Oral hygiene is as important for pets as it is for humans. Poor dental health can contribute to some of the most serious illnesses in animals. About 80 percent of dogs over the age of three face dental problems like tooth loss, bleeding gums, and gum diseases. However, there are a few ways you can improve your pup’s dental health and keep its teeth clean, healthy, and sparkling.
Let us discuss how you can keep your dog’s dental health in optimum condition so that your beloved pooch lives a longer and happier life.
1. Brush the Dog’s Teeth Regularly
Brushing the teeth is the key to good oral health for pets as well. Just like us, pups’ teeth should be ideally brushed every day. Most pets get accustomed to teeth cleaning over time. See that you use a dog-special toothbrush with soft bristles and angled handles to make it easy to reach the nooks and crevices in its mouth. You also need to get toothpaste made specially for dogs as the human paste can be toxic and harmful. You can choose from attractive flavors for toothpaste – chicken, beef, and peanut butter to make brush time interesting for your pooch. There are several other products like mouth wash and dog water additive that you can use on a daily basis to maintain your pet’s oral hygiene.
2. Feed the Pup the Right Food
A nutritious and healthy diet is vital for your pet’s dental health as well. There are so many foods that can get stuck to the pup’s teeth and give rise to bacteria and plaque. Wholesome, high-quality food will not only nourish the dog’s body but also strengthen its teeth. Try to include more fruits, vegetables, and meat in its daily diet and cut down on processed and unhealthy foods.
3. Use Canine Dental Sprays
If you are looking for a quick way to clean the dog’s teeth, dental sprays are an ideal option. They are perfect for pets that hate brush time or don’t allow hands in their mouth. They kill the plaque-causing bacteria, eliminate and prevent tartar build-up and keep the pet’s mouth smelling fresh. Most of these products are easy to use; they just require the parent to spray on the gums and teeth. You can also consider using a dog water additive to make sure your pup’s mouth stays clean and odor-free.
4. Give them Dental Toys and Treats
Chew toys are one of the best ways to keep pets entertained and busy. These toys not only satisfy their instinct of chewing but also help improve their oral health. Chewing is a natural way for pups to get their teeth cleaned as constant gnawing scrapes the plaque buildup. You can find dental toys and chews in a variety of materials like rubber, plastic, nylon, and rawhide. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit your pup’s needs and interests. You can also consider giving dental treats like chews, rawhide bones, and pig’s ears to help your pooch get rid of unwanted buildup in the mouth and strengthen its teeth.
5. Visit the Veterinarian Regularly
Another effective way to maintain your furry friend’s oral health is to get regular cleanings from the veterinarian. Dogs need regular oral exams and teeth cleaning once a year to notice any dental issues and keep the teeth healthy. Veterinarians remove plaque from areas where the toothbrush can’t reach, scale and polish the teeth to get rid of any tartar, and fill or extract teeth when necessary.
These are some of the simplest things you can do to make sure your four-legged friend’s teeth always look sparkling and clean.