Dog Dental Care Tips from PetMD.COM

MIAMI, FLORIDA -- PetMD, (www.petmd.com), a free online resource for pet health information and services, encourages you to brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis. Let's face it, you don't want to kiss someone with stinky breath. You like your kisses to be sweet, and from someone who brushes their teeth. The same should go for your beloved canine friend.
  
The same dental health issues you deal with, apply to your dog, too. Regular brushing helps keep your dog's teeth and gums in tip-top shape. And most importantly, keeping tartar buildup and cavities under control will give your dog sweet, minty fresh breath.
 
Cleaning doggy teeth is actually very simple. Because dog's teeth are spaced more widely than yours, there's no need for flossing. And you can use either a special toothbrush made for dogs, or a special finger glove brush that allows you to brush with your finger.
 
Also, there's no need for rinsing and spitting. Since dogs can't use human toothpaste, there are special types which you can buy that don't require rinsing.
 
Dental hygiene is also about good maintenance and health. When cleaning your dog's teeth, you can see if there are any broken teeth or other signs of ill health. Dogs are known to damage teeth by experimenting with rocks as food, chewing on hard bones, or by catching Frisbees, sticks and other hard objects. The good news is that by making teeth cleanings a routine, you'll catch any dental problems before they become severe. Early detection is good news for everyone, as it may save your dog's teeth - it'll probably even save you a large vet bill.
 
Make brushing your dog's teeth a part of the weekly grooming process. Your dog will feel like the center of the universe, and you'll be able to indulge in doggy kisses without bad dog breath again. It's a win-win situation.

About PetMD
PetMD is an online resource focused solely on pet health and maintains the largest trusted pet health library written and approved by a network of Veterinarians. PetMD was founded to inspire pet owners to provide an ever-increasing quality of life for their pets and to connect pet owners with their Veterinarians through a trusted, comprehensive website. PetMD is headquartered in Miami, Florida. More information is available at www.petmd.com.

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