Categories Pet Love

What You Can Do to Protect Your Dog’s Oral Health

You may have heard that you don’t need to brush your dog’s teeth since they clean themselves naturally by gnawing. But this is not the case. Periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other oral disorders can occur in dogs, just as they do in humans. These oral anomalies can cause more than simply pain and bad breath. Adopting preventative steps at home and seeing the dentist regularly pays dividends in dental hygiene. Not only for the sake of your pet’s health and comfort but also the sake of your cash. A veterinarian’s teeth cleaning or periodontal care is costly and requires that your dog be sedated. Why not try to reduce the demand as much as possible?

How to preserve your dog’s oral health?

Here are some essential guidelines for caring for your dog’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease and provide the best life possible for your precious friend.

Schedule regular cleanings.

Frequent veterinary dental checkups and cleanings are the most important component of maintaining your dog’s oral health. Approximately 80% of dogs over three have significant periodontal disease. They are capable of causing major infections and health issues such as heart, liver, and kidney damage which could lead to a visit to the pet hospital or their surgery page

 

The teeth on your dog should not be this awful. This statistic stresses the need to start regular cleanings and exams at a young age and keep up with your veterinary dentist’s appointments. With most adult dogs suffering from periodontal disease, keeping your dog’s oral hygiene isn’t a luxury; it’s important to her overall health.

Brush once a day.

Home dental care is critical for your dog’s dental health. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily will help avoid dangerous germ growth. Bacteria from periodontal disease can accumulate on teeth in as little as 24 to 36 hours. Brushing your teeth daily is so advised. Use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste (ideally double-headed). It is critical to use dog toothpaste because human toothpaste is not intended to be consumed and can be harmful to dogs.

 

Allow your dog to lick some toothpaste off your finger. If you like the flavor of your toothpaste, use it. If she refuses to use the toothpaste, we recommend that she brush her teeth without it. Your veterinarian might prefer a different flavor. Using a toothbrush or finger brush with bristles facing the gums to clean your dog’s teeth. Brush your dog’s teeth and gums in a circular motion, ensuring that all sides and the back are brushed. Brushing your dog’s teeth should start as soon as possible. Brushing her teeth at an early age may help in the long run.

Feed your dog right.

Dry food is preferable to soft food for your dog’s teeth. Tartar is scraped away as your dog consumes crunchy kibble. Soft foods tend to stick to teeth, causing plaque to accumulate. Consult a veterinary dentistry specialist about your pet’s diet. Dental kibbles for dogs that clean as they eat are required for optimal dental health, particularly canines. 

Provide chew toys and treats that promote oral health.

Many dog treats are made to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. Others may induce tooth damage at the same time. This article will assist you in selecting chew toys and treats for your pet. Non-abrasive balls and chew toys that are VOHC-approved are fantastic! Consult a veterinarian from places like All Creatures Veterinary Care for specific advice.

The Takeaway

Dental care for dogs is an important element of pet care that is often overlooked. Assume your dog is prone to dental sickness (Greyhounds and any small-breed dog) or has had a history of oral problems. In that situation, it’s critical to provide a variety of at-home dental care options and frequent dental cleanings at the veterinarian’s office.

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