Dental care for dogs
Dogs can’t take care of their own teeth, so the owners will have to keep an eye on dental care for them. Brushing dog’s teeth daily or several times a week will help prevent the build-up of bacteria trapping plaque, which hardens into ugly brown tartar and eventually causes gum disease.
Your dog’s breath will smell much better and he’ll keep more of his teeth as he ages. He’ll have fewer bacteria circulating in his system. Also, he’ll need fewer expensive veterinary cleaning.
Dental care by brushing
There are toothbrush and toothpaste especially for dogs. Look for a toothbrush with a long handle, soft bristles, and an angled head for ease of brushing. Some dogs toothbrushes have two ends, one large for cleaning the front teeth and one small for cleaning the teeth way in the back of the mouth.
There is also a small, nubby rubber brush that fits over your finger like a thimble. This may be the best choice for puppies or small dogs. Dogs toothpaste should have enzymes to fight plague. Some have fluoride to help control bacteria. Avoid using human’s toothpaste for your dog’s dental care. Some dog’s toothpastes are flavoured like beef or chicken to add to their appeal.
Other method of dental care
If your dog is not used to tooth brushing, work up to it by wiping out his mouth daily with a damp washcloth or a piece of gauze. Let the dog used by having you touch his mouth and teeth. After a few weeks, you can introduce the brush and toothpaste. When yellow or brown plague has built up on your dog’s teeth, bring your dog to see your vet for professional cleaning. A veterinary cleaning, done under anesthesia, has 3 purposes.
1. To immobilize your dog for a more thorough cleaning
2. To prevent him from feeling any pain during the cleaning
3. To allow the veterinarian to place a tube into the windpipe, which prevents bacteria from entering the respiratory system
Tips for dental care
If your puppy enjoys chewing, encourage the habit throughout his life. Chewing helps keep the teeth clean. Provide your dog with chew toys that assist in dental care, such as enzymatic chew sticks and ridged Kong chews.