Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean

Everyone knows the importance of good oral health, but did you know that it is just as important for your dog too? Poor oral hygiene can cause serious disorders of the liver, kidneys, and heart muscle. The American Veterinary Medical Association revealed that 80 percent of most dogs in the U.S. start developing periodontal disease before they turn three years old. 

Importance of Canine Oral Health 

It is imperative that you start practicing good dental care for Fido to ensure that your furry buddy lives a healthy life. Luckily, you have a lot of options when it comes to maintaining your dog’s pearly whites. 

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Your dog’s teeth will benefit from brushing. Ideally, you should brush teeth once a day but if you can't keep up with such a schedule then at least once a week is important. You’ll be amazed how quickly your dog learns to tolerate and even enjoy the brushing. You can purchase specially-designed canine toothpaste in flavors they will love. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog because it contains ingredients such xylitol and fluoride which are toxic to animals.

Oral Canine Sprays

Many pet owners turn to oral canine sprays to improve their furry buddy’s breath. They are safe for pets and designed to kill plaque causing bacteria which also lead to bad breath. Ideally, you should use the oral canine sprays between brushings as part of your pet’s dental care routine. 

Dental Chews

Dental chews are a great way to satisfy your dog’s urge to chew while cleaning their teeth. Dental chews are available in all sizes and textures. Many are made from potato starches or other easy to digest ingredients. Always look for brands that contain no artificial ingredients. The chew helps to break away plaque buildup and remove tartar. Simply spritz both the teeth and gums of the dog to control odor and maintain health. 

Dog Toys

Did you know dog toys are not just for fun? Some of them serve valuable purposes such as cleaning our dog’s teeth. The Doggykingdom Tooth Cleaning Chew Dog Ball & Toy is made of non-toxic material. Extra tough, the rubber ball is bite resistant and excellent for cleaning teeth. 

Your pooch will love grinding on the ball’s surface, especially after you add treats in the ball’s grooves. Fido will be in heaven for hours as he works on the ball to extract the treats. The rough surface will clean his teeth and stimulate his gums. 

The toy is also great to keep your dog guessing and improve his IQ. It can prove a valuable training aid.

Professional Cleanings

You’ll want to consult with your veterinarian to set up a regular schedule of professional cleanings to maintain Fido’s oral health. Many veterinarians recommend yearly cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. During the cleaning process, most veterinarians will take x rays and perform a thorough examination to catch potential problems early before they cause your dog any discomfort. 

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is just one of many aspects of responsible pet ownership. It should not be overlooked.