Do you know why vet experts tell owners to brush their dog’s teeth daily to maintain healthy teeth? By age 3, up to 85% of pets develop dental diseases, according to the Veterinary Information Network.
Oral hygiene is critical for dogs to support better health: If not prevented, dental problems can affect the whole body, turning into issues with the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
Although daily brushing is the only proven way to maintain healthy teeth for your dog, few owners brush their dogs’ teeth.
Why? First, people are lazy. And second, dogs hate the process, so humans don’t want to traumatize their four-legged friends.
Fortunately, some products beyond toothpaste can help to clean your dog’s mouth and maintain healthy teeth. Here are the top five.
Raw meaty bones
Raw bones resist bacterial plaque and remove food debris thanks to their texture and ability to flex around the teeth. But ensure the bone’s size is optimal for a dog to chew.
Potential dangers
While raw bones may seem like a natural and beneficial treat for dogs, they can actually pose serious dangers such as choking, tooth damage, bacterial contamination, and pancreatitis.
Cooked or baked boneless meats and specially formulated chews are safer alternatives to consider.
Vegetables and fruits
Give your dog fruits and vegetables as snacks to ensure healthy teeth. If you’re buying commercial treats, choose those without sugar, fats, or cereal grains. Carrots, apples, and pumpkins are the best options: Most dogs enjoy them and won’t stick to the teeth.
Vegetables and fruits are great for scraping food off a dog’s teeth. Also, they contain antioxidants that will help a dog deal with chronic oxidative stress causing periodontitis.
Consider a dog’s size when deciding how many snacks to give, and never feed more than 10% of daily calorie intake as treats.
Potential dangers
While some fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to eat, they should only be given in moderation due to potential digestive issues and choking hazards.
Small breeds may have a harder time digesting large amounts of fiber and harder fruits should always be cut into smaller pieces for safety.
Dental chews
These are treats molded explicitly for natural chewing and gum massaging. Dental chews contain specific components that keep teeth healthy by cleaning them and giving your dog fresher breath.
Choosing pork pizzles for dogs proves to be an excellent option. These treats aid in naturally cleaning your dog’s teeth through regular chewing and provide a gentle gum massage, promoting overall oral health for your furry friend.
Dental chews come in different flavors, help a dog develop strong jaw muscles, and reduce anxiety.
They can even be chewing toys that entertain and care about your pet. Besides cleaning, they can reward a dog during training or prevent him from chewing furniture.
Choose dental chews of natural, high-quality ingredients to prevent digestion problems for a dog.
Potential dangers
Dental chews are marketed as a way to improve your dog’s oral health, but they can also pose potential dangers such as choking hazards, tooth fractures, digestive problems, allergic reactions, and calorie overload. Carefully monitor their use and consult with a veterinarian if needed.
Do not rely on dental chews as the sole solution for dental care.
Yogurt or kefir
These products contain probiotics essential for a dog’s gut, immune system, and overall health. When given orally or applied to gums directly, probiotics kick out the harmful bacteria from a dog’s mouth, preventing inflammation and periodontitis development.
Potential dangers
Yogurt and kefir are popular dairy products marketed as healthy for humans, but can pose dangers to dogs’ dental health due to high sugar content, acidity, and lactose intolerance.
Some brands may also contain toxic artificial sweeteners and introduce harmful bacteria into a dog’s digestive system.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving these foods to dogs and choose teeth-friendly alternatives for treats. Prevention is key in maintaining a dog’s dental health.
Specifically designed dry dog food
Feed your dog food that contains natural, wholesome ingredients. Always check the list of ingredients, and choose options with real meat, fatty acids, and vitamins to ensure healthy teeth.
Some dog food is designed to help with teeth issues: Hard kibble of big size encourages a dog to bite and chew intensively, “cleaning” the teeth from tartar that way. Besides a kibble size, pet food companies offer particular dental health formulas.
Potential dangers
Dry dog food may seem convenient, but if not chosen carefully, it can have negative effects on a dog’s teeth and overall health.
Its lack of moisture can lead to dehydration, dental problems, and an increased risk of obesity and diabetes due to its high carbohydrate content.
Some dry food brands also contain harmful additives. Choosing high-quality brands and providing plenty of fresh water can help prevent these dangers.
How to keep your dog’s good oral health
The dental health of your dog also reflects his overall health. That is why dog owners should always look closely at the food label when buying dog food. You’d want to give your dog the right formula suitable for his needs, like what Royal Canin dog food can provide.
So, how do you ensure the good oral health of your furry friend? Check the following tips by reading below:
- Brush your dog’s teeth: It will help prevent plaque formation. Regular brushing doesn’t necessarily mean every day, but the more frequent, the better. Buy a toothpaste specifically for dogs because the toothpaste used by humans can be toxic for your pet. Dog toothpaste comes in food flavors like peanut butter or a delicious chicken flavor. Ask your veterinarian about the right toothbrush size for your dog as well.
- Use dog tooth wipes: An alternative to a dog toothbrush is dental dog wipes. They are rubbed against your dog’s teeth to remove plaque. While they work similarly to toothbrushes, they cannot get into the crannies and tiny nooks that a toothbrush does. Dog wipes are easier to manage than a toothbrush with dog toothpaste.
- Dog dental treats: These help promote your dog’s dental health, removing plaque buildup. Dog dental treats freshen your dog’s breath as they clean the mouth and are more appreciated than tooth wipes and a toothbrush. Dog dental treats come in different flavors, shapes, and sizes, so you will surely find what your dog loves.
- Professional cleanings: Professional dental cleaning for your dog is the best way to maintain dental hygiene. A veterinarian is highly trained and experienced in locating, preventing, and treating any dental issues that are unnoticed by dog owners.
Symptoms of dental problems
Dental issues in dogs can range from minor discomfort to more severe health concerns if left untreated.
Bad breath or halitosis is often an early indicator of dog dental problems.
While some dog breeds may have naturally bad breath, a persistent foul odor could be a sign of plaque buildup or infection in the mouth.
Another obvious sign is excessive drooling or difficulty eating. If your dog struggles to chew or drop food while eating, it could indicate pain or discomfort in their mouth.
Changes in behavior can also point to dental problems. Dogs who are usually friendly and affectionate may become irritable or withdrawn if they are experiencing oral pain. They may also avoid playing with toys that require them to use their mouths or flinch when you try to touch their face.
Don’t ignore visible changes in the teeth and gums. Discolored teeth, tartar buildup, receding gums, loose teeth, and bleeding from the gums are all signs of potential dental issues that require immediate attention.
Some dogs may not show any obvious signs of distress even when they have significant dental problems. This is why regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial for maintaining good oral health for our pets.
When to get help
So, how do you know when to seek professional dental care?
If your dog shows any signs mentioned above or has had no recent dental examination, it is best to schedule a visit to the veterinarian.
Your vet can thoroughly examine and determine if your dog requires a professional dental cleaning or other treatment.
By being aware of the signs and symptoms of dental problems in dogs and seeking professional care, you can ensure your dog will keep its happy and healthy smile for years to come.
Final thoughts on healthy teeth
Oral hygiene to protect healthy teeth is necessary for dogs, as it influences their health and overall wellbeing. Feeding and using specific products can help prevent plaque and tartar development, although regular brushing remains the best way to clean your dog’s teeth.
Jimmie O’Chutt is an experienced cat owner who can’t imagine his life without his black feline friend Ronnie. Jimmie is CEO of CatPet.club, an online magazine that provides high-quality guides and tips about cat nutrition and wellbeing.
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