Dog breath
An easy way to detect dental disease early is by sniffing your dog’s breath. While it’s never going to smell like a bunch of roses, if your pup’s breath is particularly offensive, it could be an indication of dental disease. If you feel like your dog may have failed the breath test, take them for a visit to your local Taree vet as soon as possible.
Smile
Another way to check for dental disease is by lifting your dog’s lips and unveiling their teeth and gums. Their gums should be pink (not red or white) and their teeth should be reasonably clean with no visible signs of tartar. Signs that your dog needs a vet would be excessive drooling, inflamed gums, abnormal lumps in the gums, cysts under the tongue or loose teeth.
Brushing
Starting from when they’re a pup, massage their lips using your fingers everyday (for about 30 seconds) to get them used to the feeling. Next, purchase dog-formulated toothpaste and put it on their lips once a day to get them familiar with the taste. Once you think they’re ready, purchase a dog-specific toothbrush, apply the dog-formulated toothpaste and get brushing 2 to 3 times a week. Never use human toothpaste and don’t use fluoride for pups under 6 months.
Chew
Chew toys are beneficial on a whole number of levels, for you and your dog. Not only are chew toys fun for your pup to play with, but they can satisfy their desire to chew, while keeping their teeth clean and scraping away soft tartar along the way. This will save their teeth and your thongs at the same time!
Diet
When shopping for dog food or treats, keep an eye out for any specially formulated dry food that can stop the formation of plaque and tartar.