When a pet is loved and cared for in a forever home, there are many reasons to smile. In February, we celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month, and it’s a great time to remind pet owners of the importance of keeping your dog’s teeth clean, free of buildup, and healthy for years.
Did you know that puppies, just like human children, have baby teeth? When their “milk teeth” fall out they are replaced with permanent adult teeth, usually by six months of age. Assuming your pet will live to a ripe old age, you want to make good dental habits a part of your routine.
Every dog should have their own toothbrush and toothpaste. We recommend the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Kit, with a peanut flavor dogs love.
Ideally, you want to clean your dog’s teeth once or twice daily. As with humans, plaque can build up if left ignored and cause a variety of problems, including bad breath and tooth decay. To achieve this, however, you must create trust and show your dog that brushing isn’t scary. Your pet may not be aware of what you’re trying to do when you hold a brush to their mouth.
Your dog should feel comfortable with you handling their muzzle and teeth. Spend time with them building that trust so you will be able to access their teeth and jaws without aggression. Before you begin, “introduce” the dental supplies. Let them sniff the brush and taste the toothpaste. Your first experience with brushing may involve you rubbing toothpaste with your fingers along their teeth to get them accustomed to the sensation. You likely will not brush their entire mouth the first time, but every time you do try to add more of the mouth to your routine.
After a cleaning, show your dog some love with a treat! Try TropiClean Advanced Cleaning Dental Chews.
For detailed information on good pet dental health, visit our page on Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth.
At Care-A-Lot Pet Supply, we offer a variety of pet dental products for health teeth and fresh breath. Order online or visit any of our stores in Hampton Roads and Moyock.