What dental care does my dog need?

Poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis—not to mention bad breath—just as it does in humans. To protect your dog’s oral health, you should brush his teeth on a daily basis. When you begin this type of routine, it’s important to go slowly. First, get your pet accustomed to having its nose and teeth touched; let it taste the pet-specific toothpaste and brush only the front teeth in the beginning. Day by day, and at your dog’s pace, spend a bit more time with the cleaning until you’re able to brush all the teeth. It’s only necessary to brush the outer surfaces. Remember to reward your pet after each session.

A healthy diet can also help prevent oral disease, and chewing on rawhide strips helps remove tartar. Visit the veterinarian at least once a year for an oral examination that includes a cleaning, descaling and X-rays when necessary. Talk to your veterinarian for more information about keeping your pet’s mouth healthy.