How to Manage Your Dog’s Dental Health?

As humans, we prioritize our wellbeing by addressing all the key aspects. of our health. When we have pets at home, we think that taking them for walks, teaching them to potty, providing good food, and grooming them periodically is sufficient.

But have we considered their dental health?

Oral hygiene is integral to your pet’s well-being, and ignoring it means ignoring an essential aspect.

Let's discuss how you can effectively manage your dog’s dental health.

Why is It Necessary to Care For Your Dog’s Teeth?

Dental care for dogs isn’t as different from that of humans. However, unlike people, dogs can’t floss, brush, or rinse independently. Therefore, as their pet parent, you must understand this concern and help your dogs have healthy teeth for life.

Here are a few symptoms that indicate it's time to take your dog's dental health seriously:

• Bad breath
• Mouth pain or discomfort
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Retained baby teeth or additional teeth
• Teeth with tartar buildup or discoloration
• Food dripping from the mouth or drooling
• Swelling in the vicinity of the mouth

If your pet exhibits any of these dental problems, it's time to take steps to improve their dental health.

Let's discuss some health tips that can help improve your dog’s oral hygiene.

Tips For Taking Care of Your Pet's Dental Health

• Brush Your Dog’s Teeth with Dog Toothpaste:

Some canines enjoy having their teeth brushed simply because canine toothpaste is often flavored to appeal to a dog's taste buds. The three most popular tastes are peanut butter, steak, and chicken. When choosing a toothpaste flavor, exercise caution if your dog has a food sensitivity. You can use a standard human toothbrush for large dogs. A fingertip brush or a baby toothbrush are the finest options for little dogs.

• Use Dog Tooth Wipes:

If your dog doesn't like to get their teeth brushed regularly, you can switch to dog dental wipes. These tooth wipes are designed to be rubbed on your dog’s teeth to help take plaque off. They are like toothbrushes but cannot reach those small nooks and crannies a brush can. Still, they are a great way to clean your pet’s teeth and are often easier to manage than a toothbrush with toothpaste.

• Add Supplements to Your Dog’s Diet:

Calcium is a vital component of tooth enamel, the hard outer layer that shields your dog's teeth from decay and damage. Although calcium is primarily linked to strong bones, it also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy teeth. Dog calcium syrups are made to help your pet maintain optimal oral health, but before you add any supplements, speak with your veterinarian.

• Dog Dental Health Treats:

Dog dental health treats are an excellent addition to your canine companion’s dental care routine. They are specially formulated to minimize plaque-causing bacteria that are stimulated by your dog's crunching and chewing motions. As a side advantage, your dog's jaw muscles strengthen. Dog dental treats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including chews, crunchy bits, sticks, and so on. It's essential to choose the appropriate size for your dog.

• Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings:

Your dog’s teeth will eventually develop tartar, just like our own, regardless of how much dental care you provide them at home.  Our teeth still require periodic cleanings by a dentist, even if we brush them every day. For dogs, the same holds true. Your veterinarian will advise a dental cleaning (also known as dental prophylaxis) when your dog's mouth has enough tartar and gingivitis. For a veterinarian to thoroughly remove all of the tartar from your dog's teeth and the layer of tartar behind the gum line, your dog will need to be put under general anesthesia.

Thus, these are some dog dental health tips that all pet owners must consider and implement.

The Takeaway

Most pet owners often put much stress on thinking about how they would take care of their pets, but it's not necessary. Instead of getting anxious and getting panicked when you see your pooch friend in trouble, you must follow the above-mentioned tips and talk with your veterinarian for the dental-specific diets they recommend.

Additionally, adding a dog calcium supplement can strengthen their bones and teeth. So, make a wise decision and follow an oral hygiene regimen to improve their dental health.