By the time they are four years old, many dogs are showing signs of gum
disease due to lack of dental care. Follow these steps to prevent
gingivitis and keep your pooch's pearly whites sparkling clean.
Step 1: Take a Look/ Sniff
One way to prevent gum disease is to keep a lookout for early signs. Take a look at your dog's gums. They should be pink, not red or white. Check for swelling. Also, keep a lookout for any brownish tartar on Fido's teeth.
Photo by Emma Jane Hogbin.
Your nose can also provide a clue. Dog breath is called dog breath for a reason, so you shouldn't expect your pooch's mouth to smell like a rose. Still, an especially offensive odor could be a sign of a big problem. If you suspect trouble, take your dog to the vet.
Step 2: Diet Right for Dental Health
To keep your dog's mouth healthy, avoid feeding your pooch table scraps. You might even consider buying a dog food especially formulated for dental heath, such as Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food
According to the Hillspet website, the fiber in this dog food is clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and the specially formulated kibble freshens breath. A four pound bag of Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food is available though Amazon for around $9.
Step 3: Buy Some Chew Toys
Gnawing on a chew toy will strengthen your dog's teeth. It will also massage your pooch's gums and help scrape away tartar. Any nylon, rawhide, or rubber chew toy will do for this purpose. This Nylabone DuraChew Bone, for instance, could be a great option.
Nylabone Dura Chew Bone
According to the Nylabone website,the DuraChew Bone has bristles that get raised during chewing, cleaning teeth and controlling plaque and tartar buildup. The Nylabone DuraChew Bone is available from Amazon for under $10.
Step 4: Brush Your Dog's Teeth
You'd never go without brushing your teeth, so why should your dog? Nylabone makes a tooth-brushing kit for canines, which includes a doggie toothbrush and peanut butter-flavored doggie toothpaste.
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Natural Dog Dental Kit
The Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Natural Dog Dental Kit is available through Amazon for around $10.
Another option is to go the do-it-yourself route by using a gauze-wrapped finger as a toothbrush and making a paste of baking soda and water. Just avoid using human toothpaste on your dog, as it can upset Fido's stomach if swallowed. Aim to clean your dog's teeth two to three times a week.
Photo by Rennett Stowe, flickr.
Follow these four steps to secure your dog's dental health and keep Fido smiling bright.
Sources: Amazon, ASPCA, Hillspet, Nylabone
