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Don’t Discount The Need For Dental Hygiene For Your Dog
Look inside the mouth of most 10-year-old dogs – go ahead – really look….I dare ya.
What you’re likely to see inside an elderly dog’s mouth is brown tartar firmly rooted against your dog’s gum line. You might see broken teeth (rocks are fun to chew!), or painful gums that bleed when touched. That’s a dog who needs some good dental hygiene.
Why Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure When Discussing Your Dog’s Dental Health
Dental work for your dog is an expensive procedure. The anesthesia needed to keep your dog comfortable during the veternarian dental procedure is also risky, especially in older dogs.
Years ago, we didn’t really care about dental hygiene for our dogs. That’s not exactly true but, dental health was not first-and-foremost when our puppies were at the vet.
Those views have changed in the last decades with the understanding that good dental hygiene in canines is every bit as important as it is in those who love them most – namely, us.
Currently, veterinarians recommend that good dental hygiene for our dogs starts with teeth which are brushed daily. And, teeth that are cleaned as needed. That means, when you first get a whiff of your dog’s breath and you wonder how he possibly could have eaten an entire moose, you’ve got the first warning that your dog’s teeth and gums are in bad shape. Foul breath generally leads one to start the investigation.
For younger dogs, like Dash, puppy breath can quickly morph into rotted teeth dog breath. That’s why I’m careful to stick to a dental routine including water drops that fight against tartar, brushing his teeth, and giving him lots of hard bones that work to knock tartar off teeth.
Pet Water Additives Promote Good Dental Health In Your Dog
I was a bit leery of pet water additives until I spoke with my vet. I was even more leery when I put some in a bowl and added water and it foamed up! What the heck? Anyway, after giving it a quick taste myself to check, I put it down and all the dogs rushed the bowl. I felt better then.
Pet water additives are touted as reducing plaque and tartar. Since I just started using them a few weeks ago, I’m not so sure about that claim. I will tell you that all of my dogs did get sweeter-smelling breath which makes those dog kisses that much sweeter.
Tropiclean Fresh Breath Plaque Remover Pet Water Additive 33.8ozArm & Hammer Advanced Pet Care Tartar Control Dental Water Additive – Mint Flavor 16 Fluid OuncesPET KING Oratene Veterinarian Drinking Water Additive, 8.0 oz.Oxyfresh Pet Oral Hygiene Solution – Dog and Cat Water Additive for Bad Breath – Oral Care Formula Cleans Teeth and Treats Gums – Vet RecommendedNEW Vet Recommended – Dog Breath Freshener Water Additive for Pet Dental Care – All Natural – Works to Eliminate Germs That Cause Bad Dog Breath. Add to Pet’s Drinking Water – Made in USA (16oz/473ml)SENTRY Petrodex Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs, 16 oz
Let Your Dog Clean His Own Teeth With One Of These Rubber Toy Chews
Just the action of chewing something can help knock off tartar from your dog’s teeth. Couple the chewing with a fun toy and it’s a win-win situation for all involved – human and dog.
Olrom Dog Toothbrush Stick – Non-Toxic Canine Dental Chews for Safe Dog Dental Care – Set of a Large & Small Dog Toothbrush Sticks, Finger Toothbrush, Dental Bone for Effective Teeth CleaningWisedom Dog Toothbrush Chew Tooth Cleaner Brushing Stick with Dog Bone Chew Toy Puppy Dental Care Brushing Stick Safe, Natural and Long-Lasting Upgrade Version Toothbrush for Dogs Oral CareHETOO Dog Toothbrush Stick Natural Rubber Doggy Teeth Cleaning Chews Toy for All Breeds Puppies (Orange)HETOO Dog Teeth Cleaning Toys Natural Rubber Dog Toothbrush Stick Effective Dog Tooth Cleaner for Small Medium Dog PetsROLLING BOX Dog Toothbrush Chew Toys Puppy Tooth Cleaning Dental Care Stick Durable Natural Rubber Chewing Ring Interactive Toys for Small PetsNEW YOUNG Dog Toothbrush Stick Dental Care Dog Teeth Cleaning Toys Natural Rubber Bite Resistant Chew Toy for Dogs Pets
Dental Chews For Dogs
Dental chews work by, hopefully, knocking tartar right off the teeth – that’s the theory anyway. I routinely give my dogs a lot of hard bones and dental chews.
Note: I do not promote the use of Greenies as they have been linked to deaths, particularly in dogs who gobble. I have included a link below for those dogs more suited to them – ie, little dogs.
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews, Small Dog, 30 CountBlue Buffalo Regular Blue Bones Natural Dog Dental Chews, 12 oz. (Packaging May Vary)Checkups- Dental Dog Treats, 24ct 48 oz. for Dogs 20+ poundsPedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats Original Flavor, 32 Treats, Large (30 lb+ Dogs)GREENIES Original Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, 36 oz. Pack (36 Treats)Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats, Fresh Breath, Small-Medium, 29.9 oz Pouch
Dental Chews Help With Dental Hygiene
Also known as brushless toothpaste, giving your pup one of these dissolvable chews once a week will put you ahead of the game when it comes to dental hygiene.
OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for Small Dogs, 30 CountOraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for Large Dogs, 30 CountARK NATURALS Brushless Toothpaste, Vet Recommended Natural Dental Chews for Dogs, Plaque, Tartar and Bacteria Control
Toothbrushes And Toothpaste For Dogs
I prefer to use a finger toothbrush and some dog toothpaste – Dash likes the peanut butter flavored toothpaste best…
Pet Toothbrush – Soft Bristle Cat, Dog Finger Toothbrush – 6 Pack – Dental Care For Dog, Cat and Small Pet- By Mascota PetsSENTRY Petrodex Dental Care Kit for Adult DogsPetrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste Dog Poultry Flavor, 6.2-OunceNylabone Advanced Oral Care Puppy Dog Dental KitOxGord 14 oz. Pet Dog Toothpaste Dental Care Kit with Dual Toothbrush for Oral Hygiene-Fights Plaque Freshens Breath- Cleans and Restores-2 pack – Beef FlavorEZ DOG 3-Sided Toothbrush & Natural Toothpaste Kit for Small Dog Breeds – Vanilla Flavor