How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy
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Has your dog ever been in pain and could not figure out why?
Did you take them to the vet only to discover they had a toothache?
Did that toothache end up costing you a ton of money?
This article reveals how to keep your dog's teeth healthy, and your wallet left alone.
Keep Your Dog's Teeth Healthy
Dogs need regular dental care–just like humans– to keep their mouths healthy. This includes brushing their teeth, dental chews and treats, and the occasional professional cleanings.
Neglected teeth can cause all sorts of health problems for your dog, so it is important to make dental care a regular part of your daily routine.
WebMD talks more about keeping your dog's teeth healthy. Plus there is a handy video about how to brush their teeth.
The Importance of Dental Care for Dogs
You may ask why a dog's teeth must be taken care of. You may even be asking yourself that dogs do not take care of their teeth in the wild, so why should I?
Dogs are well known for their lovable personalities and adorable faces. What about their teeth? Dogs need dental care to maintain healthy gums and teeth like humans.
Unfortunately, many dog owners overlook the importance of dental care for their furry friends. This can lead to serious problems down the road, including gum disease, tooth loss, and even infection.
Plus, bad breath is never fun for anyone! By investing in dental care for your dog now, you can help them avoid these problems in the future.
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Dogs in the Wild
When you think about it, it is amazing that our domestic dogs need dental care. After all, their wild cousins do not seem to have problems keeping their teeth clean. So what gives?
Well, it turns out that the answer has a lot to do with diet. Wild dogs tend to eat a lot of raw meat, which is full of enzymes that help to break down plaque and tarter. However, it is still vet-recommended to give our furry friends kibble so that we are feeding them a balanced diet.
If you are interested in learning more about Kibble and Raw food, check out my post here:
In contrast, the kibble we feed our pets is much easier for plaque and tarter to build upon.
Additionally, our domestic dogs have much less opportunity to chew on bones and other complex objects, which help keep their teeth clean.
Health Concerns
As any dog owner knows, dental care is important in keeping your pup healthy. In addition to regular dental checkups, brushing your dog's teeth can help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tarter, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually tooth loss.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable with proper dental care. Regular brushing and dental checkups can help keep your dog's smile healthy and bright for years to come.
Tooth Decay
Unfortunately, tooth decay is a common problem in dogs, and it can lead to a whole host of problems.
Bad breath, pain, and infections are a few potential consequences of dental problems in dogs.
Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to help prevent dental problems in your dog.
Just like humans, regular brushing is the best way to keep your dog's teeth healthy. You should also feed them a healthy diet and give them plenty of chew toys to help keep their teeth clean.
Bad Breath
Anyone who owns a dog knows that they can sometimes have bad breath. While this may not be a big deal to some people, it can be a sign of dental problems.
Without proper dental care, dogs can develop plaque and tarter buildup on their teeth, leading to gum disease.
In addition, food particles can become trapped in the crevices of their teeth, leading to bad breath.
Thankfully, you can do a few things to help keep your dog's teeth healthy.
First, make sure to brush their teeth regularly with canine-specific toothpaste.
You should also provide them with dental chews or bones to help remove plaque and tarter.
By taking these steps, you can help your dogs keep their pearly whites healthy and their breath smelling fresh.
Steps to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Most people are familiar with dental care basics: brush twice a day, floss daily, and see the dentist for regular checkups. However, what about our furry friends?
Like humans, dogs need dental care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Thankfully, we can take a few simple steps to ensure that our dogs have sparkling smiles.
The first step is to find the right toothbrush. We recommend a soft-bristled brush that is specifically designed for dogs.
Once you have the right brush, it is time to get started.
- Start by gently massaging your dog's gum with your finger.
- Then, use circular motions and slowly begin to brush their teeth.
- Be sure to focus on the back molars, as these teeth collect the most plaque and tartar.
- Finally, give your dog's teeth a good rinse with water or an enzymatic dental solution. Using this solution will help to eliminate bad-smelling breath.
After brushing their teeth, you can give them a dental bone as a treat. We won't tell them that this also makes their teeth nice and clean.
Using Dental Chews and Treats
Many dog owners are diligent about dental care for their furry friends, brushing their teeth regularly. However, even the most dedicated dog parent can sometimes miss a spot.
Dental chews and treats are a great way to help keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy, and they are also an excellent way to show your pup some extra love.
Treats, like dental chews, can help remove plaque and tartar buildup and promote healthy gum tissue. Just be sure to choose a dental chew or treat specifically designed for dogs, as human dental products can harm pets.
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Professional Cleanings
If you are like most dog owners, the idea of taking your furry friend to the dentist may seem a little bit silly. After all, dogs do not brush their teeth, so why would they need professional dental care?
As it turns out, there are several good reasons to get your dog's teeth cleaned regularly.
First, dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease, which can lead to pain and tooth loss. In addition, regular cleanings can also help to remove tartar and plaque, which can cause bad breath.
Finally, dental care is an important part of overall health care for dogs, just as it is for humans.
Where to Find Dentists For Dogs
For pet owners, one question may be, “Where do I find professional teeth cleanings for dogs.” After all, dental care is an essential part of keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.
Fortunately, there are several options available. Your Veterinarian may offer dental cleaning services, or you can take your dog to a professional animal dental clinic.
Several at-home dental care products are available that can help keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy.
With some research, you can find the dental care solution that best meets your needs and budget.
Tips and Tricks for Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
Many dog owners find the thought of brushing their pet's teeth to be a bit daunting. After all, dogs are not known for their love of dental care.
Most dogs will do everything they can to avoid having their teeth brushed.
Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can make the process easier.
- Using a brush with soft bristles and incorporating a little bit of peanut butter into the routine can help to make brushing your dog's teeth a more positive experience.
- Start slowly and gradually increase your time brushing your dog's teeth.
- Use a canine-specific toothpaste that is safe for your dog to consume.
- Praise your dog and give them a treat after a successful brushing session.
- Have patience; you and your dog will get a routine that works for both of you.
Conclusion
So, there you have a few simple tips to follow for keeping your dog's teeth healthy and their smile sparkling. Just remember to brush those pearly whites regularly (ideally every day), give him plenty of dental bones, and take him in for regular checkups.
Have you tried any of these methods, or do you have a trick that has helped you successfully clean your dog's teeth? Let us know in the comments below!
