You might not realize this, but your dog can develop dental problems too. Unfortunately, it won't be able to use words to let you know about them. That means your dog could be facing severe pain and discomfort, and you wouldn't even know about it. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to monitor your dog's dental health. Here are four things you should do to protect your dog's teeth.

Look Inside

If you have dogs, you should be looking in their mouth at least once a week. Taking a close look at their teeth and gums will help you catch dental problems before they progress too far. If you notice problems with your dog's teeth or gums, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. Here's what you should be looking for.

Teeth

First, look at your dog's teeth. They should be white, without any yellow or brown deposits on them. Next, feel them – if you can. The teeth should fit securely in the gums, and not be loose.

Gums

Now, look at your dog's gums. Healthy canine gums should be pink – a light to medium shade. Any other shade, and your dog's gums might have some problems.

Take a Deep Breath

If your dog has hidden dental problems, it could develop a serious case of bad breath. While you're interacting with your dog, spend some time smelling its breath. Familiarizing yourself with your dog's breath will allow you to recognize those subtle – and not-so-subtle – changes that could be pointing to a dental problem. As soon as you notice significant changes in your dog's breath, you should visit the vet.

Watch Closely

Dental problems can be painful, even for your dogs. One way to identify potential dental problems is to watch your dog while it eats and plays throughout the day. If your dog used to devour its food, and chew on all its toys, but it's now nibbling at its food and avoiding its toys, it may be experiencing dental pain. If your dog appears to experience pain when chewing – food or toys – be sure to contact your veterinarian.

See the Vet

One of the best ways you can prevent dental problems is to take your dog to the vet for routine dental care. During those visits to the vet, your dog will have its teeth cleaned and examined. These exams will ensure that minor problems are caught before they become significant dental issues for your dog. If your dog shows signs of dental pain, be sure to contact your emergency vet clinic as soon as possible.

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