In spite of what you may have heard, it’s never too late for an old dog to learn new tricks–especially if it’s proper oral care. Whether your pooch has lost all the white in his or her bite or you’re concerned about the dangers of periodontal disease, there’s really no excuse to “roll over” in regard to your dog’s dental health. Unless, of course, you’d sooner opt for doggie dentures.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your canine’s canines in top shape.

1: Start an Oral Care Routine

All dogs need to have a daily oral care routine. In fact, 4 out of 5 dogs over age 3 may have periodontal disease. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)

Tip 2: Get a Professional Cleaning

It’s never too late to start an oral care routine. A good first step: Take your dog to the vet for a professional cleaning.

Tip 3: Start Early

It’s easy to start a good oral care routine for your dog. Just make time for daily brushing, regular veterinary exams and cleanings, and a healthy diet.

Tip 4: Remove Food Particles

If food particles are not removed, they can mix with saliva and bacteria to form plaque. Within a few days, plaque calcifies and hardens into tartar, which provides a home for more plaque buildup. This may result in gingivitis.

Tip 5: Stop Gingivitis

Gingivitis may develop into a more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis, which is irreversible and can lead to eventual tooth loss.

Tip 6: Avoid Serious Problems

Left untreated, the bacteria associated with periodontal disease may spread to other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Tip 7: Look and Feel Better

Taking care of your dog’s teeth may help him live a healthier life. And your dog will be happier and look better with healthy teeth and gums.

Tip 8: Oral Care Treats

Taking care of your dog’s teeth and gums can be something he enjoys because it can include delicious oral care snacks — like PEDIGREE DENTASTIX® treats, clinically proven to remove tartar build-up by up 80%.
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