Numerous dog owners must understand the value of maintaining their dogs’ dental health. Poor dental hygiene can cause serious health issues, like damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart muscles. Maintaining good oral health at home will benefit our furry friends more than just giving us sweeter-smelling kisses. Continue reading to know how to carefully look after your pet’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease and preserve good dental health.
How to Care for Your Pet’s Teeth
Maintaining clean teeth protects against cavities, gum disease, and other diseases; the same applies to our animal companions. Below are five easy ways to maintain your dog’s teeth and avoid disease.
1. Brush Their Teeth Regularly
Maintaining your dog’s dental health requires routine at-home dental care. Brushing their teeth is a great solution to keep plaque at bay. Periodontal disease-causing bacteria can grow 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 several toothpaste and toothbrush combinations or ask your vet for advice. The earlier you begin practicing routines like toothbrushing with your pet, the better.
2. Provide Dental Chews and Treats
Dogs love treats, and providing dental treats can help them maintain good oral health. Many producers make dog treats that clean your pet’s teeth and gums. Additionally, it promotes your dog’s natural cravings for a tasty treat.
There are several shapes and sizes of dental chews for dogs that contain ridges and nubs. These can help catch the spaces between a dog’s teeth, improving blood flow. When purchasing chew toys and treats, it’s best to ask your veterinarian to learn more info and for particular recommendations on what to look for.
3. Feed Your Dog Properly
Did you know that dry food is better for your dog’s teeth than soft food? Changing your dog’s regular diet to dry food for dental care is an easy and effective 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 accumulation. Talk about your dog’s diet with your veterinary dentist to see what they can advise.
4. Monitor Their Teeth
You must monitor your dog’s health and actions and seek emergency vet care if something seems uncommon. Start a grooming routine in which you regularly inspect your dog’s body for any new lumps, bumps, or odors. If you smell foul breath in your pet, take it to the veterinarian for cleaning immediately. This is usually the first indication that your pet may have periodontal disease or tooth decay.
5. Professional Cleanings
Arranging regular consultations with your vet dentist for examinations and cleanings is crucial in keeping your dog’s dental health. Many dental issues often go unrecognized by pet owners, so veterinarians suggest professional cleanings; they are trained to detect, prevent, and treat such issues.
Vet professionals should perform oral examinations and cleanings on most dogs yearly to look for signs of serious problems. Although the other tips discussed are useful, professional dental cleaning is the most effective way to keep your dog’s dental healthy, despite being significantly more expensive.
