Halitosis can usually be treated by regular brushing, but if it's caused by something more serious - like an infection or even kidney disease - you will need to contact the vet for appropriate treatment. If your pet's breath is a bit funky, start by brushing his teeth more frequently. Halitosis occurs when bacteria from food gets stuck in your dog's mouth. Halitosis: Bad breath (or halitosis) may be the first sign of a problem with your pet's oral health, says the AKC.Here are some common oral care problems your dog may experience, with tips on when you should contact your vet: Any of these could be signs that your dog is experiencing an oral disease or condition that needs to be treated. If you notice any changes in your dog's mouth, such as lumps, discoloration, swelling, sores or a change in smell, contact your dog's vet immediately. For any dog parent that gets doggy kisses, fresh breath is a must! Dog food that is formulated for your dog's oral care, may help reduce plaque and tartar buildup as well as help to freshen his breath. During this process your vet may also want to take X-rays of your pup's teeth to make sure there aren't any other underlying issues, similar to what you might do at your own dental checkup.įor other ongoing dog oral care efforts, you can look into proper nutrition for your pup. Your vet can clean under your pup's gums and in other hard-to-reach places in ways that prevent oral and systemic diseases. This procedure should be done under anesthesia, every one to three years, Pet Health Network reports. Remember: You should never use human toothpaste on your dog, since the ingredients can irritate his stomach and make him extremely sick.Īnother important part of dog oral care is an annual professional cleaning at your vet's office. ![]() Look for a dog-specific paste at your local pet supply store or vet's office. Dog toothpaste is also specially formulated to be as tasty as possible, as long as you like turkey and chicken better than minty freshness. Once you're both used to the process, you'll find the routine quick and simple to complete. You may need to pull back at first and only do a few teeth at a time. Slowly work your way to the back of his mouth, paying careful attention to the outside of his teeth. First, lift your dog's lips and brush his front teeth. Once you've developed the trust needed for successful brushing, it's time to work on technique. After all, you don't want him to develop anxious or negative feelings about this routine. This process may take a few days for each step. Let him smell it, and very gently rub it on his teeth. Once he can handle this - while staying calm and relaxed - introduce the toothbrush. First, touch his muzzle and practice rubbing your finger along his teeth and gums. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes, you'll want to get your dog comfortable with you touching his mouth and teeth first before you come at him with a toothbrush and toothpaste. ![]() If brushing your dog's teeth is new to the both of you, be sure to take baby steps. Just as you brush your own teeth a few times a day, a dog's mouth also needs daily attention. ![]() Regular brushing with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste helps, and so do certain toys and treats that are formulated to reduce bacteria in your dog's mouth. Make sure you know what your pet's mouth usually looks like, and talk to your vet if you spot any lumps, raised spots, pale gums or bright red tissue.ĭogs aren't born with healthy mouths that will stay that way into adulthood - it's up to us to help them keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape. Some dog breeds naturally have black or black-and-pink gums, notes PetHelpful, which can make looking for the usual signs of discoloration tricky. And, in most cases, his gums should be salmon pink. Your furry friend's tongue should be moist - without any signs of lumps or cuts. Similarly, your dog's 42 teeth (a third more than you have, as Pet Health Network® points out) should be intact and not jagged or broken. Healthy dog teeth should be clean and free of plaque and tartar (hard, scaly or sticky discolorations). What Does a Healthy Dog's Mouth Look Like?īefore you learn how to take care of your dog's teeth (and what can happen if you don't), you need to understand what a healthy mouth looks like in the first place. After all, proper oral care is what makes the difference between healthy dog teeth and an oral condition that could be causing your pup discomfort (or even pain). But are you paying enough attention to dog oral care? If not, it's time to change your ways. ![]() As a loving pet owner, you do everything possible to keep your dog in tip-top shape, from feeding them the most nutritious food and treats to making sure he exercises daily and taking him to the veterinarian for preventative care.
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