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As a pet owner, you do everything you can to keep your best friend healthy. Regular visits to the veterinarian, plenty of healthy food and water, and regular exercise can go a long way toward keeping them healthy. However, there is one thing you might be overlooking: dental hygiene. Keeping their teeth and gums healthy is essential, as periodontal disease can appear as young as three years old, causing pain and severe health problems. Following these tips for doggie dental care can help prevent issues and keep your best friend’s teeth healthy. 

4 Ways to Protect Your Dog’s Teeth 

1. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth 

Just like brushing your teeth helps prevent tooth decay and disease, the same applies to your dog. Using toothpaste and a toothbrush designed specifically for dogs, clean your dog’s teeth regularly. This doesn’t have to be done every day; 1-2 times per week will prevent the plaque buildup that leads to disease and gives you the chance to spot any issues that need to be checked out by your veterinarian. 

2. See Your Veterinarian Regularly

During your dog’s regular checkups at the animal clinic, the doctor will check for signs of dental health problems and make any necessary recommendations. Schedule regular professional dental cleanings for your dog, as well. These cleanings typically require your dog to receive general anesthesia, which allows the veterinarian to remove plaque and check for disease safely. In some cases, they may recommend dental X-rays as well, to check for signs of infection below the gum line. 

3. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys 

veterinarianDogs love to chew, and doing so is great for their oral health. Chewing helps remove plaque and spurs the production of enzymes that keep their mouths healthy. Dental chews designed for teeth cleaning and breath freshening are an excellent choice, but high-quality, all-natural chew toys like cow’s ear, bully sticks, and nylon bones will also encourage healthy chewing. Avoid using real bones or tennis balls, which can damage your dog’s teeth. 

4. Consider a Special Diet

If your dog isn’t a chewer or shows signs of dental disease, talk with your veterinarian about foods designed to promote dental health. Give your dog fresh carrots, as they can help clean the teeth by removing plaque buildup. Check the current brand of food you have and make sure that it is formulated to improve oral health as well. Opt for hard food over soft food, as it can help strengthen teeth. If it is not formulated to help your dog, consult with your veterinarian about brands that can help promote good dental hygiene. 

 

If you want to keep your dog’s teeth healthy, the experts at Countryside Veterinary Service can help. With five locations throughout Northwestern Ohio and Northeastern Pennsylvania, these veterinarians offer a full range of animal care and treatments, including pet dental care, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and more. To learn more about the veterinarians and how they can help keep your pets healthy by visiting them online.

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