Did you know that most dogs start showing the signs of canine periodontal disease (periodontitis) by the age of 3? The primary cause of periodontitis is poor oral hygiene. If not treated on time, it could lead to inflammation, painful gum infections, and bone loss.
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), poor oral health can also lead to cardiopulmonary diseases like endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valve).
Fortunately, with the proper dental health care measures, you can protect your fur buddy from periodontitis and other health issues. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the measures.
Regular Brushing Their Teeth
Generally, dogs are not very fond of brushing their teeth. However, it is essential for their health as regular brushing will help prevent plaque buildup, thus eliminating the chances of periodontitis. Although, you might need to train your pet to have their teeth brushed. Also, make sure to get a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for the dogs. It is because the ingredients present in human toothpaste are harmful to them.
Note: Dogs need not brush their teeth every day. Nonetheless, it is for their own well-being, so you must keep a proper schedule for brushing.
Give Them Something To Chew On
Chewing is the natural instinct of dogs. That’s why you might find them chewing the things that are not meant to be eaten. However, the act of chewing is actually good for your furry friend. It helps in relieving pain caused by new teeth and also helps in cleaning their teeth and gums.
Therefore, you should give them all-natural chews made of beef or meat. Usually, chews such as bully sticks, jerky, or yak chews are considered very healthy. Moreover, these chews are very delicious and digestible. So you don’t need to worry about your dog getting an upset tummy.
Pay Attention To Their Diet
A healthy and well-balanced diet is not only good for the physical health of the dogs but also plays a vital role in oral hygiene. Make sure that the diet is a mixture of both wet and dry food and includes ingredients that freshen breath. A proper combination will help control plaque and tartar. Besides that, your furry friend will also love good and nutritious food to help clean the mouth. So, you should consult your vet to create a good diet.
Visit Your Veterinarian
Lastly, you should visit your veterinarian regularly for a dental checkup. It will help find any underlying dental disease, such as red and swollen gums or yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth. Thus, you can take timely action and prevent your dog from chronic pain. Furthermore, the vet can also perform a professional dental cleaning to ensure clean and healthy teeth.
The Bottom Line
It is obvious that you don’t want your furry friend to get sick or be in any kind of pain. You can ensure that by providing them healthy food and regular checkup. As soon as you notice a weird change in their behavior, especially in their eating habits, take them to the veterinarian.
photo cred: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-short-coated-dog-wearing-pink-hair-cap-4588019/
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