Did you know that the most common health issues for dogs over the age of three relate to dentistry? Or that you need to engage in the same dental care for your pup as you would for yourself?
Maintaining good oral health in your dog is integral for their overall health and wellbeing. You can do this by providing them with a balanced diet, regularly brushing their teeth, and keeping up to date with veterinary check-ins. Here is a guide for achieving optimum oral health in your dog.
Why Is Dog Dental Care Important?
When dogs eat, saliva mixes with leftover food, creating a thin layer of plaque over the top of their teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed within three to five days, it will harden to form tartare (or calculus). When this happens, the gums become irritated, bacteria build up and conditions such as gingivitis can occur.
Healthy dog teeth and gums allow your dog to enjoy their food; if they’re in pain or discomfort, they’ll quickly go off their meals which could lead to issues with their metabolism. And dental problems don’t end in the mouth; if certain bacteria enter the bloodstream, they find their way to other parts of the body, causing problems in the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Dog dental care is crucial for not just their oral hygiene but for their overall health as well. If you notice any symptoms of dental disease, then a trip to your vet could be worthwhile. Common signs of dental disease include:
- A visible build-up of plaque or tartare
- Bad breath
- Red or inflamed gums
- Gum recession
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating habits
- Discolored or broken teeth
- Pawing at the face or mouth
Dog Dental Care for Beginners
The best way to avoid dental decay in your dog is to maintain a good oral health care routine just as you do for yourself. Without this, up to 80% of dogs will show signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old.
The optimum time to begin a dental care routine with your puppy is between the age of four and six months when they still have their deciduous teeth; this sets them up for an excellent dental care routine to maintain their adult teeth.
When you begin a dental care routine with your dog, keep the initial sessions short and do it during a time when they’re relaxed. At first, focus on the outside of the teeth where plaque is most likely to accumulate. Over time, you can start to brush behind and between the teeth.
Rewards are also an integral part of the process; this helps your dog understand that teeth brushing is a good thing and keeps them open to the experience, knowing they’ll get a reward at the end.
How To Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
One of the critical factors in maintaining good oral hygiene in your canine is choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
When it comes to toothbrushes, the easiest option is to purchase a toothbrush designed specifically for your canine. These “dog toothbrushes” come with extra fine bristles, finger attachments, and a specially curved design; still, they can be expensive.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, a child’s toothbrush can work just as well; ensure the bristles are soft as your dog won’t tolerate rough or harsh bristles around their teeth and gums. Other options include a finger brush or gauze, which should be rough enough to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth.
Dog toothpaste is essential; do not use human toothpaste on dogs. You should avoid human products because many contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and can cause liver problems. In addition, dogs are more likely to let you brush their teeth with a product specifically catered to their tastes.
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth: Step by Step
Introducing dental care into a dog’s routine is easier when they are younger. Still, persuading any dog to let you brush their teeth can be quite a challenge. If you want to introduce regular brushing into your dog’s routine, try following the steps below.
1. Dip your finger into chicken or beef stock for dogs.
2. Rub your finger around the gums plus a few of their teeth.
3. Repeat steps one and two until your dog seems comfortable.
4. Once your canine is comfortable with your stock-covered finger, try adding a gauze covering and repeat the process.
5. Only once they are comfortable with step four should you attempt to introduce a toothbrush and paste. (Remember, never use human toothpaste on dogs.)
6. Let your dog sniff and lick the toothbrush when they want to.
7. Brush slowly from front to back, move in an oval pattern, and ensure you get behind and between the teeth.
8. Reward your dog once the task is complete.
Dog Dental Care Tips
When it comes to your dog’s dental care, there are a few key things you need to provide, such as a balanced and nutritious diet, chew treats, regular teeth brushing, and annual dental check-ups.
In addition, several other care tips help you maintain good oral health in your canine. Chew treats, especially those manufactured as dental treats, can help dislodge plaque and keep the gums healthy.
Avoid letting your dog chew on hard objects like stones which could cause damage to their teeth, as well as objects like wood which contain splinters and can damage the gums.
Even with your best effort, you won’t be able to remove all plaque from your dog’s mouth. For this reason, you’ll want to book in for a dental clean with your vet at least once a year. They can help you achieve optimum oral health for your dog and provide additional tips.
