February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Why clean your dogs teeth:

Dog dental care is often overlooked by pet owners, but it is a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental diseases such as gum infections, tooth decay, and bad breath. If left untreated, these issues can lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease and kidney damage. To ensure good oral hygiene for your furry friend, it’s important to establish a regular dental care routine.

For dogs that are prone to dental disease or have had previous dental health issues, providing more than one type of at-home dental care is essential. Regular visits to the vet for professional cleanings should be supplemented with daily brushing of your dog’s teeth using pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically designed for dogs. Additionally, there are various chew toys available that promote better oral health by removing plaque and tartar buildup while keeping your dog entertained. Other options include dental wipes or rinses that help control bacteria in the mouth. By incorporating multiple methods of at-home dental care, you can greatly improve your dog’s oral hygiene and reduce the risk of dental diseases.

Key Points to Prevent Dental Disease:

1.Daily Tooth Brushing:

To establish a tooth brushing routine for your dog, start at a young age. Utilise a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs. Approach the task with gentleness and patience, as your dog may require time to adapt to the routine.

Take a look at Dr Bob, Blue Pets resident Vet on how to brush your dogs teeth.

If you’re struggling to brush your dogs teeth you can reduce plaque by adding different water additives available for dogs, and they all work about the same. Based on the directions on the bottle, you will add a certain amount of the water additive to your dog’s water bowl daily. The solution helps freshen your dog’s breath and kills plaque-building bacteria in your dog’s mouth.

2. Appropriate Dental Chews:

GoSmile dental chews are an excellent addition to your dog’s dental care routine. These chews are designed to promote oral health, reduce plaque, and freshen breath. Make sure to choose dental chews that are not harder than your dog’s teeth and can be marked with a fingernail.

3.Probiotics And Prebiotics

Probiotics provide oral health benefits when you give them orally or apply them directly onto your dog’s gums, especially when using multiple strains of bacteria. This direct action allows these beneficial bacteria to form colonies to create a healthier biofilm in the mouth. (Biofilm is a community of microorganisms like bacteria that form a slimy or sticky layer on surfaces – like plaque on teeth. Biofilm protects the microorganisms and makes them harder to eliminate.)

4. Routine Dental Checks:

It is recommended to schedule regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian or dental specialist to allow for professional assessments and proper dental care.

5. Avoid Groomer Dentistry:

It is advised not seek dental work at groomers, as their methods may not effectively clean below the gum line or reach all areas of the teeth. This can be misleading, as the visible surface of the teeth may appear clean, but dental disease can still occur and cause damage. This can also affect the surrounding tissues, including the gums.