3 Things You Need To Know About Taking Care Of Your New Puppy's Teeth
Posted on: 30 September 2018
If you're about to welcome a new puppy into your home for the first time, you've probably already stocked up on toys, food, and bedding for your new furry friend. You may even have lined up a good local veterinarian who you can depend on to provide your puppy with high-quality health care. However, if you're like many people new to sharing their lives with a canine companion, you may have completely forgotten to consider your dog's dental needs — which is not at all surprising, considering that until recently, dogs were pretty much on their own when it came to their teeth. Today's pet owners realize the importance of providing good dental care for their furry friends. Following are three ways that you can help keep your dog's teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
1. Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Although it might seem odd to brush a dog's teeth, this is actually beneficial for the same reasons as brushing your own teeth — it helps prevent the buildup of plaque and the resulting development of tooth decay. It can also help you save money on vet bills in the long run because a healthy mouth is less prone to develop problems that require expensive treatment, such as gum disease. Fortunately, it isn't difficult to train a puppy to allow you to brush its teeth, especially if you use a toothpaste with a flavor designed to appeal to dogs. Never use human toothpaste because it can cause digestive upsets.
2. Schedule Regular Dental Exams
Most dogs should have a thorough dental exam that includes a cleaning once per year beginning at the age of six months. Because dogs have evolved to conceal their pain from others, you can't rely on your dog's behavior to signal that it may be experiencing dental issues. Your veterinarian can check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and broken or fractured teeth as well as perform a thorough cleaning.
3. Provide Quality Chew Toys
Puppies have an ingrained need to chew on things, so be sure yours has access to high-quality chew toys. Not only will this help keep your new furry friend's teeth clean, but they'll also help reduce anxiety levels by giving the pup an outlet for excess energy. Avoid chew toys made of fabric that can get stuck between the teeth or those made of wood that can leave splinters in the mouth. Antler chews are a good choice — after all, they're what wolf pups have used for chew toys for centuries.
For more information, contact a company like Perfect Pet Chews.
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