Taking a Look at Dental Hygiene for Dogs

The good news when it comes to dental doggy hygiene is that they aren’t as prone to tooth decay as us humans, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of their teeth. Dogs can still develop problems if you don’t look after their teeth, and it is not just bad breath and discoloured teeth you have to worry about. As with humans, poor dental hygiene can lead to other issues, problems that go beyond their mouth.

Brushing Their Teeth

Dog teeth care is extremely important, and you should take steps to learn how to brush your dogs’ teeth. The best way to do this is to buy a good toothbrush that allows you to brush at a 45-degree angle, once you acquired the right equipment, you’ll need a specific plan of action.

You’ll find that most canines won’t allow you to brush their teeth at first, but you must be persistent to ensure they get used to the process. The best time to attempt the procedure is when your dog is tired and less inclined to move around. After they’ve finished their daily walk, sit them down in a quiet area and brush their teeth. If they become agitated and they won’t allow you to finish brushing, stop the process and try another day.

Start Early

Like any form of dog training, starting early is always better than beginning late. The best time to make your dog comfortable with brushing their teeth is when they are a pup. As the dog develops, they learn to become relaxed when you clean their teeth.

Cleaning Products

Many pet owners think they can use any kind of toothpaste on their dogs’ teeth, but this isn’t true. You cannot use regular toothpaste which is designed for use on human teeth. You’ll find that most human toothpaste contains fluoride; this substance is harmful to dogs. You’ll find the right toothpaste in pet stores which is made for your dog.

Other Options

If your dog just won’t take to brushing their teeth, there are other ways to make their teeth and gums healthier. Dry food is better for your dog’s dental hygiene as it is less likely to get stuck in between their teeth.

Visiting the Vet

Some pet insurance companies provide policies that allow you to visit the vet for dental treatment. To ensure your dog is healthy, you should look inside their mouth at least once every 2 weeks to check for any issues. If you examine their mouth and find any of these problems, you should visit a vet.

  • Bad breath or bumps within the mouth
  • Pawing at the face
  • Broke or misaligned teeth
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Excessive drooling

Even with healthy teeth, you should have your dog’s mouth checked by a professional at least every 6 months. Having pet insurance is a great way to ensure you are prepared if your dog needs medical treatment. Proper maintenance ensures your dog won’t have to visit the vet on a regular basis, providing them with excellent dental health.