Taking care of your dog is very important, and many people fail to understand the many signs that their dog requires attention. For instance, when was the last time you paid attention to your dog’s teeth? Most people are under the impression that a dog’s teeth are self-cleaning, and don’t require any intervention. However, that’s not entirely true. The good news for dog owners is the fact that dogs are not as prone to cavities as humans. However, despite the conventional wisdom that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans, you should know that problems are still likely to arise from time to time. Here are a few tips to help you care for your dog’s teeth.
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
One of the most important things you need to know is how to brush your dog’s teeth. Dogs mostly eat chewy foods, and small remnants can get stuck in their teeth from time to time. While a dog’s tongue is incredibly flexible and can be used for cleaning their teeth, it’s important to note that this doesn’t work all the time. The ideal thing to do is to buy a canine toothbrush. Buy a double-headed canine toothbrush and use it at a 45 degree angle to clean your dog’s teeth. This is an essential step for dogs teeth care.
Go to a Veterinarian
Another important thing that you need to do is to visit a veterinarian from time to time. Getting your dog a proper dental cleaning every three to four months by an experienced vet is ideal. Your vet will check to see if there are any cavities in your dog’s teeth and will then clean them properly. Going to the vet is often difficult for dog owners, because they don’t know how their pet is going to respond. This is one of the main reasons why you need to make sure that your dog becomes comfortable with going to the vet.
Selecting Toothpaste
If you don’t pick the right toothpaste for your dog, it won’t be long before your dog starts detesting the whole concept. Every time you approach your dog with the toothpaste and toothbrush, he or she will likely run away as fast as possible. Try to experiment with different toothpastes to find one that suits your pet best. You will be able to judge whether or not they will tolerate it depending on how they react.
Chew Toys
Chew toys and bones are an excellent way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Every few days, you might want to check your dog’s teeth and brush them carefully. If there are food remnants stuck in between the teeth, use a toothbrush to clean them properly. Make sure you teach your dog how to sit still when you are brushing their teeth so they understand its importance.
