Do you brush your dog’s teeth? For most of us the answer will probably be “no,” but with February being Canine Dental Health Month, we wanted to look at why keeping your pup’s mouth clean can do more than freshen his breath.

If left unattended, a dog’s mouth can become a hot zone of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, with the potential to cause a wide variety of issues such as gingivitis, halitosis, and heart disease. It’s important to take a moment periodically to look inside the mouth for any abnormalities. Many vets will offer specials on dental cleaning (especially this time of year), so it’s worth checking!

Brush those teeth!

It’s the best way to ensure your dog’s teeth and gums stay in tip-top shape, and the more you do it, the easier it gets. If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth before, here are a few tips to get you started.

Start slowly, gradually introducing the toothbrush or fingerbrush over a period of time, positively reinforcing him along the way. Remember to be careful—new experiences can be scary, and you don’t want to push a fearful dog too far, especially while you have your hands in his mouth!

Only use toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste can upset a dog’s stomach and can be harmful when swallowed. Plus, with dog toothpaste you can make brushing more enjoyable with flavors like chicken liver and beef. YUM!

Use small circular patterns, working one area at a time, lifting the lip as you go.

Chew Chew Chew!

Chew toys and bones can be a great outlet for bored or stressed dogs, but did you know that they can also help keep gums and teeth healthy? The dog’s inherent desire to chew has shown to help strengthen their teeth as well as scrape plaque and tartar from the surface. We love the Bristle Bone Dental Brush for basically doing our job for us! Its durable nylon bristles and massaging rubber nubs clean teeth and stimulate gums while your dog chews. Flossies, a favorite made from beef tendon, are another great chew that creates natural friction with their unique shape.

From the inside out.

Supplementing your dog’s diet with beneficial ingredients like parsley and peppermint can work wonders on bad breath. SmartCanine SmellFresh provides these components and more, with enzymes and probiotics that are designed to target odor-causing bacteria.

A dog’s day-to-day activities are largely based around one thing—his mouth. Eating, fetching, licking, chewing—can you think of anything he’d rather do?! The job of all good dog parents is to make sure we’re doing our best to keep our faithful companions healthy and happy, and dental care is one piece of that puzzle.