Many pet owners must recognize the importance of maintaining their dogs’ oral health. Poor oral hygiene can cause severe health problems, like kidney, liver, and heart muscle damage. Maintaining good dental health at home will benefit our furry friends in more ways than just giving us sweeter-smelling kisses. Continue reading to know how to properly care for your dog’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease and preserve good oral health.
How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
Keeping clean teeth prevents cavities, periodontal disease, and other illnesses; the same applies to our pets. Below are five quick steps to keep your dog’s teeth and avoid illnesses.
1. Brush Their Teeth Regularly
Maintaining your dog’s dental health calls for routine at-home dental care. Brushing their teeth is an excellent method to keep plaque away. Gum disease-causing bacteria can multiply on teeth in at least 24 to 36 hours, so regular brushing is recommended.
Use a finger brush or a pet-friendly toothpaste with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush. Try different toothpaste and toothbrush combinations, or talk to your vet for suggestions. The earlier you start practicing routines like toothbrushing with your pet, the better.
2. Give Dental Chews and Treats
Dogs love treats, and giving them dental treats can help them maintain good oral health. Many manufacturers make dog treats that clean your dog’s teeth and gums. In addition, it promotes your pet’s natural cravings for a delicious treat.
There are different shapes and sizes of dental chews for dogs which contain ridges and nubs. These can help catch the spaces between a dog’s teeth, improving blood flow. When buying chew toys and treats, it’s best to ask your vet for particular suggestions on what to search for.
3. Feed Your Pet Properly
Did you know that dry food is better for your dog’s teeth than soft food? Changing your dog’s regular diet to a dry food made for dental care is a simple and helpful method to keep their teeth clean. Crunchy kibble helps get rid of tartar as they eat, while soft food is more likely to stick to teeth and increase plaque buildup. Talk about your dog’s diet with your vet to see what they can recommend.
4. Monitor Their Teeth
You have to check your pet’s health and actions and seek urgent vet care if something seems uncommon. Initiate a grooming routine by regularly inspecting your pet’s body for any new lumps, bumps, or odors. If you smell foul breath in your pet, take it to the veterinarian for cleaning right away. This is usually the first indication that your dog may have gum disease or a cavity.
5. Professional Cleanings
Arranging regular consultations with your vet dentist for examinations and cleanings is essential in maintaining your pet’s oral health. Many oral issues go unrecognized by pet owners, so veterinarians advise professional cleanings; they are educated to diagnose, prevent, and deal with such problems.
Veterinary professionals must conduct veterinary dentistry procedures such as oral examinations and cleanings on most dogs at least once a year to search for signs of severe issues. Although the other advice discussed is beneficial, professional dental cleaning remains the most effective way to keep your dog’s oral healthy, despite being significantly more expensive.
