Did you know that 80 percent of dogs over 3 years of age have dental disease? Poor dental hygiene could be coming from a lack of routine and/or care for your pet’s teeth. Bad breath/Halitosis, tooth loss, oral pain, and organ damage are important factors as to why a pet’s teeth are the way they are. This eventually leads to dental disease which affects the teeth, gums, and structure. Now, this can be different for each dog according to their age, breed, and diet.
Keep an eye out for these signs of an oral health problem.
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown crust on tooth surface
- Bleeding gums
- Change in chewing habits
- Tooth loss
- Drooling
There are ways to protect the oral health of your pet by being proactive and observant of their hygiene. Here are 5 important tips for dog dental care you need to be aware of.
#1 Visit your veterinarian for a professional exam.
Veterinarians know what’s best for your pet’s teeth and will be able to address any issues they find. They can offer/refer to a professional dental cleaning which will improve and maintain your pet’s oral health. If you have pet insurance, you may be able to add to your coverage to help cover some of the costs for a routine teeth cleanings. Try to go for a professional cleaning once a year to keep your dog dental care health in check.
#2 Nutrition plays a big part.
Some foods can be causing bad dental health. Hard foods can cause broken teeth and soft foods can get stuck in the crevices. Just like humans, our pets need to have their teeth brushed to remove the gunk that is left over from their food. If interested in learning about nutrition and dental health, speak with your veterinarians about specific foods and hygiene to be aware of for your pet.
#3 Brush your pet’s teeth.
A preventative measure pet owners can do at home is to brush their pet’s teeth. Teeth brushing will prevent plaque from mineralizing into tartar. Getting your pet comfortable to this routine can take time and patience, so we recommend starting when they are a puppy. Make sure to reward your furry family member for as they participate in their teeth cleaning.
#4 Pick the Right Toothpaste for Your Dog
This may get overlooked but it is very important. Human toothpaste is not good for your dog. Most human toothpaste includes fluoride, which is extremely poisonous to dogs. Visit your local pet store and track down a toothpaste for dogs. There is also pet mouthwash. Read the labels and check the descriptions before purchasing.
#5 Chew Treats and Chew Toys to Clean Teeth
There are many chew treats and chew toys that are specially designed to strengthen your dog’s gums and teeth. Just make sure you’re giving them safe objects to chew on. A good dental treat can help get rid of build-up and keep teeth strong, but it’s not an effective means of ensuring good dental hygiene and overall health. So make sure to follow up with teeth brushing and professional dental care to ensure a healthy doggie mouth.
Happy brushing, from the Fire Hydrant Team!