5 easy ways to keep your dog's teeth clean
Your dog is a member of the family, and you want to make sure he's healthy. One of the best ways to keep your dog healthy is to take care of his teeth. After all, dogs don't brush their own teeth—it's up to us as pet owners! Here are five simple ways that you can keep your pup's mouth clean and healthy:
Try dental spray.
Dental spray is a great alternative to brushing. Although it's not quite as thorough as an actual toothbrush, it still gets the job done. Dogs love the taste of this spray and will lick their teeth after you spray them. The peppermint-scented formula has chlorhexidine gluconate, which kills bacteria on contact and leaves your dog's breath smelling fresh and clean.
If you're looking for a way to get rid of bad breath in your pup without having to brush his or her teeth every day (or multiple times per day), dental spray is a great option!
Brush your dog's teeth.
The simple answer to how often you should brush your dog's teeth is "daily." Brushing your dog's teeth doesn't have to be a chore, but it does require some time and effort. This is why you should train your dog from an early age that it's OK for you to touch their mouth. Start by doing something gentle like placing a finger in the corner of their mouth and encouraging them to lick at it with their tongue, or gently rubbing the back of their tongue with one finger.
When you do begin brushing regularly, start out by using toothpaste specifically made for dogs—this will help prevent any stomach upset from the fluoride content in human toothpaste. Also make sure that whatever type of toothbrush or paste you choose has been approved by veterinary professionals as safe for use on animals (the American Veterinary Dental Society publishes lists of approved products).
The first few times you brush your dog's teeth they'll likely fight back; don't be discouraged! You're asking them to trust a new person (you) in this strange situation where they won't get rewarded right away—they may think they're being punished!
Give your dog a clean toy to chew on.
When it comes to toys, you want your pooch to have something that will last. You'll also want the toy to be made of a material that can be cleaned and won't cause them any harm if they chew on it. A good rule of thumb is that if you can fit your dog's mouth around the toy, it's probably too small.
A safe option is something like a Kong Wobbler or Goughnuts Indestructible Chew Toy (which comes in a variety of flavors). These are both made from non-toxic materials and are designed for aggressive chewers!
Try dental chews and treats.
There are a variety of dental chews and treats that your dog can enjoy, but it’s important to make sure the treat is not too hard and sized appropriately for your dog's mouth. If a treat is too big, it might break off and form sharp edges that could cut their gums or cause an infection. Likewise, if you give them something too hard to chew on, their teeth will be more likely to become damaged. The best option is usually something soft enough for them to bite into without breaking tooth enamel but strong enough so it won't fall apart in their mouths as they eat it
Visit your vet for regular checkups.
Get in the habit of visiting your vet for regular checkups. While it may seem unnecessary to visit the veterinarian once or twice a year, these checkups are vital to maintaining your dog's health. The vet will perform a physical exam on your dog and perform any necessary tests, like blood work or X-rays. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about any concerns you might have about your pet's oral hygiene (or lack thereof). If something does come up, don't be afraid to bring it up at this time—a simple cleaning could prevent bigger problems down the road!
You can keep your dog's mouth healthy with just a few simple steps!
To keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy, it's important to brush them regularly. It's recommended that you brush at least two to three times per week. You can also use a dog toothbrush or even a human one!
When brushing your dog's teeth, be sure to go gently and remember that they are not used to having something in their mouths all the time.
Conclusion
A clean mouth is a happy mouth! By following these simple steps, you can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Remember that it’s never too late to start caring for your pet’s health.