Good Dental Health Tips for Dogs
While February is popular for sharing Valentines with those we love, it’s also an important month for our pets. This month is also known as National Pet Dental Health Month!
Cosmetic dentist in Beaverton Dr. Bruna da Costa and his team encourage all family members – especially pets – to practice good dental health. If a dog is part of your family, incorporate these tips to help your pet stay healthy!
Check Your Dog’s Mouth
Dogs love to share their love, especially face to face. Use this opportunity to check your dog’s mouth and breath by lifting his lips up and examining his teeth and gums. The gum tissue should be pink, not swollen or red while teeth should not have any brown-colored tartar.
While dog breath usually doesn’t smell like a field of wildflowers, it’s important to make sure that it’s not offensive. If it smells as bad as rotten eggs or meat, there could be a serious problem with your pet’s dental health.
Look for Signs of Dental Disease
Bad breath isn’t the only symptom of possible dental disease. If your dog has a build up of tartar and swollen or red gums, he could have progressing periodontal disease. Additional symptoms include:
- Drooling excessively
- Gums that are white in addition to red and swollen
- Tumors or cysts
- Loose teeth
- Pawing constantly at mouth and nose
- Discomfort while eating
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s essential to make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Just like humans, dogs need to take good care of their teeth in order to stay in good overall health. Dogs, however, are missing some vital fine-motor skills required to make that happen.
This means that owners need to brush their dog’s teeth for them. It’s important to use toothbrushes and toothpastes that are made specifically for dogs – the human variety of dental tools won’t work for them. Consistency is also important; whether you brush your dog’s teeth every day or a couple of times a week, it’s important to make it a habit for your dog’s good dental health.
Before jumping into a routine of brushing your dog’s teeth, head to the vet. The vet and his or her staff can perform a thorough oral examination and make recommendations for better dental health for your dog. They can also provide a complete cleaning of your dog’s teeth and gums, providing a fresh start for good dental health habits in the future.
Beaverton dentist Dr. da Costa and his team believe each member of your family deserves the best dental health possible. Call the vet to make a dental appointment for your dog, then call Harmony Dental at (503) 639-6900 to make a dental appointment for yourself!
