It’s impossible to be in a good mood when you’ve got toothache, and that applies just as much to dogs as it does to humans. Although dogs are less prone to cavities than we are, canine dental health is still very important to keep your pup healthy and happy. Over 80% of dogs have some level of dental damage by the time they turn three – here are some tips to help prevent that.
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Buy A Toothbrush And Doggy Toothpaste
Make sure you don’t use human toothpaste. Usually this contains fluoride, which dogs are extremely allergic to. Instead, purchase toothpaste formulated for dogs at a pet store.
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Caring For Your Puppy’s Teeth
Get your puppy used to having his or her mouth opened while you check and gently brush its teeth – this will make it easier to do so when your dog’s an adult. Like humans, dogs have and lose baby teeth, and usually by the time they’re around seven months old all their adult teeth will be in place. Make sure your vet checks this out – baby teeth that don’t fall out can cause your dog pain and discomfort.
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How To Brush Your Adult Dog’s Teeth
If your dog isn’t used to having its teeth brushed, it might not enjoy the experience. Choose a time when your dog is tired out after a long walk, and make sure you stop if he or she gets upset. Add a few seconds on every time you do it, so eventually you can get around to brushing all of your dog’s teeth. Try to make a game out of it, and reward your pup with a treat afterwards for good behaviour.
Choose Good Food For Your Dog
Dry food is better than wet for dental hygiene. Even if your dog refuses to allow you to brush its teeth, you can use crunchy kibble to improve its teeth. Wet food tends to stick more to the teeth and cause a greater amount of decay. Try to learn more about your dog’s dietary needs so you can provide the food it needs to be happy and healthy. Chew toys and synthetic bones are also great for strengthening your dog’s teeth, so try to pick one up from the pet store every now and then. You can also buy dental biscuits for your dog, which helps take care of his or her molars, which are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
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What Happens If My Dog Is Suffering From Dental Disease?
It’s often hard to pick up, since dogs are good at masking pain from their owners. If your vet points it out, make sure you get treatment for your dog as soon as possible. If untreated, it can lead to pain for your dog along with tooth extractions, bad breath, and, in severe cases, bacteria entering the bloodstream and making its way to the vital organs, which can make your dog very sick. If you get it treated as early as possible, treatment will also be cheaper! There are also water additives that you can talk to your vet about – these can be added to your pup’s water bowl and they’ll reduce tartar build-up in the future.
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