It's important to maintain your dog's overall health, and oral hygiene is a huge part of that. Today, our Concord vets will provide you with the five best tips for keeping your dog's teeth clean.
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
The first tip and probably the most obvious way to keep your dog's teeth clean is by brushing their teeth at home. It’s an excellent way to prevent plaque buildup. You don’t need to brush your dog’s teeth daily, but it doesn't hurt to try to brush their teeth daily.
Most dogs do not like having their teeth brushed at first, but you can easily train your dog to have his teeth brushed the same way you would have his nails trimmed or potty-training, with rewards.
There are several options you can take when brushing your dog's teeth. First, you’ll want to get toothpaste made specifically for dogs. This is because toothpaste for humans contains ingredients that are toxic to our pets. Plus, dog toothpaste usually comes in a delicious chicken or peanut butter flavor. Second, you can use either a dog toothbrush or a brush that fits over your fingertip or a small (child-size) toothbrush with a handle if you are not comfortable with the finger brush.
Professional Cleanings
Maybe the best way to make sure your dog’s oral health is good is to have him undergo a professional cleaning by your All Bay Animal Hospital vets. Our vets know what’s best for your dog’s teeth and will be able to address any issues they find.
Although much more expensive than the other tips mentioned, professional dental cleaning is the best way to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene. Your veterinarian is experienced in preventing, locating, and treating any issues that might go unnoticed by even the most dedicated dog owner.
Dog Chews
There are hundreds of different types of dog chews, but almost all of them have teeth-cleaning properties. The act of chewing benefits your dog’s oral health, regardless of what is being chewed on. The gnawing scrapes plaque off your dog’s teeth, and many all-natural chews made from meat contain enzymes that help promote dental health.
Chews like cow ears, bully sticks, and chicken strips are a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy. If you’re looking for something without any calories, there are much long-lasting rubber or nylon dog chew toys that do the job, as well.
Dog Dental Treats
Dogs love treats, and dental treats for dogs are a very good way to improve your pup’s dental health. These treats are made specifically to remove plaque buildup and often contain ingredients that freshen your breath and clean your dog’s mouth.
Dogs generally like these treats much more than they like a toothbrush or tooth wipes, and they do a great job of keeping our dog’s mouth clean. These treats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, and you are sure to find something your dog loves.
Dog Tooth Wipes
If you are unable to brush your dog's teeth or simply want to switch up their cleaning techniques, dog dental wipes are a great solution. Tooth wipes are made to be rubbed against your dog’s teeth to help remove plaque.
They work just like toothbrushes do, but are not able to get into the tiny nooks and crannies that a brush does. Still, they are a great way to clean your pet’s teeth and are often easier to manage than a toothbrush with toothpaste.