The best solutions for taking care of your furry friend’s oral health!
Your weekend was already planned: a quick check-up at the vet and off you go for a walk with your furry friend! Except that your vet decided otherwise… Yes! He lingered over your dog’s molars and noticed the beginnings of tartar… Nothing unusual so far, except when he tells you to brush his teeth. What? Does a furry friend brush his teeth? In dogs, the importance of good oral hygiene has long been underestimated. However, some studies show that 8 out of 10 dogs over the age of 3 have natural tartar. Here are some key tips for caring for your dog’s teeth to combat its main scourge: tartar! So better to maintain than to cure!
What is plaque and tartar in dogs?
Tartar first settles on the back teeth (molars, premolars) before attacking the fangs. Tartar is a real scourge for our furry friends and leads to many complications, such as loosening and loss of teeth, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), bleeding gums, oral infections, and abscesses. In addition, bad breath is most often due to tartar.
How to remove tartar from a dog’s teeth?
II. Combine brushing with a toothpaste suitable for dogs
There are several flavors adapted to those of the animal (chicken or beef), and no rinsing is required. Using a toothpaste specially adapted for dogs will make brushing more pleasant for your dog. Don’t hesitate to let your dog taste the toothpaste by putting a small dab on your finger to get him used to the taste of the toothpaste and familiarize him with this new activity. Never use the toothpaste you use for yourself. It is unsuitable and toxic for your dog due to the presence of fluoride.
III. A suitable diet BARF
enthusiasts will tell you, there is no better diet for taking care of your dog’s teeth. If your furry friend is not on BARF, avoid kibble that is too small and favor large ones. Indeed, the larger the kibble, the more it will encourage your dog to crunch and chew, rather than swallowing whole! Chewing helps eliminate dental plaque and tartar thanks to the abrasive effect of the kibble. Chewing also stimulates the secretion of saliva, which contributes greatly to cleaning your dog’s teeth. In addition to meals, you can also use certain chewing treats and food supplements that contain ingredients that contribute to good breath and cleaning teeth. Kelp powder, also known as kelp, helps soften tartar on teeth to prevent plaque buildup . V . Anti-glutton bowls. If your furry friend tends to suck up his kibble and doesn’t take the time to chew his food, you can turn to anti-glutton bowls!
Indeed, if your dog does not chew his food, he does not exercise his teeth and does not benefit from the abrasive effect of his diet. His dental plaque, therefore, has a high chance of turning into tartar. Anti-glutton bowls are designed to slow the dog down and thus give him time to chew his food. In addition to encouraging chewing, it promotes the secretion of saliva, which plays a key role in cleaning teeth.
V. Encourage chewing
Chewing is an innate need in dogs and plays an essential role in cleaning your furry friend’s teeth naturally.
The 7 steps to brushing your furry friend’s teeth
Maintaining good dental hygiene is important for your furry friend’s health. As a Pawrent, that means you have to brave their drool and bad breath to keep their teeth as clean as possible. 🙂
The most effective way is, of course, to brush your furry friend’s teeth.
Before you dive into the lion’s den, here are some practical tips
- Get your dog used to it as early as possible: Brushing isn’t essential when your puppy has baby teeth, but the younger they are used to it, the easier it will be later on. With an adult dog, start gradually by handling their lips, then run just your finger over their teeth, and then introduce the toothbrush.
- Brushing should remain a fun time. Brushing is not necessarily pleasant for the dog, so reward him every time he behaves well! By rewarding him, he will associate this moment with a pleasant experience.
- Wash your hands thoroughly nd make sure your nails are short for your pet’s safety before each brushing.
- What position should you adopt? Stand behind your furry friend, place one hand on top of his muzzle, and lift his lips. With the other hand, he cleans his teeth.
How to properly brush your furry friend’s teeth?
- Buy a suitable toothbrush: Human toothbrushes are not suitable for dogs. Dog toothbrushes are smaller and softer to avoid damaging the gums. If you have a large dog, you can opt for a children’s toothbrush. If, on the other hand, you have a small or medium-sized dog, it will be easier to opt for a finge rush.
- Get your dog used to being in contact with his mouth: start by touching your dog’s lips, then gradually move towards the teeth and then the gums so that your furry friend gets used to this gesture. Repeat this gesture until your dog is completely comfortable with the gesture, then introduce the toothbrush.
- Let him taste the toothpaste: To start, get him used to the taste of toothpaste so that your furry friend becomes familiar with this new activity. You can put a small amount on your gertip a let your furry friend lick it off before massaging his gums with your finger.
- Choose the right moment: It is essential that you and your furry friend are calm and rested (for example, after a walk). Make this moment as pleasant as possible for your furry friend.
- Use circular motions, starting with the outer surface of the teeth and taking care to brush over the junction between the gum and the tooth (where plaque forms). Brush the canines and incisors, without forgetting the molars and premolars;
- Repeat this gesture for 2 minutes every day.
- Reward your dog after each brushing: with a treat for fresh breath, for example, or his favorite toy so that he associates each brushing with a positive moment.
Promote chewing
Chewing promotes the release of happy hormones, which have a calming and soothing effect. In addition, the continuous movement of toys, chew sticks, nd chew toys removes plaque through friction and saliva production. It also promotes blood circulation in the gums and strengthens jaw muscles.
1. Chewing sticks
- There are hundreds of chew sticks on the market, but unfortunately, they’re not all equal! When you have to choose, always choose the least processed, most natural, and healthiest products. Chew sticks are specially designed to help rub against plaque. Some also contain ingredients and active ingredients designed to slow tartar buildup. The longer your dog chews, the more effective it will be. Be careful, however, as the stick should not replace brushing and is a complement t regular brushing.
