Sample: Maintaining Your Dog’s Dental Hygiene

There’s no debate: dogs are our favourite pets. This is why it can be painful for humans and dogs alike if your pooch begins to suffer, especially due to poor dental health. A build-up of tartar or plaque in your dog’s mouth can cause his or her breath to smell nasty; this will also lead to yellow teeth. 

Research by the American Veterinary Dental College shows that dogs start to show signs of canine periodontal disease by the age of three. Since the first symptom of dental disease is bad breath, it is usually unnoticed by pet owners, because we think it’s common for our dog to have bad breath. 

But ignoring periodontal disease can cause severe consequences like the loss of teeth and eventually an infection that spreads to other parts of the body, such as the jaw or the heart. The far-reaching effects of poor dental health make it crucial to pay close attention to your dog’s oral hygiene. 

Here are some ways pet owners can protect their dog’s dental health. 

Brush your dog’s teeth regularly

Brushing your dog’s teeth may feel awkward for you at first. But it is the most effective way to prevent your dog from being caught off-guard by dental disease. It’s not something you have to do daily; nevertheless, it’s best to build this into your pet-care routine. You’ll need a special type of brush, called a canine toothbrush. You can even use some brushes with both hands if that’s more comfortable. Ensure you put aside enough time to get your dog used to this process. 

Offer dry dog food 

If you find blood or other cavities in your dog’s mouth, it may be a good idea to try dry dog food, which is unlikely to stick to your dog’s teeth. Soft foods may lead to cavities and dental damage. Another benefit of dry food is their high energy content.

Professional cleaning is mandatory

If you don’t get adequate results after your own attempts to clean your dog’s teeth, you must visit a doctor. It doesn’t matter how often you brush your dog’s teeth – vet visits are necessary for professional cleaning. As an experienced professional, a vet knows what is best for your dog’s hygiene. The advantage of visiting a veterinarian is that your vet will perform a complete cleaning process, remove plaque and tartar, clean gums and polish your dog’s teeth. Aim to get your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at least once every six months. By doing so, you’re ensuring a healthy life for your dog.

Accustom your dog to chewing dental bones

An easy way to maintain your dog’s teeth is to give him chewable bones and toys specifically designed to clean and strengthen teeth. Make sure the toys you provide are intended only for dogs. If you accustom your dog to chewing such high-quality bones, it will help reduce plaque build-up and strengthen your dog’s teeth. 

Try dental treats

Similarly, every dog loves surprises and treats. Many treats and toys for dogs are specifically designed to improve their oral health. Find out which treats work best for your dog and they could be more effective than toothbrushes or bones.