Pet Knows

I love my dog like a son, but his breath smells like something died in his mouth. He may not be able to talk about it, but I can tell he doesn’t like it either. His teeth are professionally cleaned at least once a year and sometimes every six months – depending on the vet’s recommendations and the level of stench. I get nervous about anesthetizing him for any reason, but this is the only way to get under the gum where the trouble hides. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what I’m talking about, this article gives a thorough explanation of the cleaning process and why dogs need it.

Above is a photo of what his teeth currently look like – definitely not in good shape. His gums are inflamed and there is noticeable buildup. I’ll be sure to post an “after” photo to show how much plaque is removed during the cleaning. My goal to keep his teeth clean after his next procedure (sort of like quitting smoking on New Years except this is doggie dental health starting on Tax Day). I’ve seen a bunch of recommendations for keeping your dog’s teeth clean including sticks, toys and brushing their teeth. Having tried most of them without any measurable success, I need to find another solution. First step is the professional cleaning, and we’ll go from there - stay tuned for more updates.