Ideally, dog’s teeth should be white and clean with pink gums without bad breath – this can be maintained from thorough cleaning. Dog’s teeth should be brushed frequently to prevent the build up of food and bacteria which can lead to plaque and gum problems, such as gum irritation and infections. But sometimes it can be difficult to determine how. If the teeth show brown build up or the gum is either white or red you should see a vet, not all dental problems are stopped with regular cleaning. Other symptoms include drooling, difficulty eating, loose teeth and a lack of appetite.
Start a Routine
Try to establish a teeth cleaning routine at least once a week if you can’t do it after every meal. Start by wrapping a piece of gauze around your index finger, get it wet and dab it in something like baking soda or dog toothpaste. With this you should gently rub it on the dog’s teeth, doing parts of the mouth initially until the dog is use to it and the teeth can be cleaned in just minutes. Its important to use dog toothpaste for this as human toothpaste is toxic and a dog toothbrush can be used instead of a finger or even a dog tooth wipe – however they’re not as effective as using a brush or a finger cleaner.
Alternatively, a powder such as PlaqueOff can be sprinkled on food and can help promote dental health without having to try and put a finger or a brush in a dog’s mouth.
Dental Treats
Its not as effective as brushing, but treats specifically designed to promote oral health with help maintain healthy teeth and gums. They’re normally aimed to remove plaque buildup and often contains ingredients that cleans dog’s mouths as well as freshen their breath whilst coming in a variety of forms.
Avoiding snacks that cause build up can also help and giving carrots, apple slices or a chunk of pumpkin are treats that dogs normally enjoy and will also help scrape other food off their teeth whilst the dog chews – but its important to never feed more than 10% of their overall daily calorie intake. Alternatively, dried meats can also help keep teeth clean.
No matter the kind, the act of chewing benefits a dog’s oral health – especially all-natural treats made from meat which contain enzymes that help promote dental health. These include chews such as cow ears, bully sticks, raw bones and chicken strips, amongst others.
Chew Toys
Hard rubber or nylon chew toys are also both effective at scraping and cleaning teeth after each meal, as well as giving them a chance to play. Scented versions are also available to help keep their breath fresh, such as chocolate, chicken and cheese. However, they shouldn’t have them for extended periods of time as they’re only to freshen their teeth and any longer could cause risk to the dog. Due attention should also be paid by the owners when the dogs use the chew toys to prevent any risk of accident.
Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaning is the best way to ensure a dog’s oral health is being maintained and any issues can be addressed effectively, although its the most expensive method. Even a routine check-up can help prevent any problems from occurring.
Team Shanklinpets