Pet Dental Health Month is an annual event observed in February to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health for pets and to educate pet owners about the benefits of regular dental check-ups and cleanings for their pets.
At Jiminy’s, we celebrate Pet Dental Health Month by sharing our best tips to keep your dog’s choppers in awesome shape!
Get Advice From Your Vet
If you’ve never brushed a dog’s teeth before, the first thing you should do is ask for advice from your dog’s vet. Ask the vet or assistant to demonstrate the technique. If you don’t have an appointment coming up, there are some good online instructional tooth brushing videos from professionals.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth at Home
In general, the process of brushing your dog’s teeth is similar to brushing your own teeth, with a few modifications.
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for dogs, and a pet-friendly toothpaste that doesn't contain any toxic ingredients.
- Position your dog in a comfortable and secure position, either on the floor, the bed or on a table. It’s helpful to have your best furry friend wearing their collar so you can gently hold your dog in position.
- Lift the lip on one side of your dog's mouth and gently brush in circular motions on the outer surface of the teeth. Brush for about 30 seconds before moving to the next section.
- After brushing the outer surfaces, turn the toothbrush around and brush the inside surfaces of the teeth in the same manner.
- Use a finger brush or a piece of gauze to massage the gums. You can also do this from the outside of the mouth. This helps increase blood flow and stimulate the production of saliva, which helps neutralize harmful acids in the mouth.
- Reward him or her with dental-safe treats and praise after each tooth brushing session to reinforce positive behavior and make the experience enjoyable for them.
Consult your dog’s vet if you have any concerns or questions about brushing your dog's teeth, or if your dog has any existing dental issues.
Signs of Dental Trouble
Dental problems in dogs can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Here are some of the common symptoms of dental problems in dogs to watch out for:
- Bad Breath - Persistent bad breath can indicate a dental problem, such as gum disease or tooth decay.
- Pain or swelling in the mouth - If your dog is showing signs of discomfort when eating, touching their mouth or face, or when you try to examine their teeth, it could be a sign of a dental problem.
- Excessive drooling - Dogs that are in pain or discomfort in their mouth may drool excessively.
- Loss of Appetite - If your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort in their mouth, they may lose their appetite or be more hesitant when eating.
- Changes in Chewing or Biting Behavior - If your dog is having difficulty chewing or bites abnormally, it could be a sign of a dental problem such as one or more broken teeth, gum disease, or jaw misalignment.
It's important to keep an eye out for these signs and to schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian to ensure your dog's oral health stays in top shape. Early detection and treatment can help prevent more serious health problems and ensure a long and healthy life for your furry companion.
Promote Dental Health in Your Dog
To help prevent canine tooth decay, choose dog foods that are free of fillers and ingredients that are bad for your dog's teeth. Shop Jiminy's line of dog food and dental-safe dog treats that promote dental health for your beloved canine.
Gradually increase the time spent brushing until your dog starts to become more comfortable with the process. If your dog shows signs of physical or emotional discomfort, take a break and try again later. You don’t want your dog to associate tooth brushing with pain of any kind. Consistency and patience are key to creating a positive tooth brushing experience for your dog. Afterward, reward your little buddy with treats and praise.
Jiminy’s Insect based dog food is a natural dog food packed with probiotics and prebiotics for dogs. Treat your pup to a sustainable and eco-friendly dog food and dog treat option. Learn how insect protein is a healthy diet for pets.
At Jiminy’s, we believe in giving your dogs the very best and that starts with our insect-based dog food. By using crickets and grubs as our primary protein source, we produce quality kibble, wet food, and treats designed to provide complete nutrition for dogs. In fact, insect protein meets or exceeds all AAFCO requirements, making it a superfood you and your dog will love.
To create the perfect formula every time, we follow that up with whole food ingredients that offer natural probiotics in every bite. Together, the naturally prebiotic insect protein and probiotic-rich foods help build a strong gut microbiome. Our innovative protein doesn’t trigger allergies like traditional pet food ingredients either, resulting in better gut health for food-sensitive dogs.
Beyond that, our products are eco-friendly, humane, and safe for dogs of all sizes. So, you can definitely feel good about feeding your dog Jiminy’s – and your dog will enjoy our tasty Cravin’ Cricket and Good Grub flavors.