Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Dog's Dental Health

Tending to your dog’s teeth is a commonly disregarded, although serious aspect of your dog’s general health. Having toothaches or inflamed gums may be a source of stress and pain for your dog that can easily evade your attention. Without proper treatment, bacteria can enter through the teeth and pass in the bloodstream, affecting internal organs such as the liver, the kidneys and even the heart. According to veterinarians, almost 85% of dogs over 4-years-old suffer from periodontal disease of some kind, a distressing condition of the teeth, which can result in infection and tooth loss.

Since dogs don’t have the ability to take care of their teeth, you can help them by providing the right product to gnaw on. A nice long chew will remove most of the accumulated dirt and plaque, with most dogs being overly happy to adhere to. You can opt for a knucklebone or a rawhide, as more natural options. Because knucklebones are softer, they are more appropriate for sore teeth. Avoid giving harder bones, like ham shank, steak or rib, because they can lead to tooth fracture.

Here are three inexpensive products that can help boost your dog’s smile:

1. Doggie toothbrush: While human toothbrushes work fine, specialized toothbrushes for dogs have a steeper angle and can also be worn on the end your fingertip.

2. Doggie toothpaste: Picking a product that’s safe to ingest means that human toothpastes are out of the question, as they contain detergent and abrasive that could be harmful.
3. Wipes or pads: When tooth brushing is not an available options, you can remove bacteria and food by wiping the gum line and teeth.

Proper dental care is crucial in providing your dog a healthy life. Be patient and dedicated, and it will be integrated into both of your daily routines.