Dental diseases are quite common in dogs. According to Vet Voice, 80% of dogs over the age of 3 develop a dental disease. Dogs use their mouth for more than just eating. They use them to play, explore and taste their surrounding environment. That is why your dog's dental health should be as important for them as it is for you.
If your dog’s teeth aren’t cared for on a regular basis, it can lead to a build up of plaque which leads to tartar. Tartar has a sold brown, gritty look on the teeth that can lead to inflammation on the gums and tenderness which is not fun for your pet, especially when they are trying to eat as it will cause them lots of pain. It can also cause further problems such as gum disease.
It is important as a pet owner that you prevent dental hygiene problems and spot the signs early to prevent any issues long term.
Not only does maintaining your dog's oral hygiene
mean their mouth is clean and healthy, but it can also save you money in
the long run as it means less trips to the vets. It is also better to start
good oral hygiene practices now rather than letting it get too far, resulting
in treatment.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is a great way to lower the risk of your dog developing gum disease, dental disease, and many more dental-related issues. You should clean your dog's teeth 2 to 4 times a week. For the best results, brush them every day. The cleaner their teeth are, the lower the risk of developing dental issues. Make sure that you use a toothpaste that has been specially formulated for dogs as human toothpaste can be toxic for some pets. You can buy all your teeth cleaning necessities at your local WCF store.
If possible, it
is best to start cleaning your dog's teeth from a young age to get them used to
the process. The Blue Cross has some great tips on introducing teeth
brushing to your pet.
Dental chews and treats are an easy add on to help with reducing plaque build-up, leading to your pet having healthier teeth, gums and less bad breath. Make sure you don’t give dental chews too often as they can be high in calories and may cause your dog to gain weight.
Dry dog foods won’t eliminate dental problems, but they are a good way to help reduce tartar build up alongside brushing and dental chews. Dry dog food is designed to keep your pet’s teeth clean by scraping away plaque as they eat. Shop our dry dog food.