If we ask you that when was the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth? What will be your answer? Your dog’s dental health has a huge impact on his overall health and wellbeing. Even though pet parents consider their dogs as their family and take care of their every need. However, when it comes to their canine dental health, they tend to overlook it. If you think that your dog has bad breath, then it is the first sign that your dog’s dental health has started to deteriorate. Now, if you don’t brush for a week, how will you feel? You will feel very unpleasant. That’s how your dog feels when you don’t brush him. It can lead to various dental problems in your canine.
So what is a dental problem in dogs?
Dental diseases are very common in canines, especially in dogs of age three or above. Dental disease in your dog can affect his teeth, gums, and the structure that protects your canine teeth. First, there is plaque build-up in their teeth, which contains several bacteria and food particles. This plaque build-up when it hardens and grows below your gum line can lead to infection in your dog teeth and cause severe dental problems.
Symptoms of dental teeth in your dog include:
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Broken teeth
- Inability to eat or drink
Why your canine dental care is necessary?
As a dog parent, you definitely want your canine to have a healthy mouth. Here are our top reasons your dog’s dental care is necessary.
- It prevents bad breath: When your dog has a healthy mouth and healthy gums, then bad breath won’t be a problem.
- Prevent the loss of teeth: When the structure that supports your dog’s teeth gets damaged. It can lead to loose teeth and broken teeth. Great dental care will prevent the falling of teeth as it will support the structure of your pet’s teeth.
- Pain in gums: when the infection builds in your dog’s teeth, it can lead to painful gums. When you keep your teeth and gums healthy, it will keep the pain away.
The chances of getting the infection in your dog’s teeth rise by the time it reaches the age of three. Good dental care will prevent it from developing and also becoming severe.
How can you take care of your dog’s dental hygiene?
Now, most people think taking care of their dog’s teeth is not for them and they should leave it to their veterinarian. However, professional dental dog cleaning costs you quite much. First, they take X-rays of your dog’s teeth so that they can measure the severity of the dental problem. Then they clean your canine teeth with the help of general anesthesia, which helps them to clean thoroughly above and below the gum line. Anesthesia and X-rays are not good for your dog’s health in the long run and can put them under a lot of stress. Also, you need to ensure first whether the person is a certified veterinary dentist or not. Professional cleaning is required when your dog’s dental disease becomes severe.
Anesthesia is not good for seniors and very young dogs as their organs changed due to age and in young dogs, organs are not mature. It can cause diarrhea and vomiting in your dog. In some dogs, it can lead to a decrease in appetite and reduced activity level. It can also lead to hypothermia in your dogs.
However, it is best if you do not lead your pooch’s dental condition to that severity that you have to use anesthesia. Hence it is best to do some healthy practices at home to keep your dog’s dental health at its best.
Here are some best dental best practices for dogs at home:
Brushing:
Just like you require regular brushing to keep your oral health in check, your dog also requires that. However, he/she won’t require it regularly, but it is best to brush your dog’s teeth a few days a week to keep their oral health in great condition. Use a small dog toothbrush or a simple finger toothbrush to remove plaque from their teeth. Never use human toothpaste as it contains xylitol, which is toxic to your dog. Use a dog-specified toothpaste that contains the flavour of chicken, beef, or even peanut butter. You can use these in order to brush your dog’s teeth first so that they can get hold of it. Also, start brushing their front teeth first and then go backward.
Avoid processed dental treats:
These treats are best for those canines who don’t like their teeth brushed. However, not all dental products are good for your dog, especially dental dog bones or rawhide. Rawhide is an animal skin (cow skin) that has not been tanned. From cattle to dog treats, these rawhide are highly processed in chemicals and bleach, which is not great for the dog’s intestines. Also, it can damage their teeth as these are very hard. Some dogs are aggressive chewers and they can swallow a large chunk of it which can block their esophagus and lead them to the ER vet. You definitely don’t want to risk your pooch’s life with it hence it is best to give them homemade treats to chew.
Homemade treats:
Best dental dog treats are homemade treats. You can give your dog sweet potatoes as they are great for your dog’s overall health. They are great for your dog’s digestive system, and excellent for your dog’s skin and hair as they contain vitamins. However, you need to boil it first and remove its skin before feeding it to your dog. You can also give your dog a frozen carrot stick as it can be a great chewing option for your dog.
Dental toys:
Now dogs like to chew as chewing also helps them to release stress. You can give your dog a toy stuffed with peanut butter or Himalayan yak cheese chews. These are much safer options for your dog. Himalayan chew is made up of yak milk, which is great for the dog’s digestive system. It is high in protein and great for senior dogs. These are hard in nature which makes them perfect for chewing.
Final words
When it comes to your dog’s dental health, it is best to give them great dental care at home. Brush their teeth and give them vegetable sticks which are best for their oral health. We have listed all the measures which will help you to protect your dog’s dental health. However, if your dog is having severe pain in their teeth, then it is best to take them to a veterinary.
Mrs. Richa Khurana has completed her MBA in Marketing from IBS, Pune, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Journalism & Corporate Communication from Delhi University, and her BBA from IP University. Beyond her Read more
