There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day of work and being greeted by your tail-wagging, furry friend.
Unless, of course, your dog suffers from bad breath.
Just like humans, a dogs mouth needs to be taken care of to ensure proper oral health. In fact, one survey of Swedish dog owners found that a staggering 80% of canines over the age of three had some degree of periodontal disease.
Like us, a dog’s oral health is connected to their overall health! Here are a few steps you can take to manage your dog’s dental needs.
Crunchy apples or celery sticks help to rid a human’s mouth of plaque and tartar, but for dogs, dry, crunchy kibble is ideal to tackle tartar buildup. Soft foods are more likely to get stuck to their teeth. Of course, we recommend speaking with your vet before making any dietary changes.
Choose toys that promote oral health. One popular brand called Kong makes toys out of hard rubber, which is a perfect substance for removing plaque as it’s hard, yet soft enough that they won’t break their teeth when chewing on it.
Brush their teeth. Just like humans, daily brushing is recommended. It’s best to make this a part of their daily routine during whatever time of day they’re most calm and relaxed. If daily brushing seems impossible, aiming for even three days per week can make a difference in their oral health.
Take your dog to the vet for a dental exam once each year. Your vet will typically look for things like bleeding, red, or swollen gums as well as broken or discolored teeth. If they find any issues, they’ll be sure to let you know what type of treatment or care is needed.
