Did you know that about two-thirds of our canine companions will have gum disease by the time they are aged three? That isn’t the only dental issue that can plague Fido. Man’s Best Friend can also develop issues such as misalignments, infections, and abscesses. He’s also been known to crack or break his teeth playing with hard toys. Taking care of your pup’s choppers is very important! Of course, there are a few seasonal twists you can add to Fido’s doggy dental care regimen. A local Meyerland, TX vet offers some summer dental care tips in this article.

Water, Water, Water

First and foremost, make sure that your canine buddy is staying properly hydrated. In summer, you may need to set out extra water stations. If you have outdoor bowls, take care to stay on top of cleaning and refilling them. They can easily be contaminated by bugs and other critters. (Toads, for instance, like to soak in them. Unfortunately, they can poison the water.)

Oral Rinses

As the name suggests, these are products that you would add to your pup’s water. They help fight plaque and tartar, kill germs, and basically promote good oral health. Check the product for something you would be able to refrigerate, and get into the habit of offering your furry best friend his rinse with cool, clean water.

Dental Flakes

More and more people are making quick and simple treats for their canine pals. There are plenty of recipes out there. For instance, you can put bits of shredded meat, kibble, or crushed treats in ice cube trays, pour water or sodium-free broth over it, and freeze. Incorporate dental flakes into this easy recipe. Instant happy pooch!

Chewsicles

Another popular homemade goodie is the pupsicle. All you do is take a chew stick, put it in a Dixie cup, and pour water and/or sodium-free broth around it. Once it starts freezing, you can move the treat into the center. When it’s frozen, just pop it out of the cup and hand it over to your furry pal. Give this snack a dental-friendly upgrade by using dental chews. You can even add some doggy toothpaste on the treat. Choose a flavored product for extra tail wags.

Please reach out to us for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. As your Meyerland, TX pet hospital, we’re here to help!