Keeping your pet’s teeth and gums clean is a big player in their overall health, yet it is often overlooked in many owners’ care regime. Here are eight helpful tips to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.
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Brush those teeth!
Tooth brushing is a big one when it comes to keeping your pet’s teeth and gums clean, but it can be tricky to train your pet to accept a toothbrush and toothpaste. Start small and use your finger to rub pet toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste, fluoride can be hazardous) around their teeth and gums. Once they have begun to accept this you can add in the toothbrush and, while starting gently, slowly build up to using a toothbrush.
2. A Bit of Coconut Oil
If your pet is not a fan of the toothpaste made just for them, one option is to use coconut oil instead of toothpaste. Use a pea-sized amount of coconut oil when you start your dental routine. Your dog will think it’s a treat and get excited about getting their teeth brushed. Coconut oil not only tastes great, it is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Be sure to add this into your dog’s diet in small doses – a little goes a long way! As well as consult your vet to ensure no allergies exist.
3. Wipe them Down
Sometimes pets just aren’t interested or able to handle having their teeth brushed. Regardless of why they’re having difficulties, there are other options to keep their teeth clean. Dental wipes, which are similar to the dental wipes used on toddlers, are disposable wipes with a certain texture to them that helps clean the teeth in a more calming way for your pet. They also come in flavours to entice them to let you get in their mouths.
4. Treats Galore!
There are a wide variety of healthy and safe chews and treats that can help with plaque and tartar. Dogs can also be given safe bones to chew on, such as uncooked beef or bison femurs and rib bones. But remember – never give a dog or cat a cooked bone – it can splinter! There are also many dried meat chews to choose from at pet stores now so the variety can be almost endless for your 4-legged friend. The chewing action acts like nature’s toothbrush, gently rubbing away plaque before it hardens into tartar. Be sure to only give natural treats not dried with any harmful chemicals.
5. Chew Away the Plaque
For dogs, chew toys are a great way to help keep their teeth clean. Rubber toys are a great option because of their durability and their capacity to help remove plaque. You can also play tug of war with a rope toy. The small threads can act almost like a doggie dental floss for their little front teeth.
6. Fruits and Veggies for Dogs
For dogs, giving vegetable or fruit snacks can be beneficial for their teeth. Baby carrots, slices of apple, or cut up squash are all great options to give your dog something to munch on that isn’t full of fillers. Make sure not to overdue it – fruits and veggies should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Make sure to consult with your vet about anything new being added into their diet in case of allergies.
7. Dried Meat for Cats
For cats, dried meat treats are a great option to spoil them and care for their teeth. Dried meat can scrape the teeth as they chew on it and is safe for cats to consume.
8.Leave it to the Pros
If it has been a while since you have brushed your pet’s teeth, a dental scaling by anesthesia-free teeth cleaning company or a teeth cleaning under anaesthetic at your vets may be what’s in order. Alongside a daily brushing routine, it’s important to get your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned regularly. It is recommended that your pet should have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dog dentist at least once a year, and it is a great place to jumpstart a good dog dental care regime.
The Takeaway
There are a lot of options for pets to help keep their teeth bright and clean. We at K9 Gentle Dental want you to have all the tools at your disposal to create and manage a good dental hygiene routine with your pet. One of the first steps to keeping your pet’s teeth in tip top shape is to have the pros come in and get you started. K9 Gentle Dental offers services both at our host locations and in-home so your pet doesn’t have to experience the stress of leaving home. With our help and these useful tips about dental cleaning for dogs, you’ll find yourself with a happy best friend with the freshest of breath!