Many dog owners overlook the importance of oral hygiene when it comes to keeping their dogs healthy. Did you know the majority of dogs show signs of canine periodontal disease by the age of three years? And one early sign is that they have foul breath.
It is the most common symptom when they start to develop dental disease. Some dog owners may believe that bad breath is a natural occurrence in pets. Your dog’s breath shouldn’t be minty fresh, but it shouldn’t be so terrible that it makes you gag.
Periodontitis can cause major health problems for your canine companions. So, it’s critical to keep their mouths clean. If the dental illness is left untreated, it can result in tooth loss.
Not only that, but painful abscesses and systemic infections throughout your dog’s body as well. This is never good news! Especially when it means a higher chance of irreversible jaw injury and heart disease. Both of these factors have been related to your dog’s long-term periodontal disease.
How do you keep your dog’s teeth in good shape? Here are some helpful hints!
- Dental Treats for Dogs
Dental treats for dogs and dog oral treats are a great way to improve your dog’s dental health. These are designed to end plaque buildup. This includes chemicals that help to freshen your dog’s breath and clean his mouth.
They are more liked by your dogs than toothbrushes or tooth wipes, and they keep your dogs’ mouths clean. These treats are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and tastes. So, you’re sure to find something your dog will enjoy.
- Use canine toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth.
This may seem goofy, but it’s a great technique to keep plaque from forming. Brushing your dog’s teeth does not have to be done every day, but it is recommended. And because canine toothpaste is frequently flavored to suit a dog’s sense of taste, some dogs like having their teeth brushed.
The most common flavors are chicken, beef, and peanut butter. If your dog has a food allergy, be careful when choosing a flavor for toothpaste. If your dog is food-motivated and can sit still for a few minutes, brushing their teeth is usually a good idea.
A conventional human toothbrush can be used on large dogs. It’s preferable to use a baby toothbrush or a fingertip brush on little dogs. A package of dog toothpaste, a standard brush, and a fingertip brush can be bought.
Brushing the teeth of your dog is identical to brushing your own. Simply dampen the toothbrush and add a layer of toothpaste before brushing your dog’s teeth. It’s fine if your dog won’t let you brush the insides of their teeth.
After you’ve completed brushing, there’s no need to rinse the toothpaste out of your mouth. Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week, but if you have the time and your dog enjoys it, brush their teeth every day!
- Fill your dog’s food with dental powder and water as an addition.
Top your dog’s food with a flavored dental powder that is easy to administer. It contains a probiotic that helps encourage healthy bacteria in your dog’s mouth. It also kills bacteria that cause plaque. The powder should always be sprinkled over your dog’s food.
It keeps your dog’s breath fresh and prevents tartar and plaque from forming on his teeth. On the other hand, there are various water additives for dogs on the market, and they all function in a similar way. There is no flavor to these oral solutions.
You will add a certain amount of water to your dog’s water bowl every day according to the guidelines on the package. The solution removes plaque-forming germs in your dog’s mouth while also freshening his breath.
- Give your dog some teeth-cleaning chews.
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but almost all of them contain teeth-cleaning characteristics. Depending on what is being chewed on, the act of chewing enhances your dog’s dental hygiene by itself. Gnawing removes plaque from your dog’s teeth.
There are actually many all-natural meat treats that contain enzymes that aid with dental health. Cow ears, bully sticks, and chicken tenders are excellent chews for keeping your dog healthy and happy. There are various long-lasting rubber or nylon dog chew toys that work just as well if you don’t want to consume any calories.
- Bring your dog to the dentist on a regular basis.
Having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian is probably the best way to ensure his dental health. Your vet will be able to determine what is best for your dog’s teeth. They are also capable of addressing any abnormalities they discover.
Professional dental cleaning is the best approach to maintaining your dog’s oral cleanliness.
But, when should you visit a veterinarian?
Regardless of whether you brush your dog’s teeth or not, you should inspect his mouth once a week or so. Bring your dog to the vet when you see any of these indicators of dental problems:
- Breath problems
- Changes in your dog’s eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Depression
- Drooling excessively
- Teeth that are crooked or missing
- Teeth that are discolored, damaged, missing, or crooked
- Gums that are red, swollen, painful, or bleeding.
- Along the gum line, there is a yellowish-brown tartar coating.
- Within the mouth, there are bumps or growths.
Significant dental diseases can be costly to address. But, leaving your pet unattended could be far costlier for their general health. If your dog has health insurance and has dental disease, you may be able to get money back.
Dental treatment can be a headache for both humans and dogs. But, it can save your money in the long term and even save your life. Allowing it to leave could result in costly and often painful vet appointments in the future.
If the buildup is severe enough, many dogs will require anesthesia to have their mouth and teeth cleaned. However, keep your dog’s mouth healthy and you’ll indeed be happy!