August is Dental Month in the dog world. During this month, Bell & Bone interviewed Dr Emily, the head vet from PETstock Vet Lilydale and she discussed the symptoms, causes and treatment options for dental disease, plus tips on how to improve your dog's dental health.
What Are The Three Signs Of Dog Dental Disease?
There are various signs to watch out for that may indicate your dog is suffering from dental disease. Dr Emily’s top three signs are:- Really bad breath
- Staining on teeth
- Discomfort when eating
What Are The Potential Risks Of Leaving Dental Concerns Unaddressed?
It is recommended to have a dental checkup with your vet every 6 to 12 months. Leaving your dog’s teeth untreated can lead to things like Gingivitis, Periodontal Disease, infection, and pain so it is definitely worth getting your dog’s teeth checked regularly.
Three Dog Dental Health Tips
Fortunately, we as pet parents can improve our pup's dental health every day. Dr Emily’s top 3 tips for preventing dental health issues are:
Daily Tooth Brushing
This is the number one option to ensure your dog’s teeth stay pearly white and free of plaque and tartar control. As you can imagine, dogs can be resistant to having their teeth brushed so it’s a good idea to start when they are young if possible.
Bell & Bone Dental Sticks
If your pup is resistant to daily tooth brushing or you simply don’t have the time to brush their teeth daily, Bell & Bone Dental Sticks are the perfect natural dog chew to help maintain your dog’s daily dental hygiene needs.
Our dental sticks are a vet-recommended dog dental chew, made with all-natural ingredients, and include 2 active ingredients that help to reduce plaque and tartar. Our dental sticks will help freshen breath and have a range of dental benefits when given daily.
Click here for more information on our Dental Sticks including the ingredients used and how often you should offer them to your dogs. Shop our entire range of dog treats here.
Vet-recommended Dental Dry Food
Much like our dental sticks, vet-recommended dry food is specifically formulated with the help of veterinarians and scientists to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
If your pet has recurring dental issues, or their breed is susceptible to dental issues, your vet might recommend keeping them on this diet or at least mixing this food with their normal food.
Bell & Bone is on a mission to change the landscape of pet dental care and give all dogs a healthier life through food.
Being a dedicated dog owner often involves asking the right questions, seeking the right advice and, most importantly, checking in with your pup to make sure that it's healthy and happy. When in doubt, or in the event of health concerns, always consult a professional. Head to our FAQs page for more answers to dog treat-related questions. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with me and I'll make it a priority to keep you informed and empowered.