Your Dog’s Dental Health – H&S Pets Galore

Your Dog’s Dental Health: Why Taking Care Of Your Dog’s Dental Health Is Important

When it comes to your dog’s health, a lot of pet owners forget about keeping a check on their dog’s dental health. It’s important to understand that a majority of dogs by the age of 3 end up having some form of dental issues or diseases & hence it is important as a pet owner to ensure your dog has good dental health care. Canine periodontal disease begins with bad breath or halitosis that most pet owners ignore as a sign. However, if this is left untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious health issues such as painful abscesses and systemic infections that can spread throughout your dog’s body. This can further lead to permanent jaw damage and heart disease. Some of the signs to watch out for in your dog suffering from dental disease include; broken or loose teeth, halitosis, drooling, refusing to eat and drink, bleeding mouth. It is important to make sure you keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy to help combat periodontal disease, avoid life-threatening infections and health issues that include heart, liver and kidney disease.

5 Tips To Help Keep Your Dog’s Oral Cavity Clean & Disease-free:

1. Regular Brushing- It’s important to get into the practice of brushing your dog’s teeth regularly to avoid any dental-related issues. It’s best to brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least few days a week using safe dog toothpaste and soft-bristled dog toothbrush or finger brush, to ensure no harmful bacteria build up on your canine’s tooth or gums as bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can build up within 24 to 36 hours. Always ask your vet for the right toothpaste for your dog as they are specially formulated and not toxic to your dog. You can place a small amount of this specially formulated toothpaste on your finger, to begin with, and if your dog licks it, it means your dog likes the flavour. If there is no interest shown, don’t worry you can always find a flavour that your dog will like. The right way of brushing your dog’s teeth is to hold the brush against the tooth surface (bristles pointing towards the dog’s gums) and slowly brush both the teeth and the gums in a circular motion making sure you reach even the back and brush properly. It’s always advisable to start this practice when your dog is a puppy so that this becomes a part of the routine without any struggles.

2. Dog Dental Treats- Dogs love all kinds of treats. You can use dental treats to help remove the plaque buildups and keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh and clean. If your dog isn’t into brushing then this is also a good alternative to ensuring good dental hygiene. Ask your vet about the different dog dental treats you can use as these come in so many shapes, sizes, flavours and you can’t go wrong with this.

3. Dog Chews & Chew Toys- These are specifically designed to keep your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresh. They are built so your dog can chew on them at their heart’s content. The action of chewing or gnawing helps remove plaque and the natural meat chews additionally contain special enzymes to promote good dental health. Your vet can always help you pick the best chews for your dog; whether it’s the long-lasting chew toys made from rubber or nylon or the natural chews like cow ears, bully sticks or chicken strips that your dog will love to chew on!

4. Professional Regular Cleaning- This is by far the best way to ensure your dog’s oral health. Your vet will clean your dog’s teeth and gums professionally and ensure there are no other issues with regard to dental health. This, however, isn’t cheap but a guaranteed way to make sure that your dog’s oral health is intact. Remember, as a pet owner no matter how thorough you may be with the brushing and cleaning, there can still be issues that you may not be able to pick and only a professional vet may be able to spot. If you can’t afford this on a regular basis you can make sure you have your dog’s oral cavity inspected on all annual vet visits.

5. Dry Dog Food- Include dry dog food in your dog’s diet as this is better for your dog’s dental health compared to soft food, as it scrapes away the tartar. Soft food sticks to the teeth and hence contributes to plaque buildup. Having said that, always consult your vet about your dog’s diet. Your vet may also include a special dental diet just for your dog to ensure optimal dental health.

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