Believe it or not, just as we need to take care of our own teeth, we need to do the same for our dogs as well. Like humans, our friendly furry friends are also susceptible to health issues from poor oral care including those that affect the kidneys, liver, and heart. Below, we break down what you need to do for dog dental cleaning to ensure their smiles are just as healthy as yours.
Dog Dental Cleaning: Use Dog-Friendly Toothpaste
Your dog might not be too jazzed about having to brush their teeth, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep their teeth healthy and strong. While you can get away with brushing their teeth once a week, it’s ideal to do it daily for them so they always stay healthy. It may take a little for your dog to get used to you brushing their teeth, so be patient, but persistent.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase dog-friendly toothpaste and toothbrushes. Both the chemicals we use in our toothpaste are toxic and the type of toothbrushes we use as humans aren’t suitable for dogs.
Dog Dental Sprays Can Be Used in a Pinch
If your dog isn’t patient enough or won’t let you near their mouth for long, dog dental sprays can also be a good solution to use regularly. As is in the name, these are small spray bottles that not only help with bad breath but also can be used to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup in your loyal companion. If need be, some can even be sprayed on your pet’s toys so that they can lick them off from there and still get the benefits.
Give Them Dog Dental Chews
If your dog won’t let you near their mouth, dog dental chews are a great way of getting around that issue. Designed to keep your dog’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape, these chews come in many different shapes and sizes for dogs big and small. Some even feature ridges and nubs that dig into crevices between a dog’s teeth to encourage blood flow through the gums. However, it’s a good idea to supervise your dog while they’re eating one to ensure they don’t choke on any part of them.
Chew Toys Are a Great Way to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth in Shape
Obviously, chew toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained, but they can also help with their oral care. While they aren’t a substitute by any means for dog toothpaste, sprays, or chews, they are excellent supplemental pieces that can support the strength and care of your dog’s teeth. Plus, chewing is the natural way for dogs to clean their teeth as the constant gnawing scrapes plaque off of their teeth.
Stay on Top of Any Dog Dental Issues With Regular Vet Check-ups
Finally, regular check-ins at a Kelowna veterinarian ensure that even if you’re doing the proper dog dental care any underlying issues or problems are caught early enough to act on. If there are any dental issues, veterinarians are equipped to handle taking care of them and putting your dog’s oral health back on track.