When Bad Breath Gets Worse

When Bad Breath Gets Worse

As you probably know by now, dogs are not self-cleaning. They need a little help in that department. One area that often gets neglected, though, is their teeth. We would like to share some important things to know about your dog’s dental health.

A common theme for pet health is that it is often similar to our own. Just like us, our pets need regular dental exams. Veterinarians recommend annual exams to detect any issues early on, and to make sure your pet’s teeth stay healthy.

You should also have your dog’s teeth cleaned regularly. This is typically done under anesthesia. Before giving any animal general anesthesia, your vet will examine overall health to help ensure safety. During the cleaning process, your vet can polish teeth and seal teeth. It’s a good idea to make the most of any time your pet is under anesthesia to get necessary exams and procedures performed.

It is also a good idea to have x-rays taken of your dog’s teeth to look for cavities or other issues. Check out the other diagnostics your vet can provide.

Pet Dental Care at Home

Can you detect doggy dental issues by smelling his breath? If you are brave enough, yes. Dog breath can usually be less than pleasant, but if your dog’s breath smells worse than usual, you should consult your veterinarian. This could be an indication of tooth decay or some other issue.

Between visits to the vet for cleanings and checkups, remember to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Brush her each area of her teeth thoroughly in small circles. If your dog is unused to regular brushing, start with shorter sessions. You can also give her toxin-free chew toys to help clean teeth and to satisfy her desire to chew.

As always, your veterinarian is available to answer any questions you have. Together, you can keep your dog’s teeth strong…and his breath a little less so.