Our furry friends quickly become the center of our existence and we try to do everything possible to ensure that they lead a happy and problem-free life, treating them as we would our own children. Just as the dental health of children is very important, so is that of dogs. Their teeth need extra attention and care, which must be given from when they are small, so that they don’t have problems later on. Here are some important tips on how to care for your dog’s teeth :
Brush your teeth regularly
The first piece of advice any dentist will give you when it comes to your child’s teeth is to ensure a permanent brushing routine. The same applies to your dog: you need to make a habit of brushing his teeth 2-3 times a week. If you only wash it once a week, thinking that is enough, you are wrong. Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can cause dental disease, destroying tooth enamel in just 24-36 hours.
Therefore, you should brush his teeth regularly using a special pet toothbrush and similar toothpaste. Apply a small amount of the paste to the brush, then brush the teeth of the quadruped in circular motions, giving importance to the gums as well as the part behind the teeth.
Use a dental spray
If your friend allows you to lift his lips, you can also use a canine dental spray. These sprays, which you can find in veterinary pharmacies, prevent the appearance of tartar and dental plaque, while also removing the bacteria that cause bad breath. You just have to be careful about directing the spray directly onto the dog’s teeth.
You can also use a napkin
If you have a young puppy who doesn’t like the toothbrush, you can also use a dental wipe. This is soft and has been created to clean your dog’s teeth and gums effectively. You can find these types of wipes in various flavors and you can try them out to see what your four-legged friend likes. Don’t forget, however, that you have to clean the back of the teeth with the tissue to get rid of the bacterial plaque. They are not 100% effective because they cannot penetrate the small cracks and crevices where the brush can reach.
Give them uncooked bones to gnaw on
Boiled or cooked bones can break, causing problems for your dog’s teeth, but raw ones are perfect for cleaning his teeth while satisfying his gnawing urge. Choose such a bone also depending on the size of the dog.
Synthetic bones are very good for teeth
You almost certainly won’t be able to give your dog raw bones every day, but in this case you can buy him synthetic bones, specially created to strengthen his teeth and gums. Chewing on these bones also helps him get rid of plaque. Choose rawhide or heather bones – these are softer and better suited to your quadruped’s teeth. Never give him hard synthetic bones, as they can fracture his teeth and damage his gums.
Chewable dental rewards work wonders
There are many types of chewable treats that help dogs clean their teeth. They also help control tartar and plaque, and the chewing process strengthens their gums. Also, chewing on rewards of this type reduces the dog’s stress and strengthens the teeth. They are great to use during training sessions.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is known for its natural toothpaste qualities. This type of oil has antimicrobial properties that are perfect for dental health and will be loved by your dog because of the taste. You just need to have a healthy vegetable – like a carrot – make a few holes in it with a knife, put a few drops of coconut oil in it and put the carrot in the freezer for a few minutes, then give it to the dog. The result, beyond the mess it will probably make, is that the carrot will clean his teeth very well.
sticks
If you want to give your dog something that “lasts” longer, excluding bones, then you need to buy him a toy. The special sticks will quickly become your friend’s favorite toy, keeping him occupied for long periods of time, during which he will get rid of tartar and plaque and enjoy the pleasure of chewing. Make sure, though, that he doesn’t make a fool of himself by swallowing large chunks of these sticks.
Give him crunchy, dry food
Another means by which the dog can slow down the formation of tartar and bacterial plaque is to give (also) crunchy and dry food. Soft food can get stuck between his teeth, causing tartar and plaque to build up, but crunchy foods like carrots are great for your dog’s teeth. You can also buy him special food for periodontal health.
Sometimes professional brushing is also necessary
Probably the best way to ensure that your four-legged friend enjoys perfect dental hygiene is to opt for a professional brushing at the vet. He will know exactly what procedures to apply to clean his teeth and, if there are small problems, to solve them on the spot. It’s a more expensive option, but it has to be mentioned, because it’s the most…safe.
