January 29, 2018
Dental health is a very important part of your puppy’s well-being. Regular exams throughout your puppy’s life can help detect problems early before they cause damage to your puppy’s teeth or mouth.
Have your pet’s teeth checked if you observe any of the following problems:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
Most dental disease occur below the gum line, where you can’t see it. Therefore, it’s important to regularly brush your pet’s teeth and create a daily routine for you and your furry-friend. Providing suitable chew items for your puppy on a regular basis such as dental chews and chew toys will also help maintain a healthy mouth.
Here’s how to make brushing easy and stress-free for your fur-baby:
- Make sure your puppy is calm and relaxed. It is important to set a routine and work up to brushing daily.
- Be sure to use toothpaste meant for puppies.
- Test your puppy’s willingness by gently touching their mouth and slightly rubbing your finger on their teeth.
- Lift your puppy’s upper lips. And begin to brush! Brush in small circles, getting the top and bottom teeth.
- Make sure to be gentle and reassuring with your puppy.
Once you are done, make sure to give your puppy a lot of praise!
Chewing is common puppy behavior that can be quite annoying to many puppy parents. Check out our blog, How To Stop Your Puppy From Chewing to find out how you can stop this habit.
