We already know how important it is to take care of our own teeth, so it should come as no surprise that your dog's dental health is also extremely important for their own wellbeing. And much like with people, when your dog's teeth aren't being cleaned properly, it can lead to some big problems down the road.
Just like we need to visit the dentist every year, our dogs should also be getting their teeth looked at once a year by their veterinarian. Not only will your vet be able to tell you if there are any problems that need to be addressed, but they can clean your pup's teeth, as well as recommend ways to keep them clean and strong all year long.
Why is dental health so important? Because it can be a gateway to preventing other serious issues. Your teeth are important to your overall health and the same is true with our dogs. Our dog's mouth can be a clue to other health issues that we would never have known about.
One brand that understands dental health in dogs is Earth Rated. As a brand with a tagline that reads, "making life with dogs simpler and better," it makes sense that they understand the importance of things like health care when it comes to our dogs. And that is why they sent us some interesting information on doggy dental health care with the help of Aryel Lafleur, a behavior consultant and dog trainer.
Here's what you should know about your dog's dental health
Not only did Lafleur have some tips to make caring for our dog's teeth at home easier, but they also offered up some important insight into the importance of regular maintenance and care.
"If you're not someone who regularly examines your dog's mouth, one of the first signs you might notice is bad breath. While it's not common for dog breath to smell great, an exceptionally foul odor could indicate a significant accumulation of plaque and tartar or even infected teeth. At this stage, simply brushing your dog's teeth and using preventive products will not be sufficient. It’s important to get it checked out professionally"Aryel Lafleur
So what are some of the tips that Lafleur had for pet parents?
- It's important to have the right products when it comes to taking care of your dog's teeth. We should not be using human products, especially toothpaste, which can be harmful to their overall health. Instead, we should be choosing dog toothpastes, dental wipes, and even the dental chews.
- Make sure that you are working in a calm environment because messing with your dog's mouth can be stressful for you and them. And if your dog is sensitive to you putting your fingers in their mouth, know that it is okay to leave this to the vet.
- Understand the right way to actually clean your dog's teeth. According to Lafleur, "Introduce your dog to the toothpaste or wipe, and gently lift their lips. Start with the front teeth, carefully working your way to the back, paying attention to the gum line. Remember, it's not a dental sprint; take breaks and use praise and treats for positive reinforcement."
- Just like we have a dental routine, you should also have a consistent routine for your dog as well. Routines will also allow you to know if something bad is happening in your dog's mouth so that you can get them to a vet as needed.
- Dental chews are your dog's best friend. They can make all the difference in keeping your dog's teeth clean in between trips to the vet and actual cleanings. Earth Rated even offers a dog chew toy that can help with stimulating your dog's gums, and it is able to be filled with some of your pup's favorite treats.
There are a lot of reasons why your dog's dental health is important and also things to pay attention to when it comes to actually taking care of their teeth. Bad breath can be a sign of a problem, just as easily as excessive tartar or inflamed gums are.
Taking care of your dog's dental health is just as important as any other aspect of their health and wellbeing and it is something that pet parents may often forget about. However, the veterinarian is a great source of information and help when it comes to keeping your pet healthy and happy, while also making sure their chompers are good to go.