It is important to do what you can to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy. Here's what you need to know about your dog's oral health.
Did you know that over 38% of American households own a dog? Owning a dog means taking care of them in every way, and dental care is a big part of that.
So what's the best way to clean your dog's teeth? Why is dental care so important for your dog?
That's what we're here to look at today. Read on to find out more about the different ways you can clean your dog's teeth.
Importance of Brushing Dogs Teeth
Brushing your dog's teeth is a crucial part of their grooming process. It's definitely not the easiest task, but it's crucial for their long-term health.
Just like humans, brushing a dog's teeth helps prevent common dental health issues such as plaque buildup and periodontal disease. If your dog's breath smells really bad, that's probably due to poor dental hygiene.
Tartar and plaque are also detrimental to your dog's overall health. While tartar builds up in their mouths first, it can move to other parts of their body and ultimately affect their organs.
Periodontal disease is also another thing to watch out for when it comes to your dog's dental health. This disease causes pain, gum erosion, and other symptoms that are detrimental to your dog's health.
As we stated earlier, poor dental hygiene often translates to poor overall health. Bacteria and toxins inherent in these conditions often damage your dog's heart, kidneys, and liver.
With that said, dogs usually don't get excited about dental care. A great way to encourage your dog to get their teeth brushed is by using toothpaste that they actually like.
Brushing Teeth With The Right Tools
Choosing the right toothpaste is one of the best cleaning tips for your dog's dental health. Even if they don't like getting their teeth brushed, it needs to happen on a regular basis. Why not pick a toothpaste that they like?
In time, your dog will tolerate and maybe even appreciate their regular tooth brushing. Some toothbrushes are designed to make it easier for owners to get every inch of their dogs' teeth.
Just remember that you can't use regular human toothpaste for your dogs, as they contain toxins that are dangerous for canines. Instead, choose dog-specific toothpaste.
These products come in flavors that dogs are usually into, such as peanut butter and beef, or even chicken. You can try different flavors to see what your dog responds to best.
You could even mix it up by choosing two or three flavors that your dog likes. Whatever you do, just make sure you keep up a regular schedule to ensure proper dental hygiene.
Dog Dental Sprays
Are you bothered by your dog's stinky breath? Do you want something that's quick and supplements your dog's regular teeth brushing? Dental sprays might be the answer.
They can be used in between or during your regular brushing. These sprays are designed to kill plaque-building bacteria and help your dog's breath smell great.
They also prevent plaque buildup while helping remove tartar. All in all, it's a great way to boost your dog's dental hygiene. It's an excellent option when used in tandem with regular brushing.
Dog Dental Chews
It's always a good idea to make dental care a routine, daily thing. A great way to keep up a good schedule is through dental chews. After all, dogs love to eat. Why not feed them chews?
Dog dental chews are made to prevent plaque and tartar buildup while helping their teeth look whiter and shinier. Since dogs love a good snack, this is a stress-free way to check your dog's dental health.
They come in different shapes and sizes and are even designed to get in between your dog's teeth and gums to improve overall gum health. It also helps your dog chew them easily and more evenly.
Chew Toys
It's no secret that dogs often like chewing on things, including chew toys. Chances are, you probably own a few chew toys that you use to play with your dog.
Chew toys go far beyond just keeping your dog's attention occupied. It's also a great way to improve their oral health. Dogs love chewing on things to explore the world around them, regardless of age.
Puppies often chew to soothe any teething pain, while older dogs get mental stimulation from chewing. By constantly chewing, dogs often scrape unwanted plaque off their teeth.
It's good to keep a rotation of chew toys that your dogs use on a regular basis. Whether they're nylon, plastic, or rawhide, having a chew toy around not only makes it fun for your dog but improves their dental hygiene.
Get Them Cleaned
There's also the option of going to your local veterinarian to get your dog's teeth cleaned. Regardless of how often you get your dog's teeth cleaned, getting them cleaned is a good idea.
Your local vet is professionally trained to clean your dog's teeth thoroughly. They're experts at canine dental health, so they'll identify any issues whenever they come up.
They'll provide x-rays and have special tools to get into parts of your dog's teeth and gums that regular toothbrushes can't reach. While a trip to the vet might not always be fun, proper dental hygiene is always a plus.
Understanding Cleaning Tips for Dog Teeth
Cleaning your dogs teeth is not as hard or troublesome as you might think. Use this guide to help you find the best way to maintain your dog's dental health and keep its teeth shiny and clean!
Looking for reliable veterinarians in the Milwaukee or Meridian areas? Contact us today and we'll get you started on a solution right away!