Own A Dog? Take Care Of Its Teeth To Keep It Healthy
If you own a dog, there are many things you need to do to take care of it properly. This includes regular checkups from their vet, exercise, immunizations, and more. One thing you may have forgotten about is your dog's teeth. Just like your own teeth, it is important that you care for them properly. If you do not, they can have plaque and tartar build up that will lead to cavities. If not taken care of at this point, your dog could get periodontal disease. Below are some tips on how you can keep your dog's teeth healthy.
Use the Right Type of Dog Food
When you go shopping for dog food, you will find brands that promote a dog's healthy teeth. These brands of dog food are more abrasive. This means when they eat the food, it will help scour their teeth of tartar and plaque. If you cannot find dental dog food, any type of dry kibble will work well. Ask your veterinarian if they can recommend a brand to you.
Give Your Dog Bones
Make sure your dog always has bones to chew on. This not only helps them with their chewing need, but while they are chewing they are also removing plaque from their teeth. There are bones specifically made for this purpose on the market today. You will also find tartar control snacks and biscuits.
Give Your Dog Dental Toys
There are dental toys on the market your dog will enjoy. Purchase some doggy toothpaste from a local pet store, along with a pet dental toy. These toys have a space in the middle where you squeeze the toothpaste into. The dog then has to work to get to the toothpaste. Once they get a small taste, they will like it so much they will work hard to get to all of it. This toothpaste is like your toothpaste and includes special ingredients to fight plaque and tarter. Let your dog chew on this toy once a day and it will be like brushing its teeth.
Brush Your Dog's Teeth
One of the most important things you need to do is to brush your dog's teeth at least once a day. Go to a pet store and purchase a canine toothbrush, along with the toothpaste. Your dog will likely not enjoy getting its teeth brushed at first, but over time they should get used to it. The best time to brush its teeth is after it has had some exercise and is tired. Start out slowly and stop brushing if your dog becomes agitated. Increase the amount of time each day. When you are finished, reward your dog with a treat.
You can also find pet dental services that will clean your dog's teeth much like a dentist cleans your teeth. They will remove all plaque and tartar, as well as check their gums.
If you ever notice your dog has very bad breath, has a change in eating habits, seems depressed, or paws at its mouth or face, you need to take them to a veterinarian. These are signs that something could be wrong with its teeth.
Contact a group like Clayton Veterinary Associates for more information.
