6 Tips To Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean
Did you know that dogs’ teeth are just as important to their health as human’s? Actually, I learned that canine dental care is more important than some people realize.
Dog teeth can get plaque build-up just like humans do. It can lead to gum disease, cavities, and it puts them at risk for tooth loss. Poor dental hygiene in dogs can make them feel pain when they eat or even lead to death!
People don’t think about this but YOU should! Many injuries happen on the road because a dog has pain while eating due to poor oral pet’s health. If your dog is in chronic pain then their quality of life is really suffering. And if left untreated, chronic dog’s
mouth pain can result in malnutrition, weight loss and more.
I have good news! Your dog’s dental health is very much within your control.
So here are six tips to keep your dog’s teeth clean for a healthier, happier life!
1) Feed canned food
Canned foods are better than dry kibble because they are softer on an animal’s gums and teeth. They require less work for dog chewing which means there’s less wear on their teeth. You should try this too if you don’t want cavities! Studies show that feeding canned food helps reduce tartar formation by up to 80%.
Or Feed Raw Food!
But if you choose to feed your dog dry kibble, at least look for one of the premium brands. They contain more animal-based protein and less grain filler. Another thing you can do is hide some canned food in a pill pocket to make medication go down easier!
Read our article about Benefits of Feeding Raw Food For Dogs.
2) Brush your dog’s teeth daily
Just like us humans, dog teeth need regular dental care! Get veterinarian advice to have their teeth checked and cleaned by a professional. If this isn’t practical, you can also give them an edible chew toy that will remove plaque as they chew on it. There are tons of options for this out there. Some vets even offer low-cost teeth cleaning services and products.
Include brushing in the daily routine from puppy-hood. Once your dog is used to this, it will be painless and easy to do.
Get a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste. If your dog is not used to being touched in the dog’s mouth, you can wet the toothbrush with water or tuna juice.
Pet toothpaste is good but not necessary for pet dental hygiene. No matter what type of paste you use, make sure that it does not contain peroxide or fluoride because they can damage your dog’s kidneys.
You can use baking soda and coconut oil as a homemade toothpaste. Just make sure to check the pH if you go this route because baking soda can be harmful if it’s too basic for your dog’s system.
How many teeth do puppies have? Puppies have baby teeth or milk teeth that are replaced by permanent teeth ones at about 3 months of age. As they get older, their permanent teeth start coming in after that – but not all at once! They have 28 baby teeth.
How many teeth are in your dog’s mouth?
A dog will develop 42 adult teeth somewhere between the ages of 1-2 years old.
Puppy teeth should be brushed as soon as they erupt to prevent adult dogs dental disease or periodontal disease later!
3) Chew on toys with ridges
Ridges inside the design of a toy help clean down between each tooth which reduces plaque build up by up to 80%. So look for toys with these ridges! It might take some trial and error but don’t give up – just keep trying until you find one that your dog enjoys playing with.
4) Don’t forget about dog’s gum health
It’s important to do oral examinations of your dog’s gums at least once a month. Gums that are inflamed or swollen can be the result of tooth decay, gum disease, or external infection. If you find any abnormalities, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away! They will check for pain and/or bleeding which can happen if there is something wrong with the canine teeth.
5) Trim Dog’s Fingernails
Long nails put pressure on the bones supporting healthy teeth and can cause discomfort while chewing. It also causes pain when they walk so it is not only good for the dog but good for your wallet as well ! Do not let them get too long because this could lead to fractures in the webbing between the toes, torn nails, and other issues. You can clip them with a regular dog nail clipper or use a grinder to make it less painful for your pup.
6) Raw Bones
Some raw diets include bones to give dogs mineral nutrients and help maintain their canine teeth. They’re safe when given to your dog in moderation but you have to be careful with these! Be sure to take them away if they become small enough so your pet won’t choke on the pieces or swallow big chunks that could lead to blockages.
Good luck keeping your dog’s teeth clean! Keep this advice in mind every day for a happier, healthier life together.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, you may also enjoy reading:Why Dogs Lick Their Feet?