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How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth – Dental Care Tip for Your Dog
Taking Care of Your Dog’s Teeth – Your dog is a special part of your family. He provides companionship and love without asking for much in return. And of course you want your take to be in your life for as long as possible, so keeping him healthy is important.
But the one thing most people forget about is taking care of their dogs their teeth. Rotten teeth and gum disease are a crucial part of a dog’s overall wellness. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious life-threatening conditions including kidney, liver, and heart muscle damage.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs show signs of canine periodontal disease as early as age three.
So whether you have a new puppy, adult rescue or senior dog it’s imperative to have good dental habits so you can care for the gums and teeth of your canine.
We know that wild dogs keep their teeth free from plaque because they chew on raw bones, which are a natural scraper of the plaque that also helps to remove any soft meat that may get stuck in their teeth that would normally cause bacteria to grow rapidly.
Dental Care to Remove Bacteria and Bad Breath
You need to remember that your dog isn’t like a wild animal – he needs your help from the bacteria that causes bad breath and other problems. If your dog generally eats soft canned food or small chunks they won’t provide him much for natural teeth care like the raw bones that wild dogs chew on.
Raw Butcher Bones Help to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
Most dogs enjoy raw bones. They are a treat as well as a way to care for your dog’s dental health. Give him raw bones regularly – at least a couple of times a week. This is one way to scrape of plaque and debris that may get caught in hos teeth.
It doesn’t have to be your soup bone – it can be a rawhide bone you can find in your local pet store. They’ll instinctively chew on the bone and the plaque can easily be scraped off and any soft meat that may be stuck between their teeth will get loosened up before any problems can occur.
Clean Your Dog’s Teeth with Tooth Brushes and Toothpaste
If the bone isn’t working, or if they just aren’t interested in chewing on bones, then you should take his mouth care into your own hands. Clean his teeth with a brush and toothpaste. Don’t give him the same toothbrush and toothpaste that you would use.
You can find special brushes and toothpaste for your dog at the local pet store. Brushing them daily is preferred, but if it’s not feasible, then brush them at least 3-4 times weekly.
Scrub the teeth well and massage the gums also to provide for good circulation within his gums.
Hard Food May Help With Your Dog’s Dental Care
Get rid of any food that gets stuck in his teeth. The hard, dry food is always better than soft food when it comes to cleaning his teeth.
It’s not a substitute for proper cleaning but it does help to some degree. So make sure he gets to ingest dry food as well as soft, canned versions. Even dog biscuits can help since they’re hard and dry and can help remove any plaque.
Veterinary Dental Check Up
Have the vet inspect his mouth and teeth every time you take your dog in for a checkup. They can spot anything that you may have missed and they can offer advice on how to clean the teeth better or what foods you could give to your dog to naturally help clean the teeth and keep bacteria at bay.
Concluding Care of Your Dog’s Teeth
It’s better to treat your dogs teeth before things get out of hand. And it will get less expensive for your pocketbook if you take preventative measures early on. Get some good dog chews, a dog toothbrush and toothpaste and make sure that caring for your dogs teeth is part of his annual vet check.