Halitosis and Other Pet Embarrassments: Dental Care for Pets

Many people are actually surprised to learn that dogs aren't really supposed to have bad breath.?If your canine does, it may be a sign that something is wrong.?There are various causes of halitosis and other pet embarrassments.

Many people are actually surprised to learn that dogs aren't really supposed to have bad breath.?If your canine does, it may be a sign that something is wrong.?There are various causes of halitosis and other pet embarrassments.

Your dog may have a foreign object stuck somewhere or a decayed or broken tooth in his mouth.?Tartar and plaque buildup is also a common problem, and can indicate a need for proper dental care.?Bad breath may also be a sign of a more serious condition such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, kidney disease, sinus infections, and gastrointestinal disease.

If you have been taking care of your dog's teeth properly and he still suffers from halitosis, then you should bring him to the vet for a checkup.?During your dog's annual examination, make sure that the vet examines and thoroughly cleans your dog's teeth.?Professional teeth cleaning should be done even when proper dental care is taken at home.

To prevent halitosis, there are certain things that owners need to do.?Take your pet's diet into account.?Dogs that eat canned food may have a higher risk of tartar buildup.?Due to the fact that when hard, crunchy food is fed, it helps reduce the amount of plaque on your dog's teeth, although it won't get rid of it all. Soft food does not have this advantage.

Make sure that you brush your dog's teeth as much as you can.?You need to brush his teeth on a daily basis just like you brush your own.?Tartar can start forming on the teeth in merely a day.

Just like humans, dogs can benefit from special mouthwash too.?Giving your dog mouthwash every day or two will also help prevent tartar from building up on the teeth.?Never give your dog human mouthwash though.?Make sure that it is designed specifically for pets.

Giving your dog certain chew toys is also a good idea.?These chew toys can help to prevent tartar from building up.?Don't give your dog real bones to chew on as they may cause intestinal problems in the form of lacerations or obstructions.

You never want your dog to suffer from dental problems as they can be particularly painful.?If your dog does have halitosis or some other issue, he may become reluctant to eat.?Dogs who drool excessively or paw at their mouths quite often, may also suffer from dental problems.?The best way to prevent your dog from having these problems is proper dental care and annual visits to the vet.