Fort Lauderdale Canine Dental Health Services

Taking care of your dog’s teeth can help these beloved companions to stay healthier throughout their lives. Proper dental care should include regular visits to your Fort Lauderdale canine dental health specialist. Here are several proven tips for keeping your dog’s teeth healthy and strong to help you enjoy many years of faithful companionship.

Check for Dental Problems

Dental issues can cause serious pain or discomfort for your four-legged friends. Keeping a close eye on the condition of your dog’s teeth can help you to spot problems early to ensure that dental issues can be addressed effectively. Some of the most common dental issues that can affect dogs include the following:

• Plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth can lead to tooth decay. Regular brushing can reduce the chance of tooth decay and the loss of teeth for your beloved canine companion.
• Changes in the color or the appearance of your dog’s gums could be an early warning sign of gum disease. It is important to have your dog examined at your Fort Lauderdale animal hospital if you see any signs of gum disease. This dental condition can cause bleeding of the gums and, if left untreated, can lead to the loss of teeth.
• Bad breath can also be a sign that your dog’s teeth are in trouble. While an occasional bout of halitosis is probably nothing to worry about, persistent or extremely bad breath is usually a sign that something may be going wrong with your dog’s dental health.
• Misaligned or broken teeth can affect your dog’s ability to bite, chew or play effectively. Reporting these issues to your Fort Lauderdale canine dental health team can help you to find the right solutions for these common problems.
• If you notice any odd growths or swellings in your dog’s mouth, you will want to schedule an appointment to be seen at a Fort Lauderdale animal hospital as soon as possible. These symptoms can be caused by infection, injury or tumors and require the assistance of a veterinarian to diagnose accurately.

Regular examinations at home and at your veterinary office can keep your dog’s teeth and mouth as healthy as possible now and into the future.

Brush Regularly

Just like humans, dogs require regular dental hygiene to maintain their health. This includes brushing their teeth regularly to remove food particles and plaque. Do not use a toothpaste designed for humans, as these can be dangerous or toxic to dogs. Your Fort Lauderdale canine dental health team can often provide you with recommendations for the best toothpaste and toothbrush for your dog.

When brushing your dog’s teeth, be sure to take your time and to praise your dog for their patience and tolerance. Over time, your dog may learn to like having you brush their teeth. Even if they never become perfectly comfortable with this dental hygiene task, however, it will usually become easier to care for your dog’s teeth appropriately with increased practice.

Diet and Exercise Are Important for Healthy Teeth

Regular walks, visits to the dog park and play dates with canine best friends can often improve the overall health of your dog. Your local Fort Lauderdale veterinary office can provide you with recommendations on helping your dog to stay active and healthy. Your veterinarian can also provide you with diet recommendations to maintain healthy teeth and bones for your four-legged furry friends.

Choose Your Chews Wisely

Depending on the condition of your dog’s teeth, your Fort Lauderdale canine dental health professional may recommend or discourage the use of specific types of chews to clean teeth and to prevent injury to your beloved companion. In general, chews should not be too hard or sharp, as this can lead to injuries and potential infections. Your Fort Lauderdale veterinarian can often provide added guidance in choosing the right chews and toys for your dog’s teeth.

At Family Pet Medical Center, our team of skilled and knowledgeable veterinarians and technicians can provide you with outstanding services to keep your pets as healthy as possible. We offer dog dental care options that can help you protect your dog’s teeth from decay and injury. Our Fort Lauderdale animal hospital can help you with all other aspects of pet care in our area. Give us a call today at 954-567-2500 to make an appointment for a dental examination or any of the other services we offer. At Family Pet Medical Center, we are here to serve you.