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Caring for your dog’s health is part of being a responsible pet owner. Along with providing a wholesome diet and plenty of exercise, you must also care for your pet’s teeth to ensure optimum dental health. In addition to yearly cleanings and exams by your veterinarian, here are a few other tips to try. 

How to Care for Your Dog’s Oral Health

1. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth at Least Once per Week

Veterinarians recommend that dogs’ teeth are brushed once a day to ensure good oral hygiene. However, not many dog parents keep up with this schedule. While important, it’s easy to forget about your pet’s daily dental care. And if your dog isn’t a big fan of the process, it can also act as a deterrent. While once a day is ideal, pledge to brush at least once per week using these tips:

  • Get a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for canines
  • Brush when your pet is calm and relaxed, in a room away from other animals and people
  • Allow your dog to smell and lick the toothpaste to get him acclimated
  • Offer praise and a treat at the end of the session

2. Offer the Right Kinds of Toys & Treats

veterinarianDried meats and dental chews are great for removing plaque from teeth. The abrasive nature of these treats scrubs away at teeth as your dog chews them, which makes them a good supplement to your brushing sessions. You can also provide your pet a rubber or nylon chew toy for some additional tooth-scrubbing action after meals. 

3. Use Dental Sprays Designed for Dogs

Dental sprays are designed to kill bacteria in your pet’s mouth while also freshening their breath. They’re pretty easy to use, as all you need to do is give a quick spray into your pet’s mouth to coat their teeth and tongue. If you’re unable to spray the liquid directly into your dog’s mouth, you can also spritz it on a toy. Try to let the spray work its magic for at least a half-hour before your dog eats for the biggest benefit.

 

When it comes time for your pet’s annual dental exam and cleaning, finding the right veterinarian is crucial. Buffalo Trace Veterinary Service is known for treating all patients as one of the family. Located in Versailles, KY, this pet care clinic offers preventive care like vaccines, wellness exams, and dentistry. They also provide spaying and neutering, diagnostic testing, and surgical procedures. Call (859) 879-3582 to get a partner in your dog’s health for life. You can also review the complete listing of services online.

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