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February is Pet Dental Health Month, so consider this your annual reminder not to overlook your dog’s oral health. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean will protect them from dental problems such as periodontal disease, tartar buildup, tooth loss, and more. Here are some easy-to-implement tips for keeping your dog’s teeth healthy!
Offer your dog dental treats
Dog dental treats are a great way to keep your dog’s teeth clean. These treats are designed to remove plaque and tartar while your dog chews, freshening their breath and promoting healthy teeth and gums. Different types of dental treats are available, so it’s important to choose a treat that’s appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style. If you visit The Dog Market in person, we’ll be happy to recommend our favourites!
Encourage chewing
Did you know that chewing has dental health benefits for dogs? Chewing encourages saliva production, and saliva has natural antibacterial properties that helps kill tartar-causing bacteria. Plus, when your dog chews, the scraping of their teeth against the chew toy or bone helps remove plaque buildup! So, if you have been looking for an excuse to spoil your dog with a new chew toy or bone, this is it!
Use water additives to loosen plaque build-up
Another way to help clean your dog’s (or cat’s) teeth is to use water additives. Water additives work by neutralizing the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar to form (like a doggy version of mouthwash). Just add them to your dog’s water bowl daily! Our water additive is odourless, colourless and tasteless so your cat and/or dog won’t even know it’s there.
Brush your dog’s teeth
A regular tooth-brushing routine will limit tartar and plaque on your dog’s teeth and help their breath stay fresh. Your dog may be resistant at first, but with a little patience and persistence you can teach them to tolerate (if not enjoy) tooth brushing. Always use dog toothpaste because human toothpaste is not safe for canine consumption. Additionally, using a dog toothbrush will make brushing much easier.
Get your dog’s teeth cleaned
Dental cleanings for dog’s help remove excess plaque and tartar buildup, which reduces the likelihood of tooth decay. Many veterinarians offer this service, but it can be very costly and usually requires putting your dog under anesthesia, which can be dangerous, especially for senior dogs. So, instead, bring your dog to one of our dental care pop-ups at The Dog Market! We host professional dog teeth cleaning clinics roughly every six weeks. When you come in, a dental care expert will clean your dog’s teeth in approximately an hour. The procedure doesn’t require any anesthesia (much safer for your pup!). As a result, it costs significantly less going to the vet and it’s much more pleasant for your dog. They even do cats as well.
This is a really powerful way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and check for any signs of decay or dental disease. Depending on your dog’s oral health, they may benefit from bi-annual or annual cleanings.
The Bottom Line
Your dog’s dental health and oral hygiene are important aspects of their overall wellness so don’t overlook it! Incorporating dental chews, chew toys, and regular toothbrushing into your pup’s routine will help keep their teeth and gums in good shape for years to come.