Does your dog's breath smell?
Do you brush your dog's teeth daily?
Did you know more than 80% of dogs show signs of gum disease by the age of three?
Caring for your pet's teeth and gums is as important as caring for your own.
Pet dental health is a subject that is so important for your pet's wellbeing, but is also unfortunately not usually discussed until it's too late. Pet owners are genuinely unaware of the daily dental maintenance needed to care for your pet's teeth and gums. It is not until you are hit with a vet bill in the thousands that you are informed of the importance of caring for your pet's teeth.
Periodontal disease prevention
Proper dental care for your dog starts with taking a look into their mouth. Does your dog's teeth look white and clean, or do they look yellow and with tartar build-up? (Don't forget to check those very back teeth!) Does your dog's gums look pink and healthy, or do they look red and inflamed? Does your dog's breath smell OK or bad? If you are not confident looking yourself, ask your vet to take a look.
Regular dental care should start at 2 years of age. If your dog is over 2 years of age and you haven't started dental care, then now is the time! If your dog's teeth already have tartar build up, if their breath smells, or if their gums look inflamed, they will require a vet check before any at-home dental care will help. Your dog may need a clean and scale (and maybe some rotten teeth pulled) to get their teeth back to pearly whites. Only then will your daily at-home care help to PREVENT any further build up or problems.
Daily dental care
Taking care of your dog's teeth is a daily responsibility. Over 80% of dogs over the age of three show signs of gum disease, and this is mainly because of improper dental care by the dog's owner. Periodontal disease is painful for your dog! And not mention, very expensive when dental work is needed.
Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy can be easy and there are so many different ways that you can help. Stylist to the Dogs has put together a list of 10 tips on ways you can help keep your dog's teeth squeaky clean and their mouths fresh. Choose which way suits your dog best, or you can mix and match! Just remember to use at least one of these methods at least 3 times a week.
Brush
Brushing my dog’s teeth daily is my choice of dental care for my dogs. You can buy special dog toothbrushes (that slip onto the end of your finger) and dog toothpaste to clean your dog’s teeth just like you do your own.
Carrots
Carrots are a great healthy and safe chew snack for your dog! They have many nutritional benefits, as well as cleaning their teeth as they chew! A very cheap and natural way to treat your dog daily.
Dryfood MYTH
It is a common misconception that dry food alone will clean your dog's teeth! Unless it is specific dental dryfood, your dog will still need to crunch on something a lot more abrasive and chewy to get their teeth clean. Dogs bite down on dryfood with their front teeth but most of the time will miss those large teeth right at the back of their mouth. And some dogs don’t chew at all when eating small kibble!
Organic toothpaste
Mix coconut oil with organic cinnamon powder and bam! You have natural toothpaste for your dog! Just keep it in the fridge and take out a portion 20 minutes before use.
Dental chews
Don't think your pet would let you brush their teeth? Feed them a Greenies dental treat each day as an alternative! These dental treats are specifically designed to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, and keep their mouths fresh.
Raw bones
Dogs have a natural instinct to chew and they absolutely love raw meaty bones to sink their teeth into! Giving your dog regular raw meaty bones will not only help clean their teeth, but will keep your pet happy and less destructive!
Vet teeth scale
A veterinary teeth scale and polish is very important for canine dental health. If your dog's teeth are looking worse for wear, a dental could be just what they need to prevent gum disease before it's too late!
Dental food
Dental specific dryfood is a great way to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy! The dryfood is made specific to help brush and scrub your dog's teeth as they chew. They also have active ingredients that help combat bacteria that cause tartar build-up.
Dental toys
Does your dog love chew toys? Then a great way to clean their teeth is to give them dental specific chew toys! There is a wide variety of affordable toys to choose from and they will last a long time. Teeth care can be fun for your dog!
Dried treats
While doing dental checks this month I noticed an 8 year old dog with beautiful white teeth. I asked her owner what she does for her teeth and she said she treats her dogs with a natural dried pet treat from Clear Dog Treats every couple of days since they were pups. This is a great recommendation and a great alternative for dogs that don't like raw bones or having their teeth brushed!
Canine dental care is serious! Now you have all the information you need to care for your dog’s teeth. There are so many teeth cleaning options available, one to suit even the most stubborn dog! As a pet owner, dental care is YOUR responsibility and now you have no excuse for nothing but beautiful, white chompers!
Til next time,
Davina Dewar
Qualified Pet Stylist for Stylist to the Dogs Narangba