Dental Care
Caring for your dog's dental health and hygiene at home will have many benefits, including preventing the build up of tartar and plaque which can lead to other issues such as infections and heart disease, as well as keeping your dog's mouth smelling good.
Regular dental care helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Dental problems can impact your dog's overall health, affecting their eating, energy levels, and even causing systemic issues.
Aim to brush your dog's teeth daily for optimal dental hygiene, however, even a few times a week can be beneficial. Use of a dog specific toothpaste is very important as human pastes can contain harmful ingredients. Gradually introduce your dog to the process, starting with letting them lick the toothpaste and working your way up to brushing. You may not be able to brush all of their teeth, but focus on reachable areas like the canines and premolars where tartar build-up often occurs.
Additional dental care methods include dental treats which can help remove plaque and tartar build-up as your dog chews on them, some dry dog food kibbles which are designed with a specific texture to help scrape teeth and reduce plaque build up and the provision of chew toys specifically designed for dental care to encourage chewing and potentially help clean teeth.