Receiving puppy dog kisses from your dog after a long day is the best – but not when they smell awful!
Let’s face it, dogs aren’t known for having great breath… The common term ‘dog breath’ speaks for itself, but bad dog breath shouldn’t just be something we owners accept as normal…
Our four-legged friends’ dental and oral hygiene is very important. And, if not kept in check, many problems can occur, and your pup could be left vulnerable. Not maintaining oral hygiene can cause some unnecessary discomfort, potentially resulting in more issues than just bad breath.
And to make matters worse, in a study from the VCA, it was shown that 80% of dogs over the age of 3 show signs of dental complications!
However, there are things you can do as a puppy parent to help support your dog’s oral hygiene and clean their teeth. By starting a simple dog dental care routine at home, you might not only support healthy gums, but it can lead to better-smelling kisses as well – even the busiest of pup parents can fit one of these teeth-cleaning practices into their dog’s daily routine.
Take a look at these four easy ways to keep your dog’s dental and oral health in tip-top condition…
Dental Chews
A very popular dog teeth cleaning option is a dental chew. Similar to chew toys, a dental chew can stimulate their natural need to gnaw while providing entertainment. Dental chews come in all different shapes and sizes, with ridges and groves to help get into the hard-to-reach areas of your pup’s mouth where tartar build-up can occur; you should be able to find the perfect chew for your pup.
Dental Water Additive
Did you know that there are doggy dental washes too? Now, we can’t ask our pups to gurgle a mouthwash, but there are other ways that you can introduce a dog dental wash to your dog’s teeth cleaning routine. PetLab Co.’s unique dog Dental Formula has been designed to target occasional tartar build-up, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Plus, the active ingredient, Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide, can help balance oral bacteria for fresh breath while maintaining your dog’s teeth and gum health!
Dental Powders
Now, it might not be your first thought when it comes to cleaning your dog’s teeth, but a dental power for dogs could be your perfect option – especially if you’re a pet parent who’s on the go or your dog hates the toothbrush…
PetLab Co.’s ProBrightTM dog dental powder is stress-free and easy to use. It targets tartar, helping to clean teeth and freshen breath. The unique formula contains a powerhouse of ingredients, including Brown Algae, Green Tea, Rosemary Leaf Extract, probiotics & much more to provide your dog with the daily oral hygiene care they deserve.
Simply just give your pup one scoop before, during, or after their mealtime for fresher breath and sparkly clean teeth – it’s that easy!
Dog Toothpaste & Toothbrush
When we think about keeping our dog’s teeth clean, we may first think about getting our dog a toothbrush and some doggy toothpaste, right? Well, teeth brushing is the foundation for good oral health – especially in us humans – and although it is a great way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, it’s not always that easy and can be quite time-consuming if your pup isn’t cooperating.
Dog Treats & Chew Toys
Dogs love to chew… it’s something all us puppy parents – and our shoes – are well aware of. From when our dogs are young puppies, they explore the world with their mouths, putting anything and everything they can in there to learn, entertain, and develop. And, just like human babies, our young pups gnaw on anything they can when teething begins, as this can help soothe the pain…
Chew toys are the perfect way to focus your pup’s need to gnaw on something other than our new shoes, socks, or furniture!
So, when it comes to cleaning your dog’s teeth, why not take advantage of your dog’s natural need to chew while keeping their mouth squeaky clean!
A durable rubber dog treat ball with specially designed grooves can help massage the teeth and gums as your pup happily chews away. And better still, why not pack the treat ball with your dog’s favorite treats – giving them a delicious surprise and keeping them occupied for hours.
Regular Vet Check-Ups
One of the best ways to keep your pup’s teeth clean and healthy is by attending regular professional vet appointments and cleanings. An expert will be able to help identify and prevent any potential issues that may occur due to poor oral hygiene.
Try to visit your vet at least once a year (or twice a year if your dog is prone to dental conditions) for a routine cleaning, where they will be able to remove any harmful tartar and keep on top of your dog’s oral hygiene and health.
Final Thoughts
Your dog’s dental health is extremely important – not just for their bad breath but also for their overall health, comfort, and wellbeing. Only 8% of owners clean their dogs’ teeth every day, which after reading this blog should change! So, whether you have a pooch that loves a daily toothbrushing or enjoys chewing away on a dental stick, keeping on top of your dog’s teeth cleaning routine is paramount!
Sources
Author Simpson, Sean, “Most (95%) Pet Owners Brush Their Own Teeth Daily, But Few Brush Their Dog’s (8%) or Cat’s (4%) Teeth on a Daily Basis”, Ipsos, Feb 1. 2016, https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/most-95-pet-owners-brush-their-own-teeth-daily-few-brush-their-dogs-8-or-cats-4-teeth-daily-basis
Authors Hiscox, Lorraine DVM FAVD Dip. AVDC; Bellows, Jan DVM, Dipl. AVDC, ABVP, “Dental Disease In Dogs”, VCA Animal Hospital, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-dogs
