A dog’s teeth are an integral part of its overall well-being. Much like humans, dogs need regular dental care to avoid issues like bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Lack of proper canine dental care can lead to serious health problems in the form of heart and kidney diseases. Therefore, learn more through this ultimate canine dental care guide to ensure that your dog’s teeth stay healthy and strong for a lifetime.
Why Does Canine Dental Care Matter?
Canine dental care usually gets neglected, but it plays an important role in the health of your furry friends. You should care because:
- Problems with dogs’ oral health can cause complications that lead to discomfort, eating complications, and infections.
- Healthy teeth and gums will enable your dog to chew food properly, thus avoiding digestive problems.
- Oral hygiene reduces the chances of bacterial invasion from the mouth into the bloodstream, which would cause health problems.
Signs Your Dog Needs Canine Dental Care
Identifying early signs of canine dental care issues will help prevent your dog from having to endure painful and costly treatments at the vet. We all know how expensive this can get so prevention is the cheapest and easiest way to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Here are signs your dog needs dental attention:
- Bad Breath: A foul odour that lingers is typically a sign of bacterial buildup. We’ve all been there. You have to make sure it’s not a one-off issue. Dogs can eat all sorts of stuff when they are left alone, so don’t panic if it’s just a solitary bad breath day. However, if it’s an everyday bad breath day, then you need to get this looked into.
- Extremely Red Or Bleeding Gums: This may suggest inflammation or the onset of periodontal disease. Don’t let this one slide. If you see these signs, best to get it checked out before things get worse.
- Trouble Eating: Aversion to eating may be a sign of dental pain.
- Loose Or Missing Teeth: This can indicate advanced dental disease.
- Excessive Drooling: This could be a sign of oral discomfort or infection.
- Swelling Near The Face Or Jaw: This may be an indication of an abscess or an advanced infection that needs urgent attention.
- Pawing At The Mouth: Dogs that have dental pain often paw at their face or mouth frequently.
The Basics Of Canine Dental Care
Dog Toys To Promote Better Canine Dental Health
Here are canine dental care tips you can try to ensure good oral health for your dog.
Brushing
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to prevent the development of plaque and tartar. For the best canine dental care routine, try to brush your dog’s teeth daily or three times a week. YES – brush your dog’s teeth! It may sound crazy, but it’s all about prevention.
- Use a toothbrush for dogs and pet-friendly toothpaste.
- Allow your dog to become accustomed to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them sniff and even taste it. It may take some time, but be persistent and don’t give up!
- Clean each tooth in tiny little circles with a brush.
- Rewarding with praise or even a treat afterward will elicit a positive response.
Dental Chews And Toys
Dogs Oral Health
Dental chews are meant to remove plaque and tartar while serving the natural urge of chewing your dog possesses.
- Look for products bearing the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.
- Some toys can even aid in oral health through the massaging of gums and reduction of tartar.
- Make sure the toys are durable enough and of a size that is right for your dog’s size and his chewing habit. Don’t get the one that your dog will destroy in a day!
- Hard toys should be avoided in your canine dental care routine because they can fracture the tooth.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is another way in which your dog can achieve good oral health in the long term, naturally.
- Do not feed your dog sugary candies, as this can lead to dental cavities and deteriorate their health. Try and stay away from feeding from the table consistently – we all do this, but try and break the habit.
- Raw vegetables such as carrots can be incorporated into your canine dental care routine as a treat to clean the teeth naturally.
- However, do not give your dog anything that has harmful ingredients and can harm your dog’s health.
Regular Vet Checkups
Routine veterinary exams are the best way to catch dental problems early. This partnership ensures comprehensive canine dental care and prevention.
- Most vets include an oral exam as part of your dog’s annual checkup. They may recommend professional cleaning if necessary.
- Vets can also guide you on maintaining your dog’s oral health at home and suggest specific products that suit your pet’s needs.
- If you don’t have this in your insurance plan, make sure to add it if possible.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Visit A Professional To Get Your Dog’s Teeth Checked Today
Sometimes, professional cleanings are required to remove tartar that has become hardened and cannot be addressed through brushing.
- This canine dental care procedure usually involves anesthesia so that your dog is comfortable and does not move during the cleaning.
- In a professional cleaning, the veterinarian will check the mouth of your dog for infection, abscesses, or other issues that need treatment. Thus, catching anything you missed during your home check-ups.
Conclusion
Maintenance of your dog’s dental health requires continuous dog dental care both at home and with the professionals. If you follow these tips and remain proactive, you can be assured that your dog will enjoy healthy teeth and gums from their first tooth to the end.
A healthy mouth translates into a happy, thriving dog with less time spent at the vet for expensive treatments.
Remember, good oral health doesn’t just impact your dog’s teeth; it affects your dog’s overall health and longevity. Invest in canine dental care today for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
