Most dog owners know that a dog’s dental health is important. But what’s the real deal? Do you need to brush your pup’s teeth as often as your own? What if you don’t? What are some other ways to attend to their dental health?
If you’ve asked yourself these questions, read on for the answers.
Why is it important to brush your dog’s teeth?
The answer to this question is pretty much the same as why it’s important to brush our teeth. If you don’t, plaque can build up. This can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. What’s worse, it can cause infections that can spread and actually be life-threatening.
How often should you brush your dog’s teeth?
Ideally, you’d brush your dog’s teeth daily! But if that sounds incredibly daunting to you, you’re not alone. With a job, family and other responsibilities, it’s understandable if daily brushing feels impossible. Could you commit to brushing three times a week? If so, that could make a huge difference to their dental and overall health.
How do you brush a dog’s teeth?
If you’ve never done it before, you might be wondering how it’s done. Well, it’s not as hard as it may seem.
- Get a toothbrush and toothpaste made especially for dogs.
- When your dog is relaxed, kneel or sit in front of them.
- Let them taste the toothpaste first (it comes in dog-friendly flavors).
- Lift their upper lip and give brushing a try – hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and focus on the gum line.
- Move the brush in circles as you cover all sides of the teeth.
- Aim for a 2-minute session and cover as much ground as you can. It may be a process to get them used to the routine.
- Remember to stay positive and encouraging throughout the process.
- Give them a lot of love and a treat after you’re done.
Do dental chews work?
You’ve surely seen dental health dog treats and you may have wondered if they really do anything or are just a marketing gimmick. Good news – they can help decrease plaque. But they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for brushing, just a supplement.
Do dogs still need professional cleanings?
Yep! Even if you brush your dog’s teeth regularly, they should still get oral exams and cleanings from your veterinarian. Think of it this way – does brushing and flossing your teeth mean you don’t need to go to the dentist anymore? No way! Most dogs should get cleanings at the vet once a year.
The fact is all dogs are different when it comes to dental health. So at your next vet appointment, be sure to inquire about your dog’s oral health and ask for any recommendations that could help keep your pup’s smile healthy for a long time to come.
