Looked in your dog’s mouth lately? Can’t stand the “doggie breath”? The months of January, February and March are commonly recognized by many veterinarians as doggie dental health month. Periodontitis is a painful disease that is dangerous to your dog’s overall health. While its diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian, its prevention is entirely up to you. There are three methods of prevention. First, feed your dog high quality crunchy dog food and treats. Dry food requires your dog to actively chew the pieces creating tiny “scubbers” (much like an exfoliating scrub for your face) thereby increasing the production of saliva which contains antibacterial properties. Second, provide your dog with a digestible bone that requires repetitive chewing. Be sure you choose one that is not too hard and appropriate for the size of your dog’s mouth and throw it away when it becomes small enough for your dog to fit it entirely in their mouth. Third, try to establish a regular habit of teeth brushing at least two to three times per week. Understand that you will not be able to brush your dog’s teeth as well as you brush your own, but the brushing you do will go a long way in the prevention of gum disease. Therefore it is important that you introduce your dog to this new and unnatural sensation gradually but routinely. Finally, if your dog does develop significant buildup of plaque and tartar, you may want to consider having your vet clean them. This does require anesthesia, and can be a bit pricey, but many veterinarians offer special rates during the months mentioned above.
