The health of pets is something all animal owners value highly. Yet for some reason, alongside nutrition, exercise and grooming, dental hygiene is comparatively overlooked. Some seem to accept that dogs have bad breath without wondering why this is or what can be done about it. The condition of a dog’s teeth is in fact very important to its overall health and something that requires regular attention.
The most important thing is to catch any problems early on, and this can be done by regularly inspecting your dog’s teeth and gums. To conduct an inspection, gently lift the lips on both sides and look closely at the teeth from front to back. The signs to look out for are puffy, reddened or bleeding gums, the brown/yellow appearance of tartar build up, any missing or lose teeth or extra saliva. The bad breath, which you will not need to get too close to notice, is likely to accompany any of these symptoms. By noticing these warning signs early and treating them immediately, you could prevent more serious problems developing.
Your vet should also perform a dental examination as part of regular check-up visits so it is important to try to make such appointments once or twice a year. If anything is wrong with your dog’s oral health, an expert will know exactly what it is and what to do.
By following your vet’s recommendations, conduct regular oral inspections and taking the time at home to feed your pet good quality food and watch while it eats for any signs of discomfort, you could save yourself a lot of stress and help ensure your dog has a long and healthy life.
