Numerous pet owners should understand the importance of maintaining their dogs’ dental health. Poor oral hygiene can result in serious health issues, like damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart muscles. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home will benefit our furry friends in more ways than just giving us sweeter-smelling kisses. Continue reading to learn how to carefully look after your dog’s teeth to prevent gum disease and maintain good dental health.
How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
Keeping clean teeth prevents cavities, gum disease, and other illnesses; the same applies to our animal companions. Here are five simple steps to maintain your dog’s teeth and prevent health problems.
1. Brush Their Teeth Regularly
Maintaining your dog’s oral health calls for routine at-home dental care. Brushing their teeth is a great way to keep plaque away. Gum disease-causing bacteria can multiply on teeth in at least 24 to 36 hours, so regular brushing is advised.
Utilize a finger brush or a pet-friendly toothpaste with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush. You can use different toothpaste and toothbrush combinations or talk to your veterinarian for advice. The earlier you start practicing routines like toothbrushing with your dog, the better.
2. Provide Dental Chews and Treats
Dogs like treats, and giving them dental treats can help them preserve good oral health. Many producers make dog treats that clean your dog’s teeth and gums. Additionally, it stimulates your pet’s natural cravings for a tasty treat.
There are various sizes and shapes of dental chews for dogs which contain ridges and nubs. These can help catch the spaces between a dog’s teeth, enhancing blood circulation. When purchasing chew toys and treats, it’s best to ask your vet for specific suggestions on what to look for.
3. Feed Your Dog Properly
Did you know that dry food is better for your pet’s teeth than soft food? Changing your dog’s regular diet to a dry food formulated for dental care is an easy and helpful way to keep their teeth clean. Crunchy kibble helps eliminate tartar as they eat, while soft food is more likely to stick to teeth and increase plaque buildup. Discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinary dentist to see what they can advise.
4. Monitor Their Teeth
You need to check your dog’s health and behavior and seek emergency vet care if something seems unusual. Start a grooming routine in which you regularly inspect your pet’s body for any new lumps, bumps, or smells. If you smell foul breath in your pet, take it to the veterinarian for cleaning immediately. This is typically the first sign that your dog may have gum disease or tooth decay.
5. Professional Cleanings
Arranging regular appointments with your veterinary dentist for checkups and cleanings is essential in maintaining your pet’s oral health. Many dental problems often go unrecognized by dog owners, so veterinarians advise professional cleanings; they are trained to detect, prevent, and treat such problems. Find out more about professional pet dental cleanings at AmericanVetOnline.com.
Vet professionals should conduct dental examinations and cleanings on most dogs at least once a year to seek any signs of severe problems. Although the other methods mentioned are beneficial, professional dental cleaning is the most effective way to preserve your dog’s dental health, despite being significantly more costly.