The joy of owning a Golden comes with moments of absolute happiness. A golden seeing its owner followed by incessant affection is sure to warm even the grinchiest Grinches. However, when it comes to a dogs' breath, you may experience a less than wonderful experience in the moment. Dogs often experience halitosis after eating something outside of their regular diet or if they are experiencing a health issue. Here are a few tips to help you with keeping your dogs' breath and oral hygiene in top shape.A canines' gums should be pink in color and be absent of tartar. Examine your dogs' gums occasionally to make sure there are no signs of gum disease, inflammation, or any growths. Ensure you examine the entire gemlike including under the jowls (the flap of skin where the whiskers are growing). Drooling excessively is an additional sign of possible oral disease.
Any sign of bad breath may be an indicator of disease. Keep watch to see if your canine loses appetite, becomes excessively thirsty, or if he/she urinates excessively. If these conditions persist, a visit to the vet may be in order.Regular dental care can have significant benefits and is actually quite easy to do for any owner. So how to I take care of my dogs' teeth? Brushing regularly is very important. Standard soft toothbrushes may suffice but may be a bit rough for your canine. Canine specific toothbrushes, which are smaller and softer than their human equivalent, are available at your local pet store. You can use a dog specific toothpaste or use a simple paste of baking soda and water to brush with. You should consider brushing your dogs' teeth 2-3 times a week. Use a small circular motion on the outside of each tooth at a 45 degree angle if possible.
Other ideas to limit tartar buildup include:
- limiting table scraps form their diet
- using tartar control dog treats
- getting a chew toy
By taking these simple steps, you'll never be suffering from "doggie breath" again and your canine will enjoy years of smiles ahead....
