February is a month of dog dental health
Smiiiileeeeee ;) Oral hygiene is often overlooked, but it's an important factor in a pet’s overall health. Neglected teeth and gums can cause much more than just a stinky breath. Uncontrolled bacteria in the mouth can lead to issues with the heart, kidneys, liver, and gut. Scary stuff, but easy to avoid! Just like grooming and exercise, dental health should be part of a pet’s daily routine.
These 6 easy ways to keep your dog’s dental health in top-notch condition can make things a little easier and even fun!
1. Checking your pet's gums and teeth every few weeks
This will help you be aware of what's going on in their mouth. Their gums should be pink. If they are white, red, or swollen, you might want to schedule a visit to the vet. Their teeth should be clean without brown tartar buildup.
2. Brushing the teeth regularly
For both dogs and humans, teeth brushing is the foundation of good oral health. It might sound silly, but it's an excellent way to prevent plaque buildup. You don't need to brush them daily, although the more often the better.
Most dogs will learn to tolerate and appreciate teeth cleanings, even if they don’t like it at first. You can use specifically-designed dog toothbrushes, for example a finger toothbrush that is made of soft silicone and has very gentle bristles. Don't use a human toothpaste, because it contains toxic ingredients like xylitol and fluoride that could cause significant harm. Dog toothpaste comes in many appealing flavors like peanut butter, beef, and chicken. Find a brush style, pet toothpaste, and routine that works best for you and your pet – practice makes perfect!
3. Spritz dog dental spray
If your dog’s stinky breath is causing you to miss out on cuddles or kisses, or if you only have a short amount of time to spare, dog dental sprays are the ideal solution. It’s a quick and easy way to take care of your dog’s teeth, as dog dental sprays can be used alone or in between brushings. These sprays kill plaque-causing bacteria to make your dog’s breath smell fresh. In addition to odor-eliminating effect, dental sprays can also remove and prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Most sprays are simple to use: they simply require owners to spritz the teeth and gums. Since some dogs just won’t stay still for an oral cleaning, dental sprays can also be applied to dog toys and licked off for instant fresh breath with minimal effort. Dog dental spray works best when dogs don’t eat for a half hour before and after spraying.
4. Dental treats are a tasty way to improve your pet's dental health
Dog dental chews clean your dog’s teeth while also stimulating your dog’s natural cravings for a tasty treat. Plus, your dog will be too busy chomping on their treats to create trouble elsewhere. These chews are designed to minimize the build-up of plaque and tartar while polishing a dog’s teeth to a sparkling shine. Dog dental chews come in different sizes and shapes, and feature ridges and nubs that dig into crevices between a dog’s teeth to encourage blood flow through the gums. The hollow shapes and spaces allow dogs to better grip and chew more evenly. Always supervise your dog when they have a dental chew within reach.
5. Durable chew toys
Dogs of every age explore the world through their teeth. For puppies, gnawing naturally soothes teething pain and keeps adult dogs mentally-stimulated. Chewing is the natural way for dogs to clean their teeth as the constant gnawing scrapes plaque off of teeth. We suggest rotating different types of boredom-busting chew toys to keep dogs interested. These toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you’re sure to find something that settles your dog’s playfulness, plus, chew toys are a great option if you're looking for something that doesn't contain any calories.
6. Attend regular professional veterinarian cleanings
An essential way to protect your furry friend’s oral health is through regular professional cleanings with your vet. Veterinarians are skilled at identifying, preventing, and treating any dental problems they find that may otherwise go unnoticed. Most dogs need oral exams and cleanings at least once per year so veterinarians can check for early warning signs of serious problems. Some breeds, like Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds, are more susceptible to periodontal disease. They may require more frequent cleanings every six months. Veterinarians can remove plaque below the gum line, where toothbrushes can’t reach. Dental cleanings involve taking x-rays to evaluate the health of the jawline and tooth roots. Veterinarians will scale and polish teeth to remove plaque and tartar while your dog is under general anesthesia. Veterinarians can also safely fill or extract teeth as needed. Though this is the most expensive and time-consuming option, we recommend making veterinarian oral exams a priority. Your dog’s teeth will thank you for it!
Here is a very SPECIAL OFFER - "DENTAL CARE PACKAGE" - It is a package of 6 bags of dental treats, dog tooth brush and a dental spray.
Practicing good dental care at home will lead to more than sweeter-smelling kisses; your dog will live a happier, healthier, and longer life!
