We consider dental hygiene imperative for our health, but what about our furry friends? Their teeth require regular attention once your puppy turns about six months of age. Unfortunately, the rate of periodontal diseases in dogs is quite high because dog-parents may neglect the guidelines for dental care. If not treated early, the bacteria can affect major organs. If your dog isn’t following a proper cleaning routine, it’s not too late. Start establishing the habits now, it might take some time, but he will get used to it.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean?
# 01: Brushing
Brushing every 24 hours is vital if you want to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene, this is especially important for small breeds. They have overcrowded teeth, and if not given the right care, they can develop severe problems. As crucial as it is, brushing seems like a hectic task to many dog-parents. The struggle is real, you have to patiently get your dog to love someone touching his teeth and dogs aren’t big fans of it. But it isn’t unachievable. Start by lightly rubbing your finger around our pup’s teeth (with gauze wrapped around the finger.) After he gets accustomed to the touching, introduce the mighty toothbrush. Focus on cleaning the gum line as plaque gathers along this area.
Gradually bring in the toothpaste, by now your dog won’t act out when you try to reach the teeth. You will need specific dog toothpaste that comes in exciting flavors. Take a little quantity on the brush, and apply at a 45 angle.
# 02: Dental Chews
Chews are an easy way of cleaning your dog’s teeth. There are natural ones such as knuckle bones. The artificial chews are available in many sizes and shapes. Chewing on them reduces the plaque built-up on your teeth. Don’t give treats that your pooch can eat up in seconds, get the ones that last longer. You can also give your furry friend crunchy foods such as baby carrots as a dental treat. These solid foods help scrap-off tartar but remember they shouldn’t be hard enough to cause damage. While chewing does work for many, it isn’t ideal for the toy breeds.
# 03: Vet Examinations & Dental Hygiene
A pooch with even the cleanest teeth needs to visit the vet for dental check-ups. There may be problems that we can’t notice and require professional examination. If there is plaque built-up on your pup’s teeth, the vet will recommend scaling and polishing. A veterinary dentist will perform the procedure. If there are teeth beyond repair, they may have to be extracted.
You should take your pup annually for a vet exam, provided you follow a dental hygiene routine. For older dogs, two visits a year are needed.
So take out your dental tools, and begin with the cleaning processes if you haven’t yet. Remember patience is vital, so keep trying until you succeed.
AUTHOR BIO: Jenny Perkins is an Animal Behavior Specialist and a passionate writer. She loves to write about the nutrition, health, dental hygiene and care of dogs. She aims at providing tips to dog owners that can help them become better pet parents. She writes for the blog Here Pup.
