Things You Can Do to Preserve Your Dogs Oral Health

You may have heard that you don’t need to brush your dog’s teeth since they will naturally clean themselves by gnawing. But this isn’t true. Dogs, like humans, can get periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other oral issues. These oral abnormalities can cause more than just discomfort and foul breath.  In dental hygiene, adopting preventative measures at home and seeing the dentist regularly pays dividends. Not just for your pet’s health and comfort but also for your wallet. A veterinarian’s teeth cleaning or periodontal care is expensive and needs your dog to be sedated. Why not aim to minimize the need if you can?

How to preserve your dog’s oral health?

Here are some vital tips for caring for your dog’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease and give your furry buddy the best life possible.

Schedule regular cleanings.

The most crucial aspect of preserving your dog’s oral health is frequent veterinary dental examinations and cleanings. Approximately 80% of dogs over three years old have substantial periodontal disease. They can cause serious infections and health complications like heart, liver, and kidney damage that may require you to visit your vets surgery page. 

Your dog’s teeth shouldn’t be this bad. This statistic emphasizes the need to initiate regular cleanings and exams early on and keep up with your veterinary dentist’s appointments. With most adult pets suffering from periodontal disease, maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene isn’t a luxury; it is critical to her overall health.

Brush once a day.

Home dental care is very important for your dog’s oral health. Brushing your dog’s teeth every day will help prevent hazardous bacteria buildup. Periodontal bacteria can build up on teeth in as little as 24 to 36 hours. Thus brushing daily is recommended. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled pet toothbrush (ideally double-headed). Using toothpaste manufactured for dogs is vital since toothpaste made for people is not meant to be swallowed and can be hazardous to dogs.

Put some toothpaste on your finger and let your dog lick it. Use the toothpaste’s flavor if it’s liked. If she doesn’t want the toothpaste, we suggest brushing her teeth without it. Your veterinarian from sites like ACVCGrayson.com may have different flavors that she prefers. Use a toothbrush or finger brush with the bristles facing the gums to clean your dog’s teeth. Brush your dog’s teeth and gums in a circular motion, brushing all sides and the back. It’s best to start brushing your dog’s teeth early. Brushing her teeth at a young age may make it easier in the long term.

Feed your dog right.

When it comes to your dog’s teeth, dry food is better than soft food. As your dog eats crunchy kibble, tartar is scraped away. Soft food tends to stick to teeth, increasing plaque buildup. Discuss your pet’s diet with your vet at your vet hospital. Optimal dental health in certain dogs necessitates dental kibbles for dogs that clean as they eat.

Provide chew toys and treats that promote oral health.

Many dog treats are designed to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. At the same time, others may cause tooth damage. This guide will help you choose to chew toys and snacks for your pet. The VOHC-approved non-abrasive balls and chew toys are great! Ask your vet for particular advice.

The Takeaway

Dental care for dogs is an essential aspect of pet care that is easy to neglect. Suppose your dog is prone to dental illness (Greyhounds and any small-breed dog) or has had many dental health difficulties in the past. In that case, it’s crucial to provide multiple types of at-home dental care and regular dental cleanings at the veterinarian’s office.