Animal Welfare Organization Offers Tips to Ensure Your Pet’s Dental Health

Anyone who has watched their canine pet gnaw playfully on a toy knows that a healthy set of chops is key to any dog’s happiness. But how many pet parents out there know what to do in order to help maintain the healthy state of their dog’s teeth and gums?

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) offers pet parents the following tips to ensure the dental health of your pooch:

• Morning breath . . . all day?: While many of us object to our pet's bad breath, we should pay attention to what it may be telling us. “Bad breath is most commonly an indication that your dog is in need of a dental check up,” says Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, “and in some cases may be indicative of fairly serious, chronic problems such as liver or intestinal disease.”

• Brushing up on dental health: Maintain the healthy state of your dog’s mouth by brushing the teeth and gums regularly, feeding your pet a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. You can clean the outside of your canine’s upper and lower teeth with a dog toothpaste or a baking-soda-and-water paste once or twice a week. Use a child's soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger.

• Growing Pains: Between four to eight months of age, puppies will shed all their deciduous (puppy) teeth and grow a new set of permanent teeth. Chewing can assuage the discomfort that accompanies teething but can be a difficult period if you’re the object being chewed! Try substituting a toy or chew bone when the puppy tries to chew on fingers or toes. Invest in a variety of chew toys appropriate to the size and chewing preferences of your dog, making sure to alternate them to keep your pup’s interest high.

“It’s important to regularly check your animal companion’s teeth and gums,” continues Dr. Murray, “and make teeth cleaning a regular part of your dog’s health program.”