As Pet Dental Health month comes to a close, Chicken Soup For the Pet Lovers Soul™ brand encourages you to protect your pooch’s teeth and mouth all year long!

Just like humans, dogs can develop gum disease, tooth decay and a host of other dental conditions. Unlike humans, your pup cannot be taught to brush his teeth and floss everyday!

You can brush your dog’s teeth daily, using a toothbrush and toothpaste that are made specifically for pups. Using human products will not suffice, in fact the human toothpaste’s foaming action and ingredients may upset his stomach! Your veterinarian can suggest the best products for your dog and show you proper technique.

Not ready to try it on your own? Your veterinarian can clean your dog’s teeth, but the procedure does require general anesthesia and can be costly. Your dog may need to have a professional cleaning, but some attention to those teeth between cleanings will help prolong the time between cleanings and make your dog more likely to have a healthy mouth and keep all of his teeth.

You can improve your dog’s teeth in other, less invasive ways that are easy and fun for everyone! Here are a few ideas:

Provide him with size and age appropriate chew toys that are designed for tarter reduction
Check chew toys regularly for broken pieces or sharp edges (like a broken Frisbee) and do not allow him to chew on wood or sharp bones, as any of these items could damage his mouth and start an infection
Feed your dog healthy food to nourish and clean teeth. Like Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul™ brand Adult Dog Dry Food formula and delightful Treats!

Check out Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul™ brand’s Vet Notes for more tips!