there’s a pretty good chance that Fido needs dental care. Bad breath is one of the most common signs of doggy dental problems. Some other symptoms include excessive, bloody, or stringy drool; visible swelling; tartar buildup; reduced appetite; and a lack of interest in toys.

Brushing Fido’s Teeth

The best thing you can do at home to keep your furry buddy’s mouth healthy is to brush his teeth. It may take Fido a little time to get used to this, so start small, by rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger. Next, add a doggy toothpaste, preferably one in a yummy flavor like chicken or beef. Once your pooch has accepted this, you can move on to using a canine toothbrush. If your four-legged friend won’t sit still very long, don’t worry: even doing just a few teeth a day will benefit him.

Other Options

Brushing isn’t the only thing you can do to keep your canine pal’s teeth healthy. Dental-formula kibble or treats can be very beneficial. Making sure your pet always has plenty of fresh, clean water is also important. Offer Fido plenty of suitable chew toys, and avoid giving him fatty treats.

Veterinary Care

If your furry best friend needs dental care, schedule an appointment with your vet right away. Fido may need a deep cleaning to remove gunky tartar buildup. This will help fight gum disease, which is much more dangerous than you might think. The infection can travel through your pup’s bloodstream from his mouth to his vital organs, leading or contributing to other serious health problems. Other issues, such as broken or misaligned teeth, will be handled on an individual basis. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you think your canine buddy may have dental problems? We are here to help! Contact us, your Lakeville, MN animal hospital, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs.