In the wild, dogs do a lot of gnawing on raw bones, which serve both to remove tartar and massage the gums. If you feed your dog that delicious canned food he loves so much, you may be contributing to dental problems. Soft food can stick between the gums and teeth, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. If this is happening, your dog'll develop a case of bad breath, and a trip to the veterinarian's is called for. Dry food and hard dog biscuits are much better for your pet's teeth. Brushing your dog's teeth is also a good idea. Use a toothbrush and paste designed specially for dogs. Human toothpaste can make your dog sick. If you start this routine while your dog's still a puppy, it'll get used to the procedure. If you follow up each brushing with a treat, your dog might actually look forward to it.
