Oral hygiene is just as important as other measures of maintaining your dog’s general health and fitness.

Introduction

Almost all dog owners put a lot of effort in ensuring that their dogs are healthy. The efforts come in the form of quality food and water, exercising and routine vet checkups. By doing all these, most of them forget one important aspect: dog’s teeth!

Since oral hygiene is just as important as other measures of maintaining your dog’s general health and fitness. Many people overlook dog teeth cleaning. It should not be the case, as it is a major factor that contributes to a healthy and happy dog. Because foul breath and yellow teeth are not the only things you should watch out for in dogs.

Most people have very little or no information at all regarding this issue. Dogs are also emotional. Toothaches and sore gums subject them to pain and stress. If not taken care of, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and affect organs like kidneys, liver, and heart. Studies carried out by experts have revealed that a big number of dogs suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Plaque buildup, gingivitis, and tartar are also common. The disease leads to tooth infection or worse, tooth loss. To avoid the problems, perform time-to-time teeth cleaning and occasional checkups.

Most adult dogs have six incisors on the top and bottom jaws; two canine teeth on both jaws; eight premolars on both jaws; two molars on the top and three premolars on the underside. It’s no secret that some dogs require more cleaning than others. How regular you need to clean your dog’s teeth depends on some factors.

• Dog’s diet.

• Genes.

• Chewing habits of the dog.

• Chemical composition of your dog’s saliva

Benefits of Dog’s Teeth Cleaning

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is not just a cosmetic issue, it goes a long way in ensuring the proper dental health and ultimately overall health. Lack of doing this will result in weak gums, infections, teeth falling out and other complications. Therefore perform regular brushing to ensure your dog has a long and healthy life.

Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth

• Brushing is the most common method. First of all use dog specific toothbrushes and toothpaste for maximum performance. Because it will help your dog have fresh breath.
• Use grapefruit seed extract to kill bacteria.
• Update your dog’s diet with cinnamon and healthy treats.
• Dog tooth wipes help remove plaques.
• Dog chews with teeth-cleaning properties.

Important Tips to Consider

1. Starting slow and being patient is a crucial strategy. Give your dog treats before and after cleaning to make them enjoy the whole process. Since it should be fun for both of you.

2. Use dog-specific toothpaste and soft-bristled brushes with long handles to have access to all teeth and avoid accidental biting. Dog toothpaste has many flavors and is fluoride free. Human toothpaste has mint and other flavors not appealing to dogs.

3. Know your dog. I cannot stress this enough. As a dog owner, you have supposed your dog’s reactions and emotions. If for instance, you want to use electric toothbrushes, observe if your dog is comfortable with them. Because some dogs freak out from the vibrations and whirling.

4. Introduce synthetic chew bones and chew toys to strengthen your dog’s teeth and gums.

5. Visit a vet if your dog has tooth infections or for thorough professional cleaning. Typical symptoms include swollen and bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, crooked/misaligned teeth, In a veterinary clinic, they will scrub all the tartar above and below gums mostly under anesthesia. The vet will then prescribe and dispense antibiotics to cure bacteria. All these will take under an hour. Do this at least twice every year.

Conclusion

Just as you groom and clean yourself daily before you leave your house in the morning, give your dog the same level of attention. Regular cleaning is not something that happens overnight. First, make your dog comfortable and start slow until your dog gets used to the whole process. It will be much easier for a puppy, but an adult dog can learn too. Win them over by using a friendly and patient approach. The most suitable time is usually after exercising as the dog is more willing to sit. In conclusion, if you cannot do it daily, try cleaning your dog’s teeth at least thrice a week.