How to Maintain Your Dog's Dental Health

When your dog’s teeth aren’t cleaned regularly they develop plaque which turns into stubborn

tartar. This tartar leads to inflammation and infection and causes conditions like gum disease

and gingivitis. Dogs use their teeth not only for eating but for playing and exploring the

world. If something goes wrong with their dental health it can have a huge impact on their

natural behavior and well-being. Here's how to maintain your dog's dental health to minimize

the risk of health problems.

Clean your dog’s teeth daily

Directly cleaning your dog's teeth with a toothbrush and dog toothpaste is the best way to

take care of their oral health. Some dogs tolerate it better than others and it can take some

training until they feel comfortable.

Begin by letting them lick the toothpaste off your finger so they can learn to look forward to the

tasty treat. Then run your finger, with toothpaste on it, over the gum line inside their mouth.

Once they’re used to this, introduce a toothbrush by first allowing the dog to lick toothpaste

from it. From there, you can begin brushing their teeth. Work in circular motions and take

plenty of breaks to let them lick the toothbrush as a reward.

Lots of dogs enjoy chewing, and chewing can be a great way to keep plaque to a minimum.

Make sure to give them something that is the right size for them because a chew that's too

small could be a choking hazard. Whatever you give them ought to be either edible or

nontoxic. For this reason, natural dog chews are a great choice.

Natural dog chews are made from 100% natural ingredients. They include non-edible items,

such as chewable toys made out of natural rubber or jute, as well as edible items like antlers

or olivewood. Antlers have the added benefit of containing healthy minerals and nutrients to

support your dog’s health. Visit the Wild Thought online store to find a huge variety of

natural and eco-friendly dog chews.

While brushing your dog's teeth each day you should keep an eye out for any changes to your

dog's teeth and gums. However, only an expert can tell the true state of your dog's dental

health. It's important to visit your vet at least once each year for a health check in which your

dog's teeth and gums will be examined. If there's any major plaque buildup, your vet may

recommend professional cleaning.

If you haven’t brushed your dog's teeth regularly for a while, you may have noticed bad

breath or a buildup of brown tartar on their teeth. In this case, it’s best to have your vet do a

thorough clean and then commit yourself to maintaining the results with daily cleaning.

Brian Foster