Find out how to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy with these handy tips and guidelines.
As a responsible dog owner, you care about your dog's health. One of the most important aspects of their health is their teeth because they need their teeth to eat well, to play and to groom themselves.
When dogs get problems with their oral health they can be in pain from a toothache and sore gums. They may even eventually lose their teeth if dental problems aren’t found and treated.
Even worse, bad oral health in dogs can have a profound effect on their overall health, putting them at risk of life-threatening issues like heart disease.
The good news is that you can help your dog achieve optimum oral health. But what are the best ways to keep your dog's teeth clean?
With our handy tips, you can help your pooch enjoy strong teeth and gums for life. Read on to find our 5 top tips for keeping your dog's teeth clean:
1. Treats With Benefits
Dental chews for dogs are designed to clean their teeth while the dog happily gnaws away on them. Certain treats are breath fresheners only, whilst more substantial treats are designed to be chewed for a while. They work by removing the debris and plaque from the dog's teeth and your dog certainly won’t mind teeth cleaning if it involves treats like these.
2. Keep An Eye Out For Stinky Symptoms
One of the most important parts of caring for your pooches oral health is to quickly spot any signs of dental disease, This ensures the issue doesn’t get any worse. Bad breath, for example, is a key sign of gum disease. The AVDC (American Veterinary Dental College) states that most dogs show signs of having gum disease by just 3 years old.
Speak to your vet about symptoms of dental issues to look out for, seeking diagnosis as quickly as possible if you spot a problem.
3. Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Brushing your dog's teeth might seem a bit much, but it can help to stop plaque build-up on their teeth. It will not be something they appreciate at first, but after some dedicated training, they will get used to the process. Take a look at this handy video on how to clean your dog's teeth for more guidance on the process.
4. Supplement Their Food With Teeth-Cleaning Ingredients
There is no evidence anyone dog food is better for oral health. However, many do include ingredients that are designed to support dental health in canines. For this reason, it makes sense to have a look at your dog's regular food to see if you could switch it for something that packs more of a punch when it comes to supporting your dog's dental health.
You can also include additional foods that help keep their teeth in great condition.
Dried animal ears, celery, and broccoli are all a great source of vitamins for your dog that will also help keep their teeth and gums healthy.
5. Starting From Scratch
If your dog already has dental issues it is important to get them a professional clean and treatment from the vet. The procedure is something to avoid as your pet has to be anesthetized. However, if there are already issues it is important to get those sorted out first, rather than trying to fix the issue yourself.
With A Few Simple Changes, Your Dog Can Have The Healthiest Teeth
By following our tips above, and by seeking guidance from your vet, you can help your dog maintain his oral health. Do your best to help prevent any problems happening.
If there are any signs and symptoms that something is wrong, seek treatment as quickly as you can to avoid any further issues occurring. By being proactive, your dog is sure to enjoy beautiful teeth and gums for a happy and healthy life alongside your family.