Top 3 Ways to Maintain Your Dog's Oral Health
Paw-parents only want what’s best for their fur babies, so they know the pains of caring for a sickly pet. Seeing their lively personality dampen down on a bad day is always a cause for concern, but when it comes to boosting their health, their canine teeth are often left at the backburner.
Bad breath, for example, can pave the way for increased risk of heart disease since there are underlying complications and systemic infections that can enter their bloodstream. Seeing the importance of maintaining four-legged friend’s teeth and gums, the tips below should establish a dog-friendly dental hygiene routine that is sure to keep their smile healthy:
Tip #1: Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Daily
Brushing their teeth seems like a daunting task, but it’s an important part of eliminating plaque and setting the stage for a healthier mouth. Getting them comfortable with the action will take patience, but you can get them into the habit by starting gradually and using your teeth to get them used to the invasive experience.
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Give them treats when they allow you to touch their teeth, and then move on to brushing once they feel relaxed at the activity. Be sure to avoid using human toothpaste as it contains artificial sweeteners that can be toxic to your pups! Moving forward, it’s best to follow the routine up with playtime or their daily walks so they can regard brushing as a positive experience.
Tip #2: Ensure They Maintain a Proper Diet and Provide Dental Treats
One of the biggest reasons behind tooth decay and other oral complications is the hodgepodge of food they gobble up. We are what we eat, after all, so you can set the stage for better oral health by feeding them right. Avoid adding bones that can increase their risk of choking and introduce unwanted bacteria in their mouth, be it cooked bones, hooves, rawhide, and even certain chew toys like tennis balls!
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Many paw-parents like to give their fuzzy companions some ice cubes to help them beat the heat, but it can cause fractures to your pet’s pearls. If you want to give them something healthy to chew on, opt for dental treats that are designed to control tartar buildup and enhance their gums.
Tip #3: Schedule Semiannual Teeth Cleanings With Their Veterinarian
We need regular dental checkups to maintain our oral health, so it makes sense to give your pets the same professional responsibility. You can set an annual dental cleaning service with your vet since they will have the technical expertise to keep your dog’s teeth spotless and germ-free as a preventive measure.
The Bottom Line: Give Your Furry Friends a Fresh and Healthier Smile
Just like humans, your dog’s mouth can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and periodontal disease when it’s left unattended. While they don’t care much for a picture-perfect smile, preventing oral diseases is just as critical since it can facilitate other illnesses that may compromise other aspects of their health.
Why Shop With Us?
Do you need to stock up on pet supplies? Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming is your neighborhood pet nutrition center, wellness spa, and pet store in Marysville, WA. We are passionate about animals and constantly find ways to improve the quality of their lives. At our shop, we offer natural pet foods, raw foods, accessories, and other pet essentials. Check out our products and services today!