Dental Care in Dogs: Tips for a Healthy Mouth
Dental care is an important aspect of overall health in dogs, but it's often overlooked by pet owners.
Not only does poor dental hygiene lead to stinky breath but it can lead to a variety of systemic health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart disease. Here are some tips for maintaining your dog's oral health.
Why Dental Care is Important
Just like humans, dogs can develop plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth. This buildup can lead to gum disease, which can cause pain, inflammation, and even tooth loss. In addition, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and potentially cause heart, kidney, or liver problems.
Regular dental care can prevent these issues and keep your dog healthy. It's recommended that you start a dental care routine with your dog when they are young (just be aware that puppies will loose their baby teeth from about 3-6 months and their mouths may be a bit more tender than normal) but it's never too late to start.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dog's Oral Health
Regular Brushing (daily is ideal): Brush your dog's teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Start slowly and gradually increase the time and frequency of brushing. Make teeth brushing time rewarding and fun - offer small amounts of a high value treat during and after - once your dog gets used to the brushing and knows they get their favourite treat they will be waiting for you to brush their teeth!
Provide Chew Toys: Chew toys can help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Be sure to choose safe toys that won't break or be chewed into chunks that can be swallowed. Kongs are great but there are many options in the market these days, choose a good quality product from a reputable brand.
Feed a Healthy Diet: Feeding a high-quality diet can help promote healthy teeth and gums. Avoid sugary or processed foods (no sweet biscuit at morning tea time) which can contribute to dental problems.
Bones are good - but there are some rules! Supervise, and always fresh and raw, choose big long bones (longer than than your dogs jaw is wide) to stop them getting caught in the mouth or being swallowed whole causing pain or worse an intestinal blockage. Dogs love a nice meaty bones, but what they haven’t finished or chewed on after about 4 hours pick up and throw in the bin, bones left out will harden and can become rotten, never feed cooked bones that are much harder to digest and splinter. and if a dog tries chewing on a a hard old or cooked bone it can cause dental fractures.
Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups (annually is great - and can be done at the time of their vaccination) with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's dental health. They may recommend professional cleanings if necessary.
Look for Signs of Dental Problems: Keep an eye out for signs of dental problems, such as bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, drooling, facial swelling or difficulty eating. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
In conclusion, dental care is an important aspect of overall health in dogs. By following these tips, you can help prevent dental problems and keep your dog's mouth healthy and pain-free. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to dental health, so start a dental care routine with your dog today.