Maintaining your dog’s oral health is crucial for their overall well-being, but it can be challenging, especially with active pups who don’t want to stay still. Poor dental health not only causes bad breath but also leads to plaque buildup, which can harden into tartar, causing various oral issues.
To maintain your dog’s beautiful smile, we have put together 5 tips to boost their dental health and help enhance their overall oral hygiene so they can live their healthiest, happiest life.
Brush Their Teeth Regularly
Brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Start gradually, touching their teeth and gums without the brush to ease them into the process.
You should brush your dog’s teeth three times a week minimum, but some pet parents try every day. Around 30 seconds on each side is often enough, but take into account mini breaks during this time.
If your pup isn’t a fan of having their teeth brushed, try using a warm washcloth to wipe down their teeth after eating. This can help remove excess food, bacteria, dead cells, and extra saliva
Choose Chew Toys
What kind of toys are at your pup’s disposal? If they are primarily soft, stuffing-filled ones, you may want to add in safe, bendable chew toys that they bite and chomp on. Chewing on these toys can help maintain their teeth and gum health, as the action helps remove plaque, while also helping keep bad breath at bay. To your pup, this is just a new toy added to their playtime mix, and they’ll be blissfully unaware that they’re improving their dental health.
If you have an older dog or a dog with pre-existing dental issues, please consult a professional before introducing hard toys to help prevent potential injuries.
Change Their Water Bowl Frequently
Eliminating the introduction of bacteria into your dog’s mouth can help keep things fresh and clean, and one way to do this is by making changes in an area your pup frequently visits—their water bowl.
Aim to change out the water in your pup’s bowl daily or 2-3 times daily if your canine companion happens to be a heavy drooler.
Not only can doing this help your dog’s oral health, but fresh water is much more appealing to pups than stale water, making it a win-win!
Switch Up Their Diet
Making small changes to what your dog eats can positively impact their dental health. Once you receive the all-clear from your vet, introduce dog-safe fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, celery, and other snacks that provide a crunch to help remove and prevent tartar and keep their breath fresh. The nutrients and antioxidants within these healthy options can also help strengthen your pup’s teeth and gums.
If you’re looking for a natural way to freshen up your dog’s breath, try adding parsley to their food.
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Try Dental Treats and Water Additives
Dental chews are a common staple on pet store shelves and can be a solid option (if your vet approves) to add to your pup’s dental hygiene routine. Remember, these treats should not replace regular brushing but can be a helpful aid, as some areas of the mouth may be missed when dogs chew on these treats.
In addition to dental-specific treats, there are several products on the market, like water additives, that can help keep plaque and tartar in check and reduce bad breath. Again, this should not replace regular brushing, and it is always a good idea to run it by your vet before purchasing.
