It is critical to take care of your dog’s oral health. According to the pet experts at Care Animal Hospital, by the time your pet is three, there can already be signs of periodontal disease. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to liver, kidney, and heart damage in dogs. To properly care for your pet’s teeth:
- Talk to your vet and create a dental care program for your dog.
- Brush your dog’s teeth daily. Daily brushing will take some time to train your dog to accept, but it is possible to teach them to enjoy it. If you start this process when they are puppies, training is easier. Fluoride is toxic for dogs, so you mustn’t use human toothpaste.
- Dental chews for dogs are also a great way to promote their oral health. Use dental chews that have the VOHC seal of approval. Remember, the dog needs to spend time chewing for the dental chew to be effective. If they swallow immediately, the chew is not doing its job, and you need to find a new brand. If your dog does not like dental chews, you can rub some peanut butter on the chew. Organic peanut butter is a safe and healthy treat for dogs, and most love the flavor.
- Feed your pet dry food that is clinically proven to help with dental maintenance. You can feed your pet these foods on a rotating basis with their regular diet.
To keep your dog’s teeth strong and healthy, you will need to remain vigilant about their chewing habits. Many dogs have a strong desire to chew. Some toys and other items they may chew can erode enamel and do additional damage to your pet’s teeth. Animal-based chews like bones and hooves can wear down and chip or break your dog’s teeth. Tennis balls, the ever-popular toy for many dogs, can trap grit and sand. This grit and sand can act as an abrasive element against your dog’s teeth, wearing off the enamel. Instead, use rubber balls designed for play. As a bonus, rubber balls designed for dogs will last longer.
Dogs also love sticks and other pieces of wood. These are dangerous for your dog’s teeth and their overall health. Wood can splinter, leaving a splinter in your dog’s mouth. The splinter can become infected and make it difficult for your dog to eat. If the wood splinters and the dog swallows it, it can perforate the digestive tract. Do not allow your dog to chew on sticks or wood.
Give your dog a natural rawhide with anti-tartar properties. Rawhides will help clean and strengthen your dog’s teeth while satisfying their need to chew. As a bonus, rawhides are an inexpensive treat found at most pet stores.
Synthetic chew toys and bones help strengthen your dog’s teeth, as well. Just make sure they are rugged and durable. If your dog can tear them apart, then he may end up ingesting part of the toy. Check with your vet about which brands are recommended for your dog. You also need to make sure you buy appropriately sized toys. Giving a large dog a synthetic chew meant for a small dog could result in a choking hazard.
Establish the habit of checking your dog’s teeth and gums once a week. With your pet facing you, open their mouths. Look for any signs of chipped or broken teeth. Make sure their gums remain pink. If the gums appear pale or have new spots on them, you should see your vet. Look at the teeth to make sure there are no brown stains near the gum line. Doing this weekly helps you find any oral problems that may develop between check-ups quickly.
A dental care plan, high-quality dental chews for dogs, proper toys, and the right food can help your beloved pet remain healthy. Oral health is an essential part of an overall plan of care for your dog. It is important to monitor what your dogs put in their mouths, as many items dogs love to chew on can be dangerous. Help keep your pet healthy and happy by investing a little time and money into their oral care.
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