As a dog owner, part of taking care of your dog is ensuring that they have good oral health. There are many diseases and problems that your dog could develop if their oral health isn't prioritised.
In this article, we will answer the question; “how can I improve my dog’s oral health”?
When is Dog Oral Care Needed?
It is important to constantly check your dog to ensure their oral health isn't declining. This can be done by performing a weekly inspection of their mouth. Specifically, check their gum health as this will indicate whether or not there is an infection. Ensure that their gums are pink and not white or red. You can also check for any swelling that might occur.
Even though a dog's breath is almost never a pleasant smell, it shouldn't be overwhelmingly pungent. Dog breath that smells really bad could potentially indicate decaying teeth or, in some cases, periodontal disease.
Even though dogs don't often show pain there can be some signs to watch out for. If your dog becomes lethargic, isn't eating, and becomes uncharacteristically irritable it could be a sign of dental issues.
How Can I Clean My Dog's Mouth at Home?
It is typically advisable to take your dog to the vet every few months to have a routine teeth cleaning done to get rid of stubborn plaque build-up. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your dog's teeth in good condition between vet visits. Some of these include:
- Brushing Their Teeth: Just as with humans, regular brushing can reduce plaque build-up on their teeth. The sooner you start incorporating this into your dog's routine and get them used to some dental care, the better. You can easily purchase a specifically designed toothbrush and dog-friendly “toothpaste” to ensure their teeth remain in tip-top shape.
- Dental Treats: There are many dog treats that have specifically been created to aid in oral health. These treats will help with dog breath, assist in removing plaque build-up, and clean your dog's mouth.
- A Water Additive: There are water additives available that one simply adds to your dog’s water bowl. This additive will work toward preventing plaque and tartar build-up.
- Dog Mouthwash: You can purchase a dog mouthwash that can be used to reduce the progression of caries.
- Dental toys: there is a variety of dental toys that have grooves, bumps, and ridges that help clean your pets teeth when they chew on them.
Making use of all of these methods should prevent your dog from experiencing any major dental problems. You can purchase all of these oral healthcare products for your dog on the Absolute Pets online store and have them delivered to your door.