Guide to Cleaning Dog’s Teeth

Pet Dental Month

February is pet dental month, which means it’s time to pay extra attention to your pet’s oral care, including regular dog teeth cleaning. Dental disease is more than just yellow tooth, red gums and stinky breath. It may be a sign of a serious oral disease. If left untreated, it may affect your pet’s quality of life. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of three.

Maintaining Your Pet's Oral Health

Pet owners, don’t worry. Now is the perfect time to take steps to maintain your pets' dental health and prevent a dental problem. Let’s discuss some of them.

The most obvious is to brush your pet’s teeth and gums frequently. When choosing a dog toothpaste, make sure that it doesn’t contain xylitol. You might be very surprised that many contain this dangerous additive for dogs. An all-natural dog toothpaste is the best option. 

If you’re like most pet owners and frequently forget to brush, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about a professional dental cleaning for your dog. Do it once a year or as needed for cleaning dogs teeth effectively. 

How Diet Affects Your Dog’s Oral Health

Overall health begins with a good diet, but did you know that many dental health issues are also caused by an incomplete diet? Healthy dogs who eat a fresh dog food and dog friendly vegetable diet often have much cleaner teeth and better gums than those eating a grain-based dry food. Kibble tends to be hard on the teeth, much like how pretzels can be tough on your teeth.

If looking for fresh and raw dog food is a hassle and you don’t have a lot of time to prepare it, you can choose a reliable supplier like Darwin’s.

Chew Treats for Dental Care

Aside from dog training activities, dental chews are a great way to promote dental health.3 Dogs (especially puppies) need to chew, and if you don’t provide good options for them, they will end up finding your shoes or other household items. Dental chew treats can provide mental and physical stimulation, entertain dogs without your active participation and help aid in plaque removal. 

Here are some recommendations on chew options:

1. Rawhide Chews

Rawhide chews are high in fat, add no beneficial nutrients and can cause blockage in the stomach or intestines. Many rawhides are bleached and have added chemicals. Any form of rawhide can be irritating to your pup’s digestive system. Try to avoid rawhide altogether.

2. Green Treats

Green treats promote dental health and are great for chewing but often have a gluten base. Gluten is one of the most common allergens for dogs. Green treats tend to expand in your dog’s stomach, causing digestive issues.

3. Bones

Bones provide a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and calcium for healthier joints and connective tissues. Raw bones are best due to their durability and are a rich source of good fats and calories, making them easily digestible. Sterilized and cooked bones may be fine for a light chewer who will gradually wear the bone away. Heavy chewers should stick to raw bones as cooked bones become brittle and can splinter causing internal damage if swallowed. Raw bones may be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

4. Consumable Chews

Consumable chews require careful evaluation for each individual dog. Chews like duck necks are great for cleaning the molars of the mouth. They are easily digestible and add beneficial cartilage to the diet. However, an enthusiastic large dog can choke on them. Always supervise and discard pieces that are small enough to swallow.

Prioritize Your Pet’s Dental Care

So this February make extra time for your pet’s oral health. Remember to frequently brush your dog’s teeth and gums frequently. Always supervise all chew activities carefully, and when possible, choose a raw or natural dental chew treat – Mother Nature always provides the best remedies to support your pet’s health. This will add to the quality of your dog’s days, helping them live a longer, more satisfying life.

Regular dog teeth cleaning and dental hygiene practices can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, ensuring your pet’s dental health is in top shape. This will add to the quality of your dog’s days, helping them live a longer, more satisfying life with healthier tooth and gum line conditions.

If you are looking for a reliable pet food delivery service that provides high quality raw dog food that is great for your pet’s dental hygiene, check out our products at Darwin’s Natural Pet Products.