Dental hygiene for dogs are just as important as it is for humans. Dogs can have bad breath and dental problems if proper dental care is not followed. Practicing good dental hygiene can help to prolong your pet’s life, by preventing serious health issues as result of bacteria, which can sometimes get into the bloodstream. Although you should bring your dog for his regular checkups, it is necessary that you take care of your dog’ teeth at home. In addition to brushing his teeth, there are other things that you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Use these doggy dental care tips to keep your pet teeth glistening all the time.

Doggy Dental Home Check

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy, is to do a visual check at home. The most obvious sign of dental problems in dogs is bad breath. If you dog’s breath smells different than it normally used to smell, this may indicate dental issues. Check your pet’s teeth and gums carefully. Look for signs of tartar buildup on the teeth. Look at the gums for signs of gum disease. Healthy gums should be pink instead of red, puffy or pale. There are different types of dental problems in dogs. Some of the most common types are gingivitis, halitosis (bad breath), periodontal disease, proliferating gum disease and salivary cysts.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your dog’s teeth. There are also finger toothbrushes, which are great for massaging the gums. Your dog may put up a fight at first, therefore, you have to take your time to introduce teeth brushing. Use your fingers to lift the dog’s lips to make it easier to get to those hard to reach places. Move the toothbrush in a circular motion while brushing, as this will help to loosen and remove tartar from the teeth. Unlike humans, you don’t have to brush dogs teeth every day. Three days a week is sufficient to promote healthy gums and teeth.

Other Healthy Habits

There are other things that can be used to keep your dog’s mouth healthy, such as giving him toys to chew on. These are great for massaging the gums, while removing tartar. You should also feed your dog healthy meals consistently. By continuing to take these extra measures to ensure a good dental hygiene for you dog, both you and your pet will eventually see the benefits.