Common Questions about Dental Care for Dogs

Dental care for dogs is essential in maintaining your pet healthy. You need to reserve time for your dog's dental hygiene and visit the vet on a regular basis for a dental exam.

How Often Should I Brush My Dog's Teeth?

Ideally, a dog should get his teeth brushed once per day. If you cannot do that, try to brush your pet's teeth at least once in 2 days to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Can I Use Human Toothbrush or Toothpaste?

Use a special pet toothbrush or get a children's toothbrush.

Purchase some special pet toothpaste that will be appealing for your dog. The toothpastes for pets are meat or fish flavored.

Don't use your toothpaste for your dog.

How to Brush the Dog's Teeth?

Use the pet toothbrush. Place a drop of toothpaste on your finger and allow the dog to smell it or lick it. Take some more paste and spread it on your dog's teeth and gums. Use the brush and hold it at a 45 degree angle. Brush gently and make sure you clean in the back of the mouth and below the gums also.

Dogs don't enjoy tooth brushing, so you need to reward your pet with treats or play time after each brushing. Create a habit out of tooth brushing, so that your dog gets used to this routine.

How Important Is Kibble Food?

Kibble food may help removing the plaque from the dog's teeth. If your dog has a diet based on dry food, he is less likely to develop dental problems. However, if your dog has a wet diet, offer him chew treats and chew toys that will scrape the plaque off his teeth.

How to Prevent Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by tooth decay or bacteria that may be located in your dog's mouth. Inspect your dog's mouth to make sure there are no dental abscesses.

If your dog has no dental problems, bad breath may be prevented with dental chews that will freshen up his breath.

You may also add a few drops of lemon juice in his drinking water.

What Is Plaque and Tartar?

Plaque is a deposit of food mixed with the bacteria and minerals from the saliva. Plaque may be easily removed with chew treats or by brushing your dog's teeth.

However, if the plaque is not removed, it will develop in tartar or calculus, which can only be removed with professional cleaning. The deposits of tartar may lead to more severe diseases such as the periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a painful condition that is caused by tartar deposits. In time, the disease will cause the gums to recede and teeth to fall out.

In addition, bacteria may enter the blood flow through the gums and cause more severe problems in the vital organs of the dog.

Do I Need to Visit the Vet for Dental Care?

Even if you brush your dog's teeth daily, you still need to get a professional cleaning once or twice per year. The vet may also detect any incipient problems.

 

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