We all make significant efforts to ensure the well-being and health of our pets. When they reach three years old, the average is four out of five animals are diagnosed with any kind of dental disease. Pet owners who are generally concerned about their pets’ health tend to ignore or disregard the issue of their pet’s health.
The dental health of your pet’s teeth and gums is vital for their overall health. Along with the teeth, jawbones, and the tongue, gingiva and oral mucosa also form an integral part of your oral cavity. The liver, kidneys and the heart could all be negatively affected by periodontal diseases.
Oral Health Maintenance
Dental hygiene is crucial as an integral part of your pet’s overall health and grooming. A good dental hygiene routine can aid in avoiding oral cancer, heart disease, and other issues such as bad breath and tooth loss as we age. Pet owners concerned about their pet’s dental health might find these suggestions helpful.
1. Right Brushing Tool
Cleaning your dog’s teeth every week at least is an ideal rule of thumb; however, it’s better to do it each throughout the day. A pet-safe toothpaste and a toothbrush are all you need to clean your dog’s teeth. Dog-friendly toothbrushes are available in a variety of styles. Your dog will be more relaxed if you select the right brush.
The most common choice is a standard brush with an extra-large handle for dogs. Another well-liked option is the finger brush. It’s a small rubber cap that fits over your finger and features bristles on the tips. For dogs with large jaws, choose the first option, and smaller dogs should choose the second.
2. Dental Chews and Treats
You can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy between cleanings by providing him with various dog chews and chewable treats. Any chew that lasts for a long time, like bully sticks or chicken jerky, can help remove plaque from the teeth.
It is possible to reduce your dog’s calorie lower with a nylon bone or a chew toy made of rubber. If your pet suffers from dental issues like dog tartar buildup, your vet might suggest a specific kibble designed for dental health.
3. Annual Dental Cleaning
Many veterinarians offer in-office dental cleanings that require general anesthesia for dogs, followed by a thorough cleaning to remove plaque accumulation. It can be expensive; however, it’s an investment for your pet’s overall dental health, which will pay dividends in the end.
At this time, the vet can spot any issues you haven’t noticed while taking care of your pet. If needed, x-rays can be taken during these visits to assess the patient’s dental health more thoroughly.
If your pet needs surgical procedures to address the dental problem, you can search the net and type in “vet surgeon near me” in your tab for the best results available in your area.
4. Start Young
There is a greater chance of getting your pet accustomed to taking care of their teeth as they get older if you begin them earlier. Put toothpaste on a brush to cleanse your puppy’s teeth while they bite and nip.
As time passes, you’ll be able to regulate the dog’s movements by brushing his teeth with your fingers. Once your dog is accustomed to this habit, you’ll no longer have to stop brushing their teeth until they age.
If your pet needs emergency dental or veterinary care, you can click here and get in touch with an emergency vet specialist for their veterinary services.
5. Know Signs of Dental Disease
If you’re aware of the signs of canine dental disease, it will be easier to identify it in the early stages and effectively treat it. The symptoms of the oral illness include bleeding gums, bad breath, difficulty chewing, and excessive drooling.
Other signs include a shift in how your dog eats, their face on the floor or pawing their face often, and brown or yellowish stains on their teeth and gums that are red and inflamed. While brushing your dog’s teeth, be sure to look for any signs of dental disease so that you can intervene before the condition gets worse.
