Why Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Daily Can Save Their Life
Maintaining good oral health is important. The same applies to our furry friends. Some fur parents neglect the need to look after their pup’s teeth. This can often have knock-on effects on their overall health and well-being.
Did you know that it only takes a few days for plaque to build up and harden into tartar? That brownish substance around their gumline isn’t yesterday’s leftovers. It’s a clear sign that they need a professional cleaning.
You must take preventative measures before it gets to that point. This article will discuss the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth and how it can save their life.
The Importance of Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Pet parents usually ask, “Should I brush my dog’s teeth regularly?” It’s not a question of “should” but rather “must”.
Periodontal disease is the most common dental issue in dogs, affecting 80 to 90% of those over three years old. According to Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, smaller breeds are at greater risk.
Plaque beneath the gums is the primary cause of periodontal disease. It leads to gingivitis and damages periodontal tissue, resulting in tooth decay and loss. Signs include pawing at the mouth, drooling, and decreased appetite.
Signs of periodontal disease are pawing at the mouth, drooling and decreased appetite. If the disease has advanced, you’ll notice mouth odor, bleeding from the gums and a reluctance to chew.
The illness is also linked to liver and heart disease. It can be painful, even if your pooch doesn’t appear to be in discomfort. Research further indicates that periodontal disease can severely impact a dog’s health, potentially leading to increased disease and death.
You must incorporate a daily tooth-brushing routine to prevent periodontal disease or any other oral ailment.
Even if your pup is uncooperative, a good dental care routine starts with implementing it from the onset.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a silicone finger brush to brush your dog’s teeth. The cleaning action of the bristles is the most important as you want to remove as much plaque as possible. Don’t press too hard against the gumline.
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital recommends an enzymatic pet toothpaste. Don’t ever give your pooch human toothpaste. It could make them very sick.
Put some toothpaste on the toothbrush, let your dog lick it off and then start brushing the front of the mouth. Do this for a few seconds once a day until they are comfortable with the toothbrush. Then you can move onto the rest of the mouth.
There are dog dental products on the market such as dental chews and dog dental treats. Jax & Cali suggests toothbrush wipes that are natural, safe and easy to use.
How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
The consensus varies on this question, but most veterinarians suggest twice daily.
VCA Animal Hospitals says brushing your dog’s teeth can be arduous and lead to grumpy pups. Once you make it part of their daily routine, they’ll learn to expect it, and maybe even enjoy it.
The best time to start is when they are puppies. Bush their teeth at least three times a week to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Regular veterinary dental visits should be part of the regime. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily isn’t enough to prevent tartar from forming on healthy gnashers.
Unlike their human companions, dental cleaning for dogs entails more than a few moments in the dentist’s chair.
A veterinary dental cleaning starts with an oral exam and blood work. Your doggie is then placed under general anesthetic and their mouth rinsed with antiseptic.
Tartar is removed. Crowns are examined. Gingival pockets are measured. More full-mouth dental X-rays are taken. Ultrasonic scaling removes plaque. Extractions are done. Teeth are polished.
Expect your Fido to take a while to recover from the anesthesia, so it’s best to keep monitoring them.
With proper dental care and a set routine, your pup will soon grow used to having their teeth brushed. It will be hard to get them to comply, but eventually, they’ll come around.
Keep persevering. Remember, only use a soft bristle toothbrush with enzymatic toothpaste. Even better, try wipes as they are easy to use. Start with the front of the mouth and continue to the sides and back once they are comfortable.
Last but not least, an annual dental checkup is recommended. This could include professional teeth cleaning. Dental disease is no joke. And prevention is better than cure. Happy brushing!
