Our dogs are our best friends, and we want to keep them healthy. So, doing a lot of research into exercise and diet is common. But it’s common to forget about caring for your dog’s teeth. Dental care is a huge part of keeping your dog healthy like a human. Not prioritising your dog’s dental health can lead to them losing teeth, gum disease, or more severe health problems that can impact their other organs.
So, what does proper tooth care for dogs look like? Along with yearly wellness visits, there are methods you can try, like dog treats or specific food, to help improve their oral health. We will shed light on dog dental care, including how to clean your dog’s teeth using natural methods.
The Importance of Dog Dental Care
First, you have to understand why dental care for dogs is critical. It helps to think of your dog’s mouth as a gateway to their overall health. When you prioritise taking good care of your dog’s teeth, this doesn’t just keep their mouth healthy, but it’s also more likely to lead to a longer life and better overall health.
This is because dental diseases in dogs, like periodontal disease, can slowly cause other health problems. Once dental diseases progress, they can let harmful bacteria get into your dog’s bloodstream. This infection can go to your dog’s liver, heart, or kidneys, resulting in severe health issues.
However, there is a catch. Raw bones can be perfect for your dog’s oral health but come with risks. Animal weight-bearing bones can break and splinter and cause huge issues if your dog swallows them. This risk gets higher if you feed your dog cooked bones, and there is a chance your dog can develop an intestinal puncture or obstruction.
We only sell raw rib bones, feather bones and brisket bones, which are non-weight-bearing bones, and, therefore, are less likely to break and splinter while your doggo is chewing them.
Scheduling a yearly wellness visit with your vet is key to monitoring your dog’s dental care because your vet can spot early signs of dental problems and help prevent them from taking hold. Along with watching your dog’s teeth, your vet can give you advice on the best natural dental care options available.
Natural Dental Care for Dogs — How Food Can Help
Many people don’t realise that what they feed their dogs impacts their oral health. You might not know it, but your dog’s diet can naturally clean its teeth. This is called a ‘dental diet’.
There are certain foods you can give your dog that scrub their teeth when they chew to get rid of tartar and plaque buildup. For example, feeding your dog dry, smaller crunchy dog chews like dehydrated chicken necks, dehydrated chicken wingtips, dehydrated beef cheeks, dehydrated beef liver pieces, can scrub the teeth, and raw carrots and apples do the same thing. Plus, they also have nutritional benefits to support our dog’s health.
Bigger chews like dehydrated beef brisket bones, dehydrated grass-fed feather bones, and Moo tail encourage your doggo to chew more, making each piece scrub more at the teeth.
However, each diet is different, and dental diets may not work for all dogs. Talking with your vet about your dog’s diet is always a good idea. They can give recommendations based on your dog’s breed, size, and specific needs.
The Role of Bones and Dog Treats
Special dog treats designed to keep your dog’s teeth clean and bones are popular for any pet parent who wants to try natural dental care. When your dog chews on these items, they can stimulate their gums, remove plaque, and keep them busy and occupied so they don’t start chewing on your stuff.
If this scares you, there are safer alternatives you can try. You can give your dog dental chews and toys designed to improve their teeth and gum health. Not only do they help remove plaque and tartar, but they give your dog something safe to chew on.
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth — Do You Need a Special Toothbrush?
Yes, you want a toothbrush designed especially for dogs. These brushes usually have softer bristles and a longer handle that lets you easily reach your dog’s back teeth. It’s also essential you use dog-friendly toothpaste. As a general rule, you’ll never use human toothpaste, as it can harm dogs due to the toxic sweetener xylitol.
To brush your dog’s teeth, you’ll take it slow. Gently lift your dog’s lips and brush their teeth and gums using a circular motion. Your goal is to aim for the gum line because this is where buildup happens. Ideally, you’ll brush your dog’s teeth two or three times a week. If your dog tolerates it, brush them every day.
Remember, positive reinforcement and patience are critical to getting your dog used to brushing their teeth. Offer praise and treats as a reward to make it a positive experience for your dog. If your dog fights it, brush for a short period and gradually extend it as your dog allows.
The Benefits of Natural Dog Foods in Tooth Care for Dogs
We touched on how natural food plays a large role in helping your dog’s oral health, and there are several reasons for this. These foods usually have less processing, and this makes them more fibrous. This texture is great for scrubbing plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth when they chew it, and it brings in a natural cleaning action.
Also, natural dog foods usually have more nutrients to strengthen your dog’s teeth. For example, apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots are common ingredients that come loaded with minerals and vitamins that support gum health.
Adding raw bones to your dog’s diet can also be helpful as an occasional treat. They can satisfy your dog’s urge to chew, strengthen their jaw muscles, and remove plaque. However, you should talk to your vet first to ensure you’re giving your dog the best type of bones for their breed and size.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy with Proper Dental Care
Proper dog dental care is critical for keeping your dog healthy. Ideally, you’ll combine regular vet checks and natural foods and clean their teeth regularly. We encourage you to start a natural dental care routine for your dog and consult your vet by scheduling regular dental check-ups. If you do, your dog has a greater chance of staying healthy, active, and happy throughout their lives.
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