Numerous pet owners should know the importance of keeping their pets dental healthy. Poor oral hygiene can cause severe health conditions, like damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart muscles. Maintaining good dental health at home will benefit our furry friends in more ways than just giving us sweeter-smelling kisses. Continue reading to find out how to effectively look after your dog’s teeth to prevent gum disease and preserve good dental health.
How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
Keeping clean teeth protects against cavities, gum disease, and other illnesses; the same applies to our pets. Here are five quick ways to keep your dog’s teeth and avoid health problems.
1. Brush Their Teeth Regularly
Maintaining your pet’s dental health calls for routine at-home dental care. Brushing their teeth is an excellent solution to keep plaque at bay. Gum disease-causing bacteria can multiply on teeth in at least 24 to 36 hours, so daily brushing is advised.
Utilize a finger brush or a pet-friendly toothpaste with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush. You can use various toothpaste and toothbrush combinations or ask your vet for recommendations. The earlier you begin practicing routines like toothbrushing with your pet, the better.
2. Give Dental Chews and Treats
Dogs like treats, and providing dental treats can help them preserve good oral hygiene. Numerous producers make dog treats that clean your pet’s teeth and gums. Furthermore, it promotes your dog’s natural cravings for a tasty treat.
There are various sizes and shapes 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 buying chew toys and treats, it’s best to ask your vet for particular recommendations on what to search for.
3. Feed Your Pet Properly
Did you know that dry food is better for your furry friend’s teeth than soft food? Changing your dog’s regular diet to dry food for dental care is an easy and effective method to keep their teeth clean. Crunchy kibble helps eliminate tartar as they eat, while soft food is more likely to stick to teeth and speed up plaque accumulation. Discuss your pet’s diet with your vet to see what they can recommend.
4. Monitor Their Teeth
You should monitor your dog’s health and actions and seek immediate veterinary care if something seems uncommon. Initiate a grooming routine by regularly examining your dog’s body for any new lumps, bumps, or odors. If you smell foul breath in your pet, take it to the vet for cleaning as soon as possible. This is typically the first indication that your dog may have periodontal disease or cavity.
5. Professional Cleanings
Arranging routine consultations with your veterinary dentist for checkups and cleanings is vital in preserving your pet’s oral health. Many oral issues usually go unrecognized by pet owners, so vets recommend professional cleanings; they are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat such issues.
Veterinary specialists should do yearly oral exams and cleanings on many dogs to search for any indications of severe issues. Although the other advice mentioned is helpful, professional dental cleaning remains the most effective way to maintain your pet’s dental health, despite being significantly more expensive. For more detailed information, search for “veterinary dentist near me” to find out what’s best for your pet.
