“Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses.” – Elizabeth Taylor (actress)
Truer words haven’t been said. Dogs are one of the most loyal companions in the world. They are more than just pets and if you have ever had one then you understand why Elizbeth Taylor would say so.
As pets, they add so much to one’s life. As a pet owner, the responsibility of caring for your pet falls to you. This includes taking care of their overall well-being. From brushing their teeth to finding the most nutritious food for a glossy coat, everything is your choice.
One of the most necessary ways to help keep a healthy pet is to pay attention to their grooming and this includes their oral health. Pedal to the Paw Dog Spa is a service that can help you with your dog’s overall grooming.
They have a team of expert groomers who are trained to handle dogs of all ages. Despite the recommendation that puppies need to be introduced to grooming at a young age, their groomers can work with fully grown dogs.
Why Your Dog Dental Hygiene Matters
Imagine never brushing your teeth. It would feel the same for your pet. There are certainly those dog parents who don’t know if they should be brushing their canine’s teeth. If you are one of them, then yes you definitely should be cleaning their pearly whites.
There are several reasons why dental hygiene is the same for pets as it is for humans. To better understand it is necessary to understand how dental hygiene applies to a dog’s oral health.
Dental Health In dogs
Oral hygiene can affect the gums, the teeth, and the overall oral structure of a dog’s mouth. Once things go bad in the oral cavity this can become a digestive problem and it will end up causing serious health concerns for the pet.
Don’t be fooled by the teeth appearing to be white. Not all teeth that are ridden with tartar seem to be yellow or show signs of plaque buildup. Tartar is of course a problem when it is above the gum line.
But this can easily be removed by the dentist. What becomes a major problem is when the tartar reaches below the gumline. This can cause infection, damage the tooth structure, and hurt the gums as well.
Signs That Can Help Identify Tooth Illness In Dogs
Much like other diseases dental disease also shows certain symptoms that can help identify whether your pet is suffering from an oral concern. The following are signs to look out for:
- Chipped and broken teeth
- Bad breath
- Yellow teeth
- Visible tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling in the gums
- Difficulty eating
- Uncontrollable drooling
Significance of Dental Care For Dogs
Following are reasons why you must maintain healthy oral hygiene for your dog:
- Compromised teeth and surrounding gums can become loose, start bleeding and eventually fall or they may need to be extracted if the problem gets out of hand. Brushing your dog’s teeth can prevent the need for such a procedure and even stop any complications from occurring in the first place.
- Halitosis or bad breath is a common indication of compromised oral health. To prevent this, you must maintain a proper dental care regime for your pet. This can also include visits to the dentists now and then.
- Prevention is certainly better than cure in this case. Dental care can help keep gum infections, tooth decay, and other concerns at bay. With dental care you arent just preventing your pet from suffering mouth-related disease but also stopping organ failure.
- It is quite common for dogs to have dental disease by the time they turn 3. However, you can stop the disease from becoming severe with proper dental hygiene and regular visit to the groomers and vets.
That being said, it is necessary to understand how to maintain your pet’s dental health too. Just brushing their teeth and not doing it the correct way can be just as problematic as not doing anything about it.
Ways You Can Take Care Of Your Dogs Dental Health
The American Kennel Club has released significant research on why a dog’s teeth need to be kept clean. They have also identified aids and ways you can ensure that your dog’s breath and oral cavity are bad bacteria and tartar free.
Consider the following ways to help keep your pet’s mouth clean and maintain their oral health.
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Consistent Brushing
This is a learning process for both you and your pet. The most effective way to maintain oral health through brushing is by being consistent about it. While your dog may not need a brushing every day they will need it ever so often.
Opt for toothbrushes that are made specifically for dogs or ones you can wear over your fingertips. Use toothpaste made only for dogs as human toothpaste can be toxic for them.
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Tooth Wipes are Handy
Wipes are an excellent way to get your pet’s teeth clean when right after they eat or if they are not at home and you can’t take them for a thorough brushing. Keep in mind that wipes do not provide a deeper cleaning such as brushes.
Therefore it is recommended to use them if you don’t have other options. Rub the wipe across the teeth and remove visible tartar and buildup from the teeth to prevent dirt from affecting the gums and tooth health.
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Work with Groomers
This is something that cannot be stressed enough. Dog parents make the mistake of taking care of their pets on their own. This isn’t the best move for their health. Try and find a groomer who can manage your pet’s physical and oral hygiene.
Groomers can help keep matting and knots out of the dog’s hair. Manage their shedding and make sure their oral cavity is cleaned the right way using the right products.
Finding the Right Grooming Service
You can look for those groomers who come highly recommended. Pedal to the Paw Dog Spa is one of the finest resources in this regard. Get in touch with them and book an appointment for your fur baby today!