Oral hygiene is just as important for the four-legged members of your household as it is for everyone on two legs. Like humans, dogs are susceptible to cavities, gum disease, and jawbone loss without the right care, and professional pet dental care services are necessary to maintain their health and quality of life. Here’s how to keep your pup’s teeth and gums in good shape.

4 Tips for Maintaining Your Dog’s Dental Health

1. Clean Their Teeth at Least Twice a Week

Remove bacteria and plaque from your dog’s teeth a couple of times a week or more to avoid tartar accumulation, cavities, and bad breath. Massage their teeth and gums before introducing small amounts of canine toothpaste in meat flavors. Once they’re used to the toothpaste, start using a dog toothbrush. You can also use dental wipes to remove plaque and bacteria.

2. Provide Teeth-Cleaning Chews

Give your dog chews that naturally clean their teeth, such as bully sticks, rubber chews, and cow ears. These products scrape plaque away while simultaneously entertaining your dog. Some chews even contain enzymes that benefit dog dental health. Veterinarians recommend that you keep an eye on them while they’re chewing away in case a small piece breaks off and poses a choking hazard.

3. Incorporate Dry Food Into Their Diet

Add dry food to your dog’s meal plan to continue plaque removal, especially if your dog is older and new to pet dental care. Crunchy food is also less likely to stick to teeth and promote decay. When it comes to dental treats that clean your dog’s teeth, however, note their calorie content so you can balance out the right amount of food.

4. See Your Veterinarian

Schedule pet dental care services with your veterinarian as part of your dog’s annual checkup to deep-clean the animal’s teeth and gums. If your pup is prone to dental disease or otherwise requires cleanings on a more frequent basis, your veterinarian will inform you and help you create a dental care routine that prevents excessive plaque and tartar growth. 

Take advantage of pet dental care services from Animal Care Center of Fairfield as part of your commitment to a healthy dog. The Fairfield, OH, animal hospital offers general and emergency vet services and provides a Healthy Pet Plan that covers office visits and vaccinations for about $30 a month. Call the veterinary clinic with over 30 years of experience at (513) 829-6621 to make an appointment or learn more about the Healthy Pet Program online.