Brushing your dog’s teeth is incredibly important!
Recently, it was World Oral Health Day s and that applies to brushing your dog’s teeth too.
Of course, we all know that oral hygiene isvital to our overall health. But, it is alsojust as important for our beloved canine family members. Put quite simply, you should be cleaning your pet’s peggies too!
Boo’s teeth were beautiful when we adopted him.
Not long after Boo came to live with us, we took him on holiday to Ireland to visit his new grandma and grandad (human ones of course). The local town was playing host to a charity dog show so we decided to enter Boo for a bit of fun and, because of course, he was young and gorgeous!
One of the reasons he was chosen as Most Hansome Male and overall Show Champion, was that he had beautifully, clean teeth. Of course, it was one of the features the judges highlighted in their remarks. To be absolutely honest, we couldn’t claim total credit for the teeth – we had only had him a few months. In addition, we hadn’t been brushing regularly although Boo was not allowed to eath anything other than offical highly nuturious doggie food products.
According to the PDSA, leading animal charity, for dental disease is common among our four-legged friends. Furthermore, you dog feel pain, and it can lead to other health problems over time. As a matter of fact, it is often more obvious in older animals, but problems can start early.
Experts say you should be brushing your dog’s teeth regularly.
For this reason, PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing has warned of the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth. She said: “Just like us, plaque sticks to the surface of our pet’s teeth. If not removed, the minerals in saliva harden the plaque, turning it into tartar; a hard, brown substance that crusts onto the teeth. Problems come when plaque and tartar develop under the gums, causing discomfort and damage to the tissues surrounding the teeth. Even if your pet’s teeth look clean, there can still be a problem.”
According to the PDSA, dental disease damages the gums and, over time, the gums can recede to expose tooth roots, and affected teeth may become loose and infected. If left untreated, bacteria can enter the blood stream, which can cause problems for the heart and other organs like the liver or kidneys.
Experts have designed chewing toys, dental chews and diets are specially to help remove plaque from teeth. While these can help to keep pets’ mouths healthy, always you should be brushing your dog’s teeth to stop problems developing.
Nina added: “Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is the best way to avoid plaque. If you gradually introduce brushing in the right way, ideally from a young age, daily brushing will become a normal part of their routine and can even be fun!
Nina’s tips to help you get into or continue the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth.
- Encourage your dog to lick a small amount of dog toothpaste from your finger. It doesn’t have fluoride like human toothpaste so can be safely swallowed, and is usually a chicken, fish or malt flavour which your pet should enjoy.
- Prepare your dog for contact around their mouth and gums, starting gently by touching their face, giving positive praise or a treat as a reward. Next, lift up their lips gently, pulling them back so you can look at all their teeth.
- Then encourage them to accept a toothbrush into their mouth by gently rubbing a soft cloth along their gums and teeth – this gets them used to having something in their mouth.
- Apply toothpaste to your finger and rub along the outer gums and teeth, gradually progressing to a toothbrush. At first try just a single swipe at a time and build up to daily brushing.
5. Remember it’s never too late to start brushing your dog’s teeth! Follow the same introduction rules for older animals, but it may take a little longer for them to become used to each step.
If you notice any signs of dental disease, such as bad breath, excessive drooling or difficulty eating, make an appointment with your vet.
PDSA is the UK’s leading vet charity. They’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps the charity to reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information www.pdsa.org.uk
