Oral Hygiene and Your Dog

Oral Hygiene and Your Dog

Keeping up with our pets oral health can go a long way, our pet’s oral health is just as important as ours after all. We put so much thought into the food we feed them, toys they play with, their physical health, and so one. So why should their oral hygiene be overlooked? Gum disease is seen in about 85 percent of dogs over the age of 4. Not only can you tell visually, but your dog’s bad breath is also a smelly sign. The good thing to remember is that it can all be preventable. There are a few helpful tips you should follow if you want to give your furry family member a head start to better oral health.

Tips to Guide You

Do a Breath Test- No one wants to do this voluntarily, but sniffing your dog’s breath is a good indicator if your dog needs to see the vet soon for a good cleaning.

Check Out His Gums- Every now and then, lift your dog’s lips and check out their gum line and teeth. The gums should be pink in color and not swollen, and their teeth should not have any brownish tartar.

Some Signs of Oral Disease- Below is a list of signs that your dog may have a problem in his mouth or gastrointestinal system. Take them in if you are concerned about any of the following:

  • Bad breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Inflamed gums
  • Tumors in the gums
  • Cysts under the tongue
  • Loose teeth

Know Your Mouth Disorders- Getting familiar with the possible mouth problems, such as halitosis or gingivitis, your dog may encounter will help you determine when it’s time to see a vet about treatment.

Canine Tooth-Brushing Kit- Use a toothbrush designed for dogs or use a clean piece of soft gauze to wrap around your finger. You should ask your vet for toothpaste that is made especially for canines or make a paste out of baking soda and water. *Using human toothpaste can irritate your dog’s stomach. Special mouthwash for dogs is also available, just ask your vet.

Diet for Healthy Teeth- You can get specially formulated dry food from your vet that can slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. Another thing you can do is avoid feeding your dog table scraps, instead give him treats that are specially formulated to keep canine teeth healthy.

Getting Them to Their Appointment

Caring for your pet takes work. It can also take more than just you buying dental toys or brushing their teeth. Sometimes you will need to take them to a professional or to the veterinary’s office to get your pet looked at. But there may be times when you can’t miss work to take them to their appointment, so what to do. Luckily there is a pet taxi service in Abilene that you can count on. Taxi My Pet can get your pets anywhere they need to be safe and on time. Contact us at 325-386-7600, book a ride at www.taximypet.com, or on our Facebook page. We are here to be the reliable transport service for your pet.

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