As a dog owner, you think carefully about maintaining your pet’s health: providing quality food, keeping fit and routine checkups. However, many people often overlook an equally important part of their dog’s general health, oral hygiene. According to veterinarian reports, more than 85% of dogs above four years old suffer some dental disease, like periodontal disease or gingivitis. Here are a few tips on the best ways to give your dog the best dental care and avoid dental issues.
Tips for Brushing your Dog’s Teeth
The recommended frequency of brushing your dog’s teeth is as regularly as possible. For smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies that are susceptible to dental diseases, the ideal rate is every day. However, with larger dog breeds, you can aim for at least once per week or after a few days.
As for the doggie toothbrush, you can use a soft, human toothbrush that is adequately sized to match the dog’s mouth. Also, you can buy a canine toothbrush as it is angled and easily fits over your fingertip. Chose the type you both enjoy using.
Since it is not likely that your dog knows how to spit, you should get a type of toothpaste that they can swallow safely. That swallowing factor rules out all human kinds of toothpaste as they contain detergents and abrasives that your dog should not ingest. Additionally, dogs will enjoy the seafood or poultry options of their canine toothpaste.
How to Maintain Proper Dental Care
Effective dog dental care is not just limited to preserving oral hygiene, but it also includes everything the dog does in between the brushing sessions. Dogs can also gnaw down on dental treats and bones that are designed to keep their teeth polished, strong and healthy. Luckily, most of these chew toys for dogs are appealing, which makes maintaining oral health an enjoyable activity.
When it comes to choosing the best type of dog food, both wet and dry foods will leave a residue that builds up over time to create tartar. The healthiest food for your dog’s teeth is raw meat as the pets must use their teeth to gnaw and tear at this crucial protein source the way it was intended by nature. Also, schedule regular dental checkups at your local vet.
Conclusion
Like regular grooming, dog dental care must be done regularly so that your pet comes to anticipate it each day. However, it will not happen overnight since most dogs typically take time becoming accustomed to people cleaning their teeth. It is best to introduce these dental care practices early in puppies while taking a patient, slow approach with adult dogs.
References: Cesar’s Way, Rover, Dogster, Animal Planet
Copyright: Local Value
