Our furry friends very soon become the center of our lives, the apple of our eyes. We do everything possible to make sure they are happy and safe and treat them just the way we treat our human kids. Just like the dental health of your human children is important same is the case with your furry babies. Their teeth too need that extra care which you must give to make sure they face no dental issues in the future. So, let us learn the top 10 tips to take care of your dog’s teeth right away.
TOP 10 Tips for Taking Care of Your Dog’s Teeth:
10. Brush on a regular basis
The first thing any dentist will advise you to do to make sure your kids’ teeth stay healthy always is to maintain a regular brushing routine. Similar is the case with your furry kids, you need to make it a habit to brush their teeth 2-3 times each week. If you just brush their teeth once every week and think that is enough, you need to think again. The bacteria present in their mouth can invite dental diseases and can damage the surface of their teeth in just 24-36 hours.
So, you have to brush their teeth regularly and you need a soft-bristled toothbrush that has been designed for pets and also a toothpaste that has been created for them. Apply a small amount of the paste on the brush, and then brush the teeth of your little friend in circular motions, giving importance to the gum line, the back of teeth, and also the outside surfaces of their teeth.
9. Use a dental spray
If your dog allows you time enough to pick up the lips on either side of their mouth then you can make use of a canine dental spray. Many dental sprays are available that will prevent tartar and plaque build-up and also control the bacteria that can cause bad breath, only if you will be able to manage to spray onto the affected teeth of your dog directly. The sprays also offer your dog a good minty-fresh breath.
8. Dog wipes can help
If your little furry baby does not like the toothbrush then you can use a dental wipe instead. Such wipes are disposable, soft, and have been created to clean your pet’s gums and teeth effectively. Also, you can get these wipe in many different flavors, and so you can opt for the one that your dog loves the most.
You need to rub the wipes against the teeth of your pet to remove the plaque. However, what you need to know is that these wipes cannot reach the tiny crannies and nooks that a brush can.
7. Use raw bones
Though cooked bones can splinter and create all types of problems for your pets, raw bones are just perfect and can help clean your dog’s teeth while also satisfying their desire to chew. Make sure to choose a bone keeping in mind the size of your dog.
6. Offer them synthetic bones
It may not be possible for you to give your dog raw bones on a daily basis and in such situation you can offer them synthetic bones that are designed specifically to strengthen your dog’s teeth and gums. When your dogs keep chewing on these bones it will also help remove plaque build-up.
While shopping for such bones opt for a knucklebone or rawhide. These bones are softer and gentle on the teeth of your pet. Never offer them any hard synthetic bones as they may fracture their teeth and also damage their gums.
5. Dental chew treats can work wonders
There are so many different types of dental chew treat available that can be a perfect dog tooth cleaner. These chew treats helps control tartar and plaque on your dog’s teeth and when your pet gnaws on them the process massages their gums and keeps their teeth clean by removing the soft tartar. Also, the chew treats satisfies the natural desire of your pet to chomp, reduces their stress levels, and strengthens their teeth. Your dogs are going to love these treats and you can also use them while training them.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is known as nature’s toothpaste. This oil has antimicrobial properties that not only are good for their dental health, but dogs also love its flavor. What you can do is take any healthy vegetable like carrot, make some holes in it using a knife, drip a little coconut oil into these holes, and then put these carrots in the freezer for about a few minutes. Now serve these cold veggies to your dog. Though this can be a big mess, your dog will have a nice time munching on the carrot and it will clean their teeth at the same time.
3. Bully sticks
At times you would want to give your pet something that would last for a longer time than a dental treat but will be not as messy as a raw bone and will be more fun than a toy. Bully sticks will be your best bet as it is the favorite chew for almost every dog. These tough chews will easily keep your pet occupied for long, will scrape tartar and plaque off their teeth, and satisfy their chewing instinct. Just make sure to be around them when they are chewing on these sticks so that they do not swallow big pieces.
2. Offer them crunchy and dry food
Offering your dog specially created crunchy and dry food may help slow down the formation of tartar and plaque buildup. Soft food may stick to their teeth and cause decay and plaque, but crunchy foods like carrots are good for the teeth of your dogs. You may even buy special dog foods that have been created for good periodontal health. Such foods are made using a particular kibble that offers good mechanical cleansing of dog’s teeth.
1. Professional cleanings are also necessary
Perhaps the best way to ensure your dog enjoys a perfect oral health is to opt for a professional cleaning by your vet. Your vet knows what is right for your dog’s teeth and if they find any problems they will be able to treat it on time. Though this can be a little expensive option compared to the others mentioned in this list it is the best way to ensure perfect dental hygiene.
See also; Top health benefits of living with dogs.
Start following these tips soon after you adopt a puppy. The sooner you begin taking care of your dog’s dental health the easier will it be to avoid problems and thus your little furry baby will always be able to flaunt his perfect and healthy smile and never face any dental issues ever.