Setting Your Puppy Up For A Lifetime Of Dental Health
Life with a puppy brings countless rewards and challenges. You no doubt want to set your puppy up for a lifetime of good health and manners. But what does that mean for your puppy's teeth? Even before its adult teeth grow in, there are steps you can take to improve the dental health of a puppy. Doing so can help avoid more costly veterinary bills in the future, so don't forget to follow these simple tips.
Teaching Tooth Brushing
Just like human beings, dogs develop plaque when bacteria consume food particles on their teeth and gums. Those bacteria cause tooth decay and gingivitis, and many dogs hide these painful conditions for months before discovery. You can reduce plaque buildup in your dog's mouth by periodically brushing its teeth. This is a lot easier, however, when the dog's been trained to tolerate it since puppyhood. Brush your puppy's teeth with a puppy-safe dog toothpaste a few times a week to teach your new pet that the brush is nothing to be afraid of.
Providing Dental Chews
Puppies teethe the same way human babies do, and they love to chew just as much. Among your puppy's toys, offer a few dental chews to floss and clean its teeth. Introducing these toys early means the puppy will be more familiar with them and more likely to play with them as an adult.
Considering Your Food Options
The debate over what type of dog food is healthiest never ends among dog owners. Some experts will swear that wet food is more natural and hydrating, and therefore easier on a dog's system. Others insist that kibble is more convenient, cheaper, and less likely to go bad in the bowl. One point in kibble's favor is that it may scrape your puppy's teeth clean as it chews, and its dry format is less prone to plaque buildup.
Watching Baby Teeth
The first set of teeth your puppy grows isn't its permanent chompers. As the puppy grows, the puppy teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. Sometimes, these teeth grow crooked or fail to fall out. This might lead to problems with the adult teeth, so consult with your veterinarian if you're concerned.
Checking in with an Animal Dentist
Finally, it can be helpful to visit a pet dental care specialist periodically to guarantee your dog's teeth grow strong and stay healthy from puppyhood to old age. The more attention you give your puppy's teeth, the less likely you are to need an expensive dental cleaning or surgery later.
Contact an animal dental treatment provider to learn more.