Dog dental health is important too.
It is one of their most prized assets as their teeth are used for tearing through meat, crunching bones and vegetables, and biting. The good news is that dogs are less prone to cavities and mouth sores like we are. However, dogs can still develop problems like tartar and plaque buildup as well as gingivitis. Taking care of your dog’s teeth and giving them a healthy diet can decrease their risk of oral diseases later on.
Untreated dental disease can cause tooth loss and other painful infections in your dog’s body.
Early signs of dental disease include bad breath, yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth, and red and swollen gums. Noticing early can help alleviate your dog’s pain quickly. Dental disease can cause chronic pain in your dog that may go unnoticed.
Similar dental problems that happen in people can happen in dogs. Common problems include broken teeth and roots, periodontal disease, infected or abscessed teeth, tumors in the mouth, and teeth misalignment.
It is important as a pet parent to start cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly when they are young pups so that it becomes an activity that they become comfortable with in adulthood. Very much like bathing and grooming. Here’s how to practice good dental hygiene for your dog:
Whether you have a habit of regularly checking your dog’s teeth or not, it is important to start doing it every week or so. If you notice any of these problems, it is time that you need to take your dog for a medical check up…
Dog dental hygiene is something that we should never ignore, because if not kept in check it will make your dog suffer and be in a lot more pain later. Many dogs have to be administered anesthesia if the tooth damage is bad, and not to forget the huge medical expense that comes with it. Hence it is essential that you clean and look after your dog’s pearly whites now, to ensure them long lasting health.
Instead of using toothpaste and a toothbrush like we humans do, providing your dog with natural chews and treats is much better for them.
No matter how much at-home dental care you provide for your dog, tartar will still build up over time on your dog’s teeth, just like with our teeth.
Some dogs need dental cleanings yearly, and others every few years; it depends on the breed of the dog and the dental care that they receive at home.
There is an important correlation between dog dental health and nutrition as well. If you provide your dog with a healthy diet they are bound not to have issues with their skin, coat, and teeth.
There’s not one perfect diet for every dog. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right diet for your dog. Keeping your dog healthy is more important than choosing wet food or dry food. If your dog has continued trouble with plaque buildup, there are special formula dry dog foods that control plaque and tartar.
Chew toys are great ways for your dog to relieve boredom and satisfy their natural instinct to chew. Gnawing on chew toys is a natural way for dogs to clean their teeth. The constant chewing scrapes plaque from their teeth. Make sure to rotate and monitor safe chew toys.
