Plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth can build up over time if not thoroughly cleaned, causing infections that can lead to tooth loss. These infections can spread to the dog's kidneys, liver and heart, causing even more serious problems.
You can prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease (infected gums and tooth support area) in dogs by practicing the same oral hygiene techniques you follow for your teeth. Brushing his teeth regularly, feeding him foods that prevent plaque build-up, and having him visit the vet periodically are simple steps you can take to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Steps
Step 1. Begin by having him examined by a licensed dental veterinarian
The doctor will check for tartar and any signs of periodontal disease and will do a thorough cleaning. If you have never practiced oral care on your dog, this first visit will be expensive, but it will result in clean teeth and become a good starting point for practicing good dental hygiene at home.
Step 2. Check your dog's teeth regularly
Check them every time you clean it. The more you monitor them, the more he will get used to this operation and the easier it will be for you to spot something unusual.
Step 3. Brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis
Using a dog-specific toothbrush is the best way to remove the deposits that form on his teeth immediately after eating. You should wash them every day or at least a couple of times a week.
You should introduce the habit of brushing his teeth over the course of a couple of weeks (even better if you start as soon as possible). The process begins with getting him used to familiarizing himself with the sensation of having fingers in his mouth and ends with a stress-free brushing with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for them (don't use regular toothpaste). Alternatively, use a child's gauze pad, towel, or toothbrush instead of an adult one
Step 4. Consider feeding a raw food and bone diet, also known as the "BARF" or "Biologically Appropriate Diet" diet
Proponents of this diet give dogs portions of pulpy raw bones every day, to meet nutritional needs, as well as keeping their teeth clean through the action of chewing.
- Choose the most organic bones you can find to minimize exposure to pesticides.
- Look for hard bones like bison, which take longer to break.
Step 5. In conjunction with the use of a toothbrush, have him follow a diet that aims to control tartar and / or plaque - check on some Veterinary Health sites if ideal products are indicated
Home care is most effective when using a combination of products. Some foods have a mechanical action (large biscuits rich in specific fibers to scrape off the tartar). Other diets include a component that fixes calcium in saliva to reduce the conversion of plaque to tartar (such as certain toothpastes). The advantage of these diets is that they affect all teeth and not just the molars. Tooth health diets are especially helpful when toothbrushing is not possible. Ask your veterinarian to advise you on a suitable dental diet.
Step 6. Provide your dog with some hard-to-chew toys
These can help keep your teeth in great shape. Get advice from pet stores or your vet.
Step 7. Consider adding tartar ablation products to your water bowl
There are products on the market in liquid form to keep tartar under control, and are designed to remove food deposits throughout the day.
If the accumulation of tartar is significant, the veterinarian will have to carry out a professional cleaning. This procedure could be done under anesthesia
Step 8. Have your dog perform regular oral health checks at least once a year
Save time by combining the dental checkup with your pet's physical checkup, which is scheduled every year at the vet.
Advice
- Periodontal disease is reversible if it is diagnosed early. The first signs include bad breath, drooling, runny nose and a swollen jaw or neck.
- Dental care done to your dog without anesthesia at grooming shops is generally cheaper than cleaning done by a professional veterinarian. However, this procedure only cleans the visible surface of the teeth; it does not address tartar below the gum line, which is the primary cause of periodontal disease in dogs.
Warnings
- Never give cooked bones to your dog. They can splinter and cause suffocation. Raw bones have a different molecular structure, which prevents them from shattering under the dog's chewing pressure.
- Use toothpaste specifically designed to be ingested by dogs. Toothpaste for people contains chemicals that are dangerous if ingested.
