Doggie Dental Tips For New Owners
Are you the new owner of a puppy or adult dog? Were you given a list of instructions but are wondering if there is anything else you can do to help keep your new companion healthy? When taking care of a new pet, there are things that can be inadvertently overlooked or forgotten. One of the most easily overlooked areas can be your dog's dental health. Here are some things you can do.
Brushing teeth: Most dogs do not naturally enjoy having their teeth brushed, so it can be difficult at first to complete this task. However, it can be extremely necessary for your dog. While you can buy so-called "tooth brushing" doggie treats, you have no way of knowing how much cleaning is actually going on. Even when they work, your dog may favor chewing in just a small portion of his or her mouth. As a result, there could be food debris build up in the rest of his or her mouth. Brushing your dog's teeth can be just as important as brushing your own teeth, helping to prevent plaque & gingivitis in your canine companion.
Regular dental cleanings: Talk to your vet about how often you should bring your pet in for a cleaning. Depending on the breed and regular diet, your vet will probably recommend dog dental cleaning once or twice a year. Although you may do an excellent job of brushing your dog's teeth at home, dog dental cleaning will be able to get whatever you might have missed. If, for some reason, your dog doesn't let you brush his or her teeth at all, a good dog dental cleaning is especially important. Your vet will give your dog a mild sedative, examine the teeth for potential issues, and remove any plaque and tartar buildup.
Weekly dental checks: Your vet may have told you already that you should avoid giving your dog bones, both for general health reasons and because they might splinter and damage your dog's mouth. Unfortunately, your dog is unlikely to listen to your vet. If he or she gets into the garbage or otherwise manages to chew on something that he or she should not, then you could have a potential problem. Checking your dogs mouth on a weekly basis will allow you to identify problems as soon as possible and get them taken care of.
For more questions about dental cleanings and advice for brushing your dog's teeth at home, talk to a veterinarian like Brian E Hall.