Grooming the dog is a top priority for many dog owners but one area that is sometimes not given sufficient attention is the mouth – specifically the dog’s teeth. We all know that if we don’t look after our own teeth we can develop cavities, dental decay and other health issues. Dogs are exactly the same in this regard and, just as in humans, dental decay can cause pain, tooth loss, and can negatively impact the health of other organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. So how do you approach dental care for dogs? We’ll show you how to keep Gnasher’s gnashers in great shape.
Dental care for dogs: brushing teeth
Ideally, brushing your dog’s teeth and all round dental care for dogs should be part of your daily routine just like your own. You’ll want to use a specially formulated doggy toothpaste as human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is toxic to dogs. An item designed for humans that you can use on your dog is a regular, soft bristle toothbrush. If your dog cannot tolerate the use of a normal toothbrush, using a small finger brush can be a good option. Ensure that you brush all tooth surfaces and gums using light circular motions as you would when brushing your own teeth.
Dental care for dogs: additional care
In the real world, pet owners have hectic schedules. No matter how much we love our pets, incorporating dental care for dogs and daily brushing of their teeth into our hectic schedules often doesn’t happen. There are other ways to achieve good dental care for dogs, to keep your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresher. One way is to give your dog raw bones, which can be excellent for a dog’s teeth. Never give chicken bones or cooked bones as these can splinter. However, giving a dog a bone is controversial as demonstrated in an article by T. J. Dunn, Jr., DVM on PetMD,1 which highlights the other health dangers to your pet that can outweigh the dental health benefits. Dental treats can be a good alternative to regular treats. Be careful of weight gain in your pet if using these, as some are quite high in calories.
60% of a dog’s tooth lies below the gum line. Even with care at home your dog may still require professional dental care. If your dog’s breath smells especially bad, there is plaque still building up around the gums, your dog has bleeding gums or lumps or bumps in the mouth (which could indicate oral cancer), or you have other concerns with your dog’s oral health, you should turn to a veterinarian for assistance with dental care for your dogs.
Dental care for dogs: the trip to the vet
In the same way that many people are scared to visit the dentist, some dogs are scared to visit the vet. If the dog is experiencing pain because of toothache it can make the situation far worse. Many of us need to drive to be able to get to the vet’s surgery. Equipping your car to deal with any dribbles or spills if your four-legged companion is of a nervous disposition can be a wise move.
Travall can help in this with its range of waterproof rubber car mats and boot liners that are designed to fit each specific make and model of vehicle. The raised outer lip on the mats and the boot liners ensures that your car’s carpet stays clean and dry. If your dog does have an accident on the way, cleaning up is easy. Simply wipe the mats or remove them from the vehicle and hose them down. Visit the Travall web site to see what Travall rubber car mats and Travall boot liners are available for the vehicle you drive, so no matter whether you are going to the dog park or driving to the vet’s surgery you can still enjoy the journey.
Reference
- http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_raw_bones_or_cooked_bones
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a veterinarian for advice specific to your dog.
