Oral Health
Good dental hygene is very important in dogs and to prevent uncomfortable and expensive surgery. Here are some things you can do to help keep your dog's teeth healthy and clean.
Oral Care: 6 Tips
1. Yearly check ups
2. Regular cleaning. Depending on the age and background of your dog it may take some time for him to get used to you handling his mouth.See below for brushing techniques.
3.Meaty, raw bones to chew like knuckles or marrow bones, try to avoid bones that splinter like fish or chicken. Tendons and natural chews like bully sticks are a great way to go as well.
4.Artificial bones or chews can be also given. Choose those with a rough or bumpy surface that are large enough so that they won't present a choking hazard.
5. Stimulate gums by gently rubbing them a toothbrush or finger brush. Just like people gums should be pink and healthy, not red.
6.Healthy diet and supplements
Brushing Your Dogs Teeth
You can start by putting someting tasty on your finger like peanut butter or yogurt and let him lick at it while you massage his teeth and gums. Also spend some time gently handling his muzzle and jaw and parting the lips. Toothbrushes and finger brushes are pretty standard and you will buy a toothpaste that is formulated for dogs. Toothpaste will usually come in a flavor that they enjoy. Start brushing a few teeth at a time, gently brusing in a circular motion on the teeth and gums. Gradually increase the area and frequency giving lots of praise. Once your dog is comfortable having his teeth cleaned try to brush them at least 2-3 times per week.
At Maddie Mae's Pet Pantry we are knowlegeable and happy to help but we are not veternarians. We do extensive research and carefully choose our products but neither our advise nor or our lists of tips and helpful hints should be substitued by a visit to your veterenarian.