The importance of dog dental hygiene
Dog dental hygiene is one of the most important issues in dogs. Poor canine oral hygiene is very serious and can start a domino effect of health problems for your dog. Built up bacteria becomes plaque which eventually becomes tartar. Neglected dental hygiene can cause infected and painful gums and give your dog bad breath.
In fact, dog dental problems are reported to be the most frequently occurring health condition, with 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 showing signs. Preventive dental care is one of the most neglected dog health needs, often because using a standard dog toothbrush is difficult for both owners and dogs. Yet it's just as important for pets as it is for people.
Regular brushing
Animals cannot brush their own teeth or tell us when they feel pain, so it is up to us to take responsibility for their dental care. If you think your pet may have periodontal disease, schedule an appointment to have your veterinarian perform an oral exam and possibly a good cleaning.
You can also brush your dog's teeth, and you SHOULD, on a regular basis. You can significantly reduce your dog's risk of getting oral disease by establishing an oral-care routine early in your pet's life, but its never too late to start. Brushing your dog's teeth at least 3 times a week helps to remove tartar and plaque. It will also help get rid of your dog's bad breath.
Regular brushing isn't always easy and it may take your dog some time to get used to this routine. The key is to find products that are easy to use and effective, so that you are more inclined adopt a regular routine, and your dog is happy with the process.
One of the main reasons owner often 'lapse' on their pet's dental hygiene is due to the difficulty of finding products that are easy to use. Many dogs are not keen on having dog toothbrushes put in their mouths, particularly in the hard to reach places at the back of mouth. This makes the task much harder for the owner, and probably results in teeth being cleaned less frequently than they should be.
One solution to this is to use a microfibre toothcleaner rather than a dog toothbrush as it is easier to use. With 12000 fibres more than a toothbrush, it is an effective way to gently clean the teeth, and makes reaching 'hard to reach' places easier to clean. The added advantage is that the antibacterial silver ions kill plaque bacteria on contact, preventing a build up of plaque and tartar.
Click here for more information on the Lintbells Toothcleaner
When to go to the vets
A large build up of tartar is likely to need descaling at the vets, and owners should certainly consult with their vet if this is the case. And if they are concerned that their dog may have periodontal disease, and if they have inflamed gums (Gingivitis), they should take their dog to the vet as soon as possible to prevent the disease developing further.
Good dental hygiene for a longer life
Starting your dog on a healthy dental care regimen is one of the very best things you can to do to improve his health. In fact, experts say that brushing your dog's teeth at least 3 times a week can add as much as 5 years to your dog's life!
Click here to read what other dog owners think of the Lintbells Toothcleaner
If you have found this article useful and think it could be of interest to your friends, please use these links to share this article:
