Dogs are incredibly hardy creatures, which means they aren’t as prone or sensitive to injuries and sickness as human beings are. That also means they’re less likely to get common dental problems like cavities. Even though many people believe that dogs’ mouths are often cleaner than humans’, it is still possible for dogs to develop plaque buildup, gingivitis, and tartar. In fact, without taking care of your dogs’ teeth, their dental issues can quickly spiral into life-threatening problems and complications like heart and kidney disease.
Dental extractions can often be quite costly, ranging from $10 a tooth to over $1,000 for a molar root canal. To prevent these expenses, make sure to brush their teeth often, bring them to the vet for routine cleanings, and use proper chew bones and chew toys.
The Best Way to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Your dog may be hesitant to go in for tooth brushing at first, so it may take some time to get them accustomed to it. It will be challenging to get your dog to sit still if they haven’t gone out for regular exercise, so choose a time when your dog has spent some energy. That way, they’ll be more likely to stay put as you brush their teeth.
Start slowly, as being aggressive may agitate your dog. Brush certain areas and work your way to the whole mouth after a few sessions, so they get used to the process. You can then increase the time you spend brushing their teeth as they feel more comfortable with it. Be sure to speak in a soothing and pleasant tone as you do so, and reward them with a treat from a holistic pet store after you clean their teeth. They’ll start looking forward to having their teeth brushed when they know there’s a treat for them at the end.
Picking the Right Toothbrush for Your Dog
Many dog owners make the mistake of using human toothpaste for their dogs, but this can be fatal. Most human toothpaste use fluoride as the main ingredient, which is very poisonous to dogs. Instead, check out our many options of toothpaste and dental care products at your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies store.
You can also opt for dog mouthwash, which you can put into their water bowls to minimize plaque and eliminate bacteria. When appropriately diluted in your pet’s water, dog mouthwash is safe. Just make sure that your canine companion doesn’t get the whole bottle, as too much of the solution can be bad for them. Like human toothpaste, never give your dog mouthwashes formulated for humans.
Diet - mixed dry/wet food and chew bones
When your dog is scarfing down their food, the dry kibble can get stuck to their teeth. Another way to improve your dog’s oral health is to mix some wet food with your dog's food, creating a mixture that can help in not getting their food stuck to their teeth. This should make your job of cleaning your dog’s teeth a bit easier, too, and all in all, this will lessen the chances or effects of tooth decay.
Your dog will also benefit from chew bones and chew toys, as many are designed to fortify your dog’s gum and teeth. Don’t opt for just any object you find lying around the house—they can ultimately harm your dog and cause their teeth to break.
At Wags to Wiskers, we have a huge selection of chew toys and bones that are specifically designed to help your dog’s oral health stay in optimum condition, including some that actually clean their teeth as they’re chewed! Reach out to us for any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s dental health and your options moving forward.
Conclusion
Caring for your dog’s teeth is a bit more complicated than caring for a child’s, as you’ll need unique materials to keep them healthy and sparkling clean. However, by following these tips, your furry friend will enjoy healthy, bright teeth for the years to come.
Looking for doggie toothpaste? Head on over to Wags to Wiskers! We are a holistic pet store in Ludington, Chelsea, and Ann Arbor with a wide range of pet supplies and healthy pet food. Whatever your special companion needs, we have it. Contact us today to find out what’s in stock!