A 5 Step Regimen to Help Improve Your Dog's Oral Health
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All dogs great and small will need their teeth cleaned. However, all dogs great and small may not enjoy the teeth cleaning process. This in turn leads to owners putting down the toothbrush and walking away.
Unfortunately, giving in to your dog on this particular issue can have negative side effects. In fact, poor oral hygiene can have a myriad of effects on your dog’s overall health. These effects range from kidney and liver issues to heart damage.
Luckily, the invention of new animal products, toys and chews means that it is easier than ever before to look after your dog’s oral hygiene. All it takes is owners creating and then sticking to a simple oral health care regimen.
5 tips to improve your dog’s dental hygiene
While brushing a dog’s teeth is the most effective way to ensure good oral hygiene, it is often the hardest possible avenue. This is because very few dogs actually enjoy the feeling of being grabbed by the mouth and having their teeth brushed.
With this in mind, it’s no wonder that dental/periodontal diseases are the most common health conditions facing pets. In fact, 80% experience some level of dental/periodontal disease by three years old.
Even if your dog hates having their teeth brushed, you don’t have to worry. Gum disease and other associated illnesses aren't inevitable. In fact, there is a whole regimen that can be implemented to ensure that your dog’s teeth remain clean and their breath smells fresh.
Get a dental check-up
When looking to improve your dog’s oral health, the first step is to visit a vet. This is because a vet will be able to accurately assess your dog’s teeth.Spotting any current problems as well as things that may have the potential to cause issues in the future.
Vets will also be able to outline the best course of action, detailing specific foods or treats that can be used. It’s also worth mentioning that dogs should get their teeth professionally cleaned once a year. Therefore, visiting the vet is an excellent starting point.
Use teeth gel
There are many positives to using teeth gel. On one hand, teeth gel can be easily applied to your dog’s teeth daily in order to promote healthy teeth and gums, all the while fighting bad breath.
On the other hand, flavoured teeth gel provides a tasty alternative to plain toothpaste for dogs. Featuring flavours like peanut butter and chicken with vegetables, using this gel on dogs actively entices them to have their teeth cleaned.
Offer dental treats
A successful oral health regimen involves many facets other than simply brushing. In fact, dental treats for dogs are very beneficial. By being offered a chew toy, dogs have to take the time to chew their food.
This results in dogs actually using their mechanical chewing motion rather than gulping down food. This is so beneficial because when a dog chews dental treats, their mechanical chewing motion is known to assist the dental treats in cleaning off plaque and tartar.
Provide dental toys
The invention of new products means that you can help improve your dog’s oral hygiene through a diverse set of ways. Products like dental toys mean that, even when you aren’t home, you’re doing everything in your power to ensure your dog’s teeth are healthy.
Available in a range of different shapes, sizes and styles, dental toys can help keep your dog’s breath quite fresh. Dental chew toys can also help keep your dog mentally stimulated during the course of the day which is an added bonus for busy owners.
Choose dental care branded food
There are a range of different dog foods on the market that are designed to deal with everything from weight management and gastrointestinal issues to skin support and dental problems.
Specially designed to scrub dog’s teeth as they chew and freshen breath, dental care food is a great tool in the fight against poor oral hygiene. By feeding your dog dental food, you are ensuring that plaque doesn’t have the chance to turn into dangerous tartar.
Ensuring your dog’s oral hygiene
All owners want the best for their dogs. However, over the years, caring for dogs’ dental hygiene has turned into an uphill battle. Yet neglecting oral hygiene can have serious effects on dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Luckily, the idea that caring for a dog’s oral hygiene is too hard is just a misconception. In fact, with the invention of new food ranges, chew toys and dental treats, caring for a dog’s oral health is easier than ever before.
Rather than simply relying on brushing teeth- an activity that every dog hates- good oral hygiene can be achieved through a well-rounded regimen. By providing your dog with an oral health regimen, your dog’s oral hygiene is being cared for every day, in multiple ways.