Looking After Your Dog's Dental Health: A Guide for Owners
Your dog is your beloved best friend that provides you with valuable companionship. This pet is a part of your family, which is why taking care of its dental health is important. Fortunately, it is less prone to cavities than humans, but it can still develop various dental problems, such as gingivitis, bad breath, yellow teeth, plaque buildup, and tartar. When left untreated, these canine dental issues can lead to costly dental extractions or life-threatening infections in the kidney, liver, and heart.
Besides proper pet grooming, the best way to protect your precious four-legged pal’s health and save you the hassle of shelling out lots of money is to practice healthy dental habits. These include brushing your pet’s teeth regularly, feeding it dry dog food, letting it use chew bones and toys, and taking it for routine dental checkups. Use this article as your guide to improve your dog’s dental health.
How Do I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
Head to the nearest pet supply store and buy a high-quality canine toothbrush. Choose a double-headed one, and place it at a 45-degree angle to clean below your dog’s gum line.
Your pet might not like brushing teeth at first, but you can help your dog get comfortable with the experience by starting early and working with your furry friend as a puppy. Start slowly and make sure to quit right away if it gets agitated.
Eventually, increase the brushing time every day as it gets used to tooth brushing. Don’t forget to reward it with a treat to make it look forward to every tooth brushing session.
Why Should I Opt for Dry Food for My Dog?
Another way to improve your dog’s oral health is to go for dry food rather than soft food. Crunchy treats are better for your pet’s teeth because soft food can stick to your furry friend’s teeth, which can cause decay and other dental problems.
Feel free to swing by your local pet store in Bentonville for assistance in finding the right dog treats for your furry family! We have plenty of brands in stock, including Stella & Chewy's, Primal, Nulo, Fromm, and many, many more!
How Can Chew Bones and Toys Help My Dog’s Teeth?
Chew toys and synthetic bones are specially designed to strengthen your dog’s gums and teeth and help eliminate plaque buildup. When looking for those, avoid bones and toys made of tough materials to avoid broken teeth.
Here at EarthWise Pet Bentonville, we recommend brands like Etta Says, or Earth Animal No-Hides - these delicious treats (for dogs!) will strengthen their teeth and gums while also providing enough nutritional value so it's not quite junk food.
We also carry a wide variety of dog toys that can help scrape plaque and tartar off your dog's teeth. If you're looking for some of these tougher, dental-focused toys, ask us! We'd be happy to show you a few that we feel would be a good fit for your pup.
How Often Should I Let My Dog Receive Routine Dental Cleanings?
Ensure your dog’s optimal health by letting it enjoy a thorough, deep clean performed by a veterinarian. Vets polish your pet’s teeth, gum line, removing plaque. A good rule of thumb is to take your pup for a routine dental checkup at least every six months to a year, depending on its size.
If you don't want to do it yourself, reach out to your local dog groomers here at EarthWise! We would be happy to include a tooth cleaning with your next grooming appointment to make sure that your canine's canines are looking good.
What Are Some Dental Problem Symptoms I Should Look Out For?
As a pet owner, you must be responsible for checking for any signs of dental problems. Here are some signs you need to take your dog to the vet right away:
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Broken, discolored, misaligned, or missing teeth
- Red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums
- Change in eating or dog chewing habits
Conclusion
Your dog’s dental issues can harm its health and hurt your budget. The best way to prevent them is to remember and follow the dental health care tips mentioned in this guide. With proper maintenance, you can avoid costly dental procedures and painful vet visits down the road.
If you’re looking for a pet store in Bentonville that offers dental care products, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Earthwise Pet, we have various foods, treats, and supplies for your dog. Shop now!