Introduction
Dental health for dogs is a really crucial factor for promoting dog health and it is generally overlooked. Dental health for dogs is as important as dental health for humans. Dogs also need daily brushing, twice a day to keep their teeth in pristine condition. Ignoring your dog's dental health can have major consequences such as developing cavities, tooth decay, development of plaque and tartar and their teeth becoming loose. These all can cause serious problems for your dog and watching our baby in pain is not something pet parents like you and me can handle.
As a responsible pet parent it is our duty to ensure proper health of our furry friend. Keep reading to know how you can keep your dog's teeth healthy!
1. Brushing Daily
Buy a proper dental kit for your dog. A dental kit for dogs will include a no-spit toothpaste, a long brush and a finger brush. Get these products from a reputable brand and slowly introduce them to your fur baby.
Start with the finger brush alone, without the toothpaste, and gently rub on your dog's front teeth. If they seem comfortable, move towards the teeth's at the back applying very little pressure. Don't press hard as it may make your dog uncomfortable. Do this 4 to 5 times.
If your dog has become comfortable with the finger brush, start with toothpaste. Toothpastes specially formulated for dogs are no-spit which means your dog does not have to spit it or you don't have to wash your dog's mouth. Repeat the same process as mentioned earlier and slowly rub the toothpaste on your dog's teeth. Do this twice a day to ensure proper dental hygiene for your fur baby.
Slowly start introducing the long toothbrush in the same manner. Toothbrush ensures that all the gunk is removed from the teeth which prevents the formation of plaque and tartar. Also, if you don't like sticking your finger in your dog's mouth, toothbrush may help.
2. Vet Checkups
Even if you are doing every possible thing to take care of your dog, problems may develop. Ensure that you are taking your dog to the vet at least once in a couple of months for a general checkup. A general checkup will cover most of the important aspects of dog health including dental health.
Why is regular checkup needed?
Dogs are voiceless animals and they cannot tell anything themselves. These checkups are a way of ensuring that your dog is in a healthy condition. These checkups ensure early detection of problems which result in a better and effective treatment. Overall, getting your dog checked regularly has a lot of positive impact and may increase your dog's life as well.
3. Nutrition
As surprising it may sound, what you feed your dog plays a very important role in maintaining their overall health, including dental health. What your dog eats may not directly impact his dental health but it is a really important factor to consider to maintain a proper oral hygiene. Make sure you are feeding your dog a good quality commercial food or much better than that a well balanced home made diet. Home made diets are much superior as you can customize what you are feeding and your dog always eats fresh food. However, supplements are really important with home made diets. Buy supplements from trusted brands only, one such brand is "K9 Vitality." Visit their website to learn more about them and their offerings.
There are specially made pet foods for dog suffering with dental problems. These food prevent the formation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Don't give this to your dog without vet's recommendation.
4. Dental treats and chews
Dentals treats or chews are specially made for dogs to aid the process of teeth cleaning. These are a good alternative to brushing when you don't have time to brush your dog's teeth. These treats can be given everyday depending on the brand you choose.
As dogs have a natural tendency to chew. these chews get rid of the plaque and tartar deposits on your dogs teeth, cleaning them and keeping them healthy. Dental treats & chews also contain special enzymes that work to promote good dental health. These also help in keeping your dog's breath fresh. It is to be noted that brushing is the most effective way of maintaining dental hygiene for your dog, dental treats and chews should only be considered when you don't have enough time to brush your dog's teeth.
5. Professional dental cleanings
Getting your dog's teeth cleaned professionally once in a while can make a huge difference. No matter how much effort you put into cleaning your dog's teeth at home, a professional treatment will always be much superior. Take your dog for a professional teeth cleanup occasionally to ensure proper dental hygiene.
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Brush your dog's teeth twice daily to maintain good oral hygiene.
Can dental issues lead to other health problems?
Yes, dental problems can affect other organs and contribute to systemic health issues if left untreated.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to dental issues?
Yes, smaller breeds are often more prone to dental problems due to overcrowding of teeth in their small mouths.
Are there alternatives to toothbrushes for brushing?
Yes, finger brushes and dental wipes are alternatives that can be effective for brushing your dog's teeth.
What can I do if my dog resists dental care?
If your dog resists dental care, start slowly, use positive reinforcement, and consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Conclusion
Dog dental health plays a pivotal role in ensuring your furry friend leads a happy and healthy life. By incorporating proper dental care practices into your routine, you can prevent dental issues, enhance overall well-being, and share many joyful moments with your canine companion. Remember, a bright smile leads to a bright future for your beloved pet.
