The first thing pet owners want to do is smell the dog's breath. What are you going to smell? Well, the job is not first on any list, but your dog should not have a severely foul odor emanating from the mouth. If you notice signs like lack of appetite or vomiting with a foul odor, then it is time to consult the vet.
Another check all dog owners will want to perform is to look at the lips, gums, and teeth once a week. The tissue should be pink with no swelling — white or red gums signal an issue. You will also want to look for brown tar or plaque on the dog's teeth. Other signs your pet may have problems with oral health include:
- Brown, yellow, or sticky residue on the tooth surface
- Loose teeth
- Excessive drooling while eating or in general
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Dropping food as they chew
- Quick weight loss
- Not wanting to eat solid food
- Touchy when reaching for the mouth
- Bad breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Visible tumors under the tongue or around the gums
- Broken teeth
- Retaining baby teeth past adulthood
How to Remove Plaque from Your Dog's Teeth
There are many ways to get rid of food buildup and tartar from your dog's teeth. One of the first things pet owners can do is to purchase food made to reduce tartar and prevent buildup on teeth. There are also dog chews, sticks, teeth cleaning wipes, and treats available for getting rid of buildup on teeth.
One of the best ways to help your dog keep clean teeth is with a pet toothbrush kit. How do you get your dog to sit still long enough for you to brush his or her teeth? It is a lot like training your dog to let you trim his or her claws. You can purchase a pet toothbrush or a fingertip brush depending on which method you think the dog will prefer. Try playing with the dogs' lips a few minutes each day until they become comfortable and then introduce the brush.
Use a pet toothpaste with a formulation special for canines. They make these kinds of toothpaste with flavors like chicken or peanut butter that gets dogs excited to let you clean the teeth. You can also make homemade toothpaste for dogs. Just make a paste from baking soda and water. You can flavor it with fresh herbs like parsley to make it more appealing. You can try to brush the teeth at least a few times a week. Like with humans, the more often you brush the teeth, the better for keeping plaque away.
The Importance of Regular Oral Health Care for Your Dog
Dental health for dogs may not be your priority, but you should know that your pet can get ill from periodontal disease just like humans. Gum disease can cause tooth loss, bad breath, infection in the mouth that travels to other parts of the body, and severe pain. Here are some foods that naturally keep tartar off from canine teeth
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Carrots
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Apples
Dental health for your dog is just as important for preventing periodontal disease as it is for humans. You can save veterinary bills for costly tooth extractions and other fees by giving your dog teeth cleaning treats, chews, vegetables, fruit, and brushing his or her teeth regularly.
Did you know you can give your pet two spoons of virgin coconut oil in meals? This oil helps make food digestion better and adds shine to the coat. The best part is this oil helps get rid of bad breath. Besides routine cleaning at home, your dog should see the vet at least once a year.
About the Author
Dr. Marichia Attalla is a leading Nassau County Periodontist and dog lover. Learn more about your dental health by visiting her website at NassauCountyPeriodontist.com.
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