Doggy Dental

February is doggy dental month.  But in fact, keeping your dog’s teeth clean and fresh should be a daily ritual all year long. If you are encountering stinky dog breath, let’s dive in!

Why Is Dental So Important?

Ruh roh.  It is estimated that 80% of dogs will have some form of dental disease in their lifetime. Dental disease in pets is caused by the build-up of plaque around the teeth. And the negative effects of periodontal infections have been linked to diabetes, kidney disease and even heart attacks and strokes. As a dog mom or dog dad, your responsibility is to regularly examine your dog’s teeth and gums.  Be on the look out for changes in color, redness or sensitivity. Most importantly, seeing your veterinarian for yearly check ups for preventative measures.

How Often?

Working with your doggy doctor is key to develop good, at-home dental treatments, such as teeth-brushing and dog dental chew treats. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is the key to preventing infections. As an added bonus, there are many great tasty, pet-friendly toothpastes, toothbrushes.  Check out the best dental products in 2023.

What’s that smell?

If your dog’s breath could clear a room, then it’s definitely time to see a professional.  Bad breath is typically a sign of infection.  Did you know that parsley is a natural breath freshener for dog breath? It’s the chlorophyll in parsley that’s works it’s magic.  Adding a little parsley to your pup’s diet is a safe and natural way to combat stinky dog mouth.

Age Matters

If you have adopted a bouncing baby dog into your home, well then you get a pass for the time being. Puppies do not need dental cleanings until they get all of their adult teeth.  As for your adult dogs, regular cleaning should be a daily task in order to prevent dental disease.

Doggy Dentist

Even if you are on top of all your dog’s dental needs, a regular professional dental cleaning is recommended.  Tartar will still build up on your dog’s teeth, so they will need a doggy dentist to clean their teeth periodically.  Some dogs need yearly cleanings and others every few years.  This is definitely dependent on how much dental care happens at home.