Proper tooth care and oral maintenance is something the average dog owner should definitely pay attention to. Typically speaking, most dogs tend to develop some form of gum-related disease by the age of 4; meaning, certain infections and diseases might also become more of a problem after this time as well. Of course such problems are easily preventable with proper case, the question is “do you actually know how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy”? If the answer to that question is “no”, then read on…
Diet and chew toys
First and foremost, it’s important that we get to what is arguably the root cause of most dogs’ dental woes – namely, their diet. For canines that typically consume food that’s meant for humans, it’s common to see tooth-related issues emerge. After all, in the same way that people are prone to dental problems from eating sugary, processed foods in combination with not regularly brushing their teeth, so are dogs. Your veterinarian should be able to point you toward a type of food for your dog that is perhaps designed to promote healthy gums, cleaner teeth, remove plaque build-up, etc…
Similarly, certain types of chew toys can also improve your dog’s general level or oral health as well as make their gums stronger and more resilient. At the same time, you want the toy to fulfill the animal’s need to chew without having it sustain damage while at the same time, potentially helping to clean their teeth. Note* – make sure that all the toys you buy for your dog are made from safe chemicals / materials which don’t contain harmful toxins.
Buy a tooth brushing kit for your dog
Yes, there are specific tooth brushes and kits which are designed to let the dogs’ owner clean their teeth manually. While you might think that it’s ok to just use a human toothbrush and toothpaste on your dog, which would actually be a mistake (and could potentially sicken the animal as well). What you want is a kit that’s been designed for this purpose, which can probably be found at most pet stores. If you do want to make your own toothpaste, stick to natural ingredients like baking soda, which is also good for your own teeth as well.
As far as brushing is concerned, be gentle and avoid sharp movements which might scare or cause the dog to become upset. Work on one area before moving on to the next, paying particular attention to the gums and build-up around them on the teeth. Once your dog becomes accustomed to this procedure, it should become easier and quicker to manage over time if you actually do what many vets might recommend – that being 2 or 3 brushings a week.
Bad Breath
Perhaps the most obvious indication that your pooch’s teeth may be at risk is “excessively” bad breath. Think of it as nature’s way of telling you that it might be time to take action where your dog’s general dental health is concerned.