Would you go days or weeks without brushing your teeth? Just like humans, dogs can develop a host of oral health issues without the right dental care. In fact, by the age of three, 80% of them have some form of dental disease. Veterinarians recommend that pet owners follow these tips to keep your dog healthy and free from serious infections and illness. 

How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth & Mouth Healthy

1. Provide the Right Food

Veterinarians recommend feeding your dog primarily dry food, with some wet food mixed in for variety. Dry food is better for their teeth, as it doesn’t stick as much as wet food and lead to decay. Chewing on crunchy food also helps clean the teeth and keep them strong. 

2. Offer Chew Toys 

Chewing on safe bones and chew toys can help keep your dog’s teeth and mouth healthy. In fact, some synthetic bones are specifically designed to help strengthen teeth. Avoid giving your dog real bones that can splinter and cause injury and supervise them during playtime. 

3. Brush Their Teeth

Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily, but even just a few times a week is helpful. Start brushing your pooch’s teeth when they are a puppy, so they get used to it, and use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Your veterinarian can show you the proper technique for getting their teeth clean. 

4. Learn the Signs of Trouble

If your dog has especially bad breath, isn’t eating normally, drooling more than usual, or showing signs of pain, call the veterinarian for help. When you’re brushing your pet’s teeth, check for new or unusual lumps, swelling, or bleeding that could be the sign of an infection or illness. 

5. Get Regular Dental Cleanings 

Veterinarians recommend having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned once a year. This process typically involves sedating the animal so the doctor can take X-rays and check for problems, and then give the teeth a deep cleaning. This procedure may be a part of your pet’s annual checkup.

To have your dog’s teeth cleaned, schedule a dental checkup with a veterinarian at Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital. These compassionate and experienced doctors provide comprehensive animal care at both of their Columbia, MO, locations. Visit their website to learn more about their clean and comfortable clinics and state-of-the-art services. For appointments, call (573) 449-3791 for the Keene St. location or (573) 449-7387 for the Buttonwood Dr. clinic.