Many of us safeguard the health and life that our animals enjoy. When they reach their third birthday, the average is four out of five animals are diagnosed with any kind of dental disease. Pet owners who are concerned about their dog’s health continue to neglect or ignore this aspect of their animals’ overall health.
The dental health of your pet’s teeth and gums is essential to their well-being. Apart from the teeth, the jawbones, tongue, gingiva, and oral mucosa are included in the mouth cavity. Periodontal diseases affect the kidneys, liver, and heart negatively.
Oral Health Maintenance
Dental care is vital and integral to your dog’s overall health and grooming. Dental hygiene can help avoid oral cancer, heart disease, and other issues like bad breath or tooth loss as we age. Pet owners worried about their pet’s dental health might find these suggestions beneficial.
1. Right Brushing Tool
Brushing your dog’s mouth at least once per week is a good rule of thumb. However, it’s far better to do it each throughout the day. A dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush are all you need for a dog’s dental care. Dog-friendly toothbrushes are available in a variety of styles. Your dog will feel more relaxed if you select the right brush.
The most common choice is a standard brush with more handle size for dogs. The other well-liked option is the finger-brush, a little rubber cap that slides over your finger and features bristles at the tip. The dogs with jaws of large size should go with the first option, while tiny dogs should use the second one.
In some cases, if you’re brushing your pet with the wrong tool, it can damage your pet’s teeth. You can address it by contacting an emergency vet right away. You can type in “emergency vet near me” in your search tab and check the best result nearest in your area.
2. Dental Chews and Treats
You may assist keep your dog’s teeth healthy between brushings by giving him various chews dogs and chewable treats. Any chew that lasts for a long time, like bully sticks or chicken jerky, can help remove plaque from the teeth.
It’s possible to reduce the number of calories your dog consumes low by using a nylon bone or a chew toy made of rubber. If your dog has dental concerns, your doctor may recommend a specific dog food brand developed for oral wellness.
3. Annual Dental Cleaning
Several veterinarians provide in-office dog and cat teeth cleaning that need general anesthesia for dogs and then a thorough cleaning to remove plaque accumulation. This can be expensive; however, it’s an investment in your dog’s public and dental health, which will pay dividends over the long term.
While you wait, the veterinarian will identify any issues you haven’t noticed while taking care of your pet. If necessary, x-rays may be taken during these visits to check the pet’s dental health more in-depth.
4. Start Young
You’ll have a better chance of getting your dog accustomed to dental hygiene when they grow old if you start them early. You can put toothpaste on a toothbrush to cleanse your puppy’s teeth while nipping and gnawing.
Gradually, it will become easier to manage the dog’s movements by brushing him with your finger. When your dog becomes acclimated to the routine, you’ll never have to stop brushing their teeth until they grow older.
If the vet diagnosed your pet of an orthopedic disorder at a young age that causes irregularities in your pet’s dental health, a veterinary orthopedic specialist is needed to address the problem.
5. Know Signs of Dental Disease
If you’re knowledgeable about the symptoms of canine dental disease, you’ll be able to detect it early on and treat it appropriately. Dental illness symptoms include bleeding gums, bad breath, difficulty chewing, and excessive drooling.
Other signs include a shift in how your dog consumes food, rubbing their face on the ground or pawing at their face often, yellowish or brownish stains on their teeth, and bright redgums, which are inflamed. While brushing your dog’s teeth, take note of any signs of dental disease so you can intervene before the condition worsens.
