Top Tips to Improve Your Dog’s Dental Health

dogs dental health

As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to prioritize your furry friend’s dental health as they can suffer from dental problems such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay, just like humans. One of the most common dental issues many dogs suffer from is periodontal disease. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, “studies show that 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some component of periodontal disease.”

Lack of attention to your dog’s dental health can result in pain, discomfort, and more severe health issues, which can be physically challenging for them to deal with and financially troublesome for you.

The good news is following a few simple steps and regularly caring for your dog’s dental health can ensure their overall well-being and maintain their healthy smile.

dogs dental health

Credit: zavalishina Via Freepik

Practice Regular Brushing

Although brushing a dog’s teeth sometimes can be challenging, it is an important step towards keeping their teeth clean and preventing dental problems. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and specially formulated dog toothpaste.

The trick to brushing your dog’s teeth successfully is gradually starting the process. Let them sniff and lick the toothpaste and slowly put the brush in their mouth to help them get used to it. Gently brush their teeth in circular motions and make it a habit to brush at least two to three times a week. When your dog lets you brush their teeth, reward them with praise or treats to create a positive association with brushing and gently ease them into the process.

Provide Dental-Friendly Chew Toys

It’s no surprise that your dogs are entertained by chew toys, but did you know they can also contribute to their dental health? It’s important to choose chew toys specifically designed to promote oral hygiene. The tags on the toys often indicate if the toy is designed for better dental health and are typically made of rubber or nylon and have textures that help remove plaque and massage the gums.

It’s also essential to choose a chew toy based on your dog’s size, activity level, and preferences. For example, a hard toy can cause tooth fractures in dogs with small teeth, resulting in pain and discomfort. Bigger dogs with stronger teeth may benefit from a harder toy, but the toy should be appropriate to prevent them from swallowing it. Lastly, it’s essential to regularly inspect chew toys for signs of wear and tear and replace them when necessary.

Choose the Right Food

The food your dog consumes contributes to its overall health and plays a significant role in maintaining dental hygiene. For example, kibble might be doing more harm than good to your dog’s dental health as it is heavily processed, fueling inflammation and disease in the body, such as oral issues.

Consider switching to raw food when choosing the right food for your dog’s dental health. Raw food contains natural enzymes that help prevent bacterial plaque buildup, leading to healthier teeth and gums.

You can order raw dog food from Bold By Nature and browse their protein sources selection to find one your furry friend enjoys. Their raw recipes are designed to model the natural prey diet dogs would have eaten in the wild.

To address dental concerns, you can also introduce raw bones to your dog’s diet. Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter when chewed, but raw bones do not pose that risk, reducing the risk of damage to the tissues in the intestinal tract. So, raw bones may support your dog’s dental health, as the mechanical action of chewing on bones helps remove plaque and tartar buildup from their teeth. The abrasive texture of bones may also help scrape away debris, food particles, and bacteria, potentially promoting cleaner and healthier teeth. But it’s important to choose a raw bone large enough to prevent choking hazards and supervision is crucial to ensure safe chewing.

Offer Dental Treats and Bones

Dental treats and bones can be a valuable addition to your dog’s oral health routine, as these treats are designed to be harder and require more chewing, which aids in removing debris from the teeth. Look for specially formulated treats to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and be mindful of the size and ingredients of dental treats to ensure they are safe and suitable for your dog.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *