Treating your Dog’s bad breath in time for Valentine’s Day!

From your partner to your dog, make sure the whole family are prepped with fresh breath in time for Valentine’s Day this year!  Dogs are known for stealing a smooch, or two from their beloved owners, so you can rest assured that your dog will be there for this romantic weekend to provide unconditional love.

Look out for a change in behaviour:

There are countless reasons why dogs can behave badly, but undetected oral hygiene issues can be one of them.

If your dog begins to chew on items that he usually would bypass, or is paying more attention to chomping on his favourite chew toy, it may be a sign that he is experiencing dental problems that could easily be remedied with regular brushing.

Always remember, prevention is better than cure! The daily practice of good dental health should be maintained by both humans and pets, and regular tooth brushing is the best way to prevent disease that can become more of an issue with a build-up of plaque.

Reduce stress for your dog:

To reduce stress in your dog, introduce a brushing routine in to their daily activities from a young age and try and stick to the same time each day.

An ideal time to get the tooth brush out is after walking & feeding when your dog is lethargic and relaxed.

Before you go ahead with the paste, give your pet a quick dental check and ensure that their gums aren’t bleeding. If you spot any signs of this, or broken/chipped teeth, give your pet insurance provider a quick call and they will advise you of any steps that need to be taken.

Introducing the steps gradually:

Introduce the taste of the paste prior to brushing, and then the feel of the brush slowly to your dog. This way he won’t respond in a shocked manner; even if it involves your dog licking paste off of his teeth, he will gradually become used to the sensation and the process will become an easy, daily occurrence.

Do you give your pet dental treats and chews to combat disease? Which would you recommend to the Paws & Claws community? We’d love to hear your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter! Alternatively, if you’d like additional advice on ways to prevent plaque build-up, contact your pet insurance provider, who will put you in touch with a preferred vet for further advice.