Teeth in dogs. How to take care of them?

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White and well-groomed teeth in dogs are a sign of health. However, a dog’s dentition, exactly like a human’s, is subject to many diseases and requires proper care. According to studies, as many as 60-80% of small dogs have problems with their gums and teeth. How to take care of our pet’s dentition?

Dental diseases in dogs

We should take care of our pet’s dentition from the moment his permanent teeth appear. However, special care should be given to pets after the age of 2-3 years, because this is when the dog is vulnerable to the accumulation of plaque, which develops into troublesome tartar. Small breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua, are especially prone to gum and dental disease. Genetic predisposition, for example, saliva composition, abnormal bite and the dog food fed also play a big role. When plaque under the influence of bacteria and saliva hardens and forms tartar, gingivitis occurs, which can sometimes cause serious health problems – even heart, kidney and liver disease.

The importance of prevention

We should take care of our little friend’s healthy dentition on a daily basis, which will help avoid advanced periodontal diseases, sparing unpleasant discomforts. The most important aspect here is played by dog food. Dry dog food is especially recommended, as when chewing it, the animal mechanically rubs off the accumulated plaque. Many companies offer special products dedicated to small breeds that are prone to periodontal disease. These foods have special croquettes and compounds that bind calcium, which is present in the saliva of pets. An example is Brit food with spirulina, which cleans teeth, cares for the oral cavity and freshens our pet’s breath. There are also various types of supplements for dogs that we can add to water or food. They deposit on the teeth acting as a disinfectant and soften tartar.

Opt for carefully carefully selected dog treats

Dental treats for dogs are an excellent option, as they not only serve to clean the teeth, but also strengthen the gums. Why should we give them to our pets regularly? Dogs’ teeth are created to eat bones. However, the popular wet dog food is highly processed and does not contribute at all to the abrasion of plaque. In contrast, hard dog dental treats are designed to contribute to the entire jaw and mandible. In this way, plaque is regularly rubbed off, preventing disease. A high-quality dental chew has a structure of the right size and thickness to allow safe chewing, without fear of breaking a tooth. It can also contain ingredients such as polyphosphate, which destroys plaque, and additives of mint and chlorophyll.

Proper care

Our pet’s oral care also includes regular tooth brushing. According to recommendations, this should be done at least once a day. However, special toothpastes for dogs should be used, as those designed for humans can do more harm than good due to dangerous fluoride and other substances. Pastes dedicated to four-legged dogs are fully safe for them and have enzymatic action, so they do not require strong brushing. A properly shaped dog toothbrush also plays a big role, making daily grooming easier. Such a procedure takes only a few minutes, so it is worth doing regularly. Grooming can also be spiced up by giving your pets fairly hard Francodex dental strips. They are designed for regular use and effectively clean the surface of the teeth, eliminating odor.

Grooming combined with fun

Dog toys can also help us take care of our pet’s oral cavity, and in addition, they bring a lot of fun to our pets. On the market we can find many rubber models that are designed to remove tartar. Dogs that actively chew have much less plaque. Carefully selected dog accessories can reduce tartar by almost 70%, as it is mechanically rubbed off during play. Such toys satisfy the natural need for chewing in dogs, distracting them from our home furnishings. While chewing on specially adapted chews, dogs not only remove plaque from their teeth, but also massage their gums.

Sometimes the necessary help specialist

When a large amount of tartar is noticeable in our dog, perhaps the above methods will not prove sufficient. You should then go to a trusted veterinarian for a procedure under anesthesia, which is called sanitation. It involves the removal of plaque build-up using ultrasound. During the procedure, the alveolar pockets can be cleaned, or infected and moving teeth can be removed. Finally, the entire mouth is sanitized and the teeth are polished with a special toothpaste. However, in most cases, this is a last resort, as anesthesia is always quite a strain on a small four-legged dog’s body.

Keeping our pet’s teeth in good condition is very important for its overall health. The most important thing is prevention, i.e. regular tooth brushing with special toothpastes and dental chews that combine fun with care.

Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.

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