Many dog owners should know the importance of maintaining their pets’ dental health. Poor dental hygiene can cause serious health problems, like damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart muscles. Maintaining good dental hygiene at home will benefit our furry friends in more ways than just giving us sweeter-smelling kisses. Continue reading to learn how to properly look after your dog’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease and maintain good dental health.
How to Maintain Your Dog’s Teeth
Maintaining clean teeth prevents cavities, periodontal disease, and other diseases; the same applies to our pets. Here are five simple steps you can follow to maintain your pet’s teeth and prevent disease.
1. Brush Their Teeth Regularly
Maintaining your dog’s oral health requires regular at-home dental care. Brushing their teeth is a great way to keep plaque at bay. Periodontal disease-causing bacteria can multiply on teeth in at least 24 to 36 hours, so daily brushing is recommended.
Use a finger brush or a pet-friendly toothpaste with a soft-bristled pet toothbrush. You can try various toothpaste and toothbrush combinations or ask your vet for recommendations. The earlier you start practicing routines like toothbrushing with your dog, the better.
2. Give Dental Chews and Treats
Dogs love treats, and giving them dental treats can help them maintain good oral hygiene. Many manufacturers make dog treats that clean your dog’s teeth and gums. Additionally, it stimulates 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 gaps between a dog’s teeth, enhancing blood flow. When buying chew toys and treats, it’s best to ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations on what to look for.
3. Feed Your Dog Properly
Did you know that dry food is better for your dog’s teeth than soft food? Changing your dog’s regular diet to a dry food formulated for dental care is a simple and effective way to keep their teeth clean. Crunchy kibble helps remove tartar as they eat, while soft food is more likely to stick to teeth and accelerate plaque buildup. Discuss your pet’s diet with your veterinary dentist to see what they can recommend.
4. Monitor Their Teeth
You must monitor your pet’s health and behavior and seek urgent veterinary care if something seems unusual. Initiate a grooming routine in which you periodically inspect your pet’s body for any new lumps, bumps, or odors. If you smell foul breath in your dog, take it to the veterinarian for cleaning right away. This is usually the first indication that your pet may have periodontal disease or tooth decay.
5. Professional Cleanings
Making regular appointments with your veterinary dentist for pet dental services like examinations and cleanings is the most crucial step in maintaining your dog’s oral health. Many dental problems often go unrecognized by pet owners, so veterinarians recommend professional cleanings; they are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat such problems.
Veterinary professionals should perform oral examinations and cleanings on most dogs at least once a year to look for any signs of serious problems. Although the other tips mentioned are helpful, professional dental cleaning remains the most effective way to maintain your dog’s dental health, despite being significantly more expensive.
