Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is important, as ignoring this can lead to plaque build-up and dental disease. Dental disease is very common in dogs, second only to ear infections, and can be extremely uncomfortable. To avoid expensive treatment costs, check and clean your dog’s teeth regularly as part of their grooming treatment.
Every dog is unique, so there is never one answer to maintaining healthy teeth. But the main things we can do is keep an eye on teeth, plaque and tartar build up.
The best way to keep on top of plaque and tartar build up is dental chews and natural dental treats. Things like Petface’s Dental Sticks Plus and Forthglade Dental Chews are a great alternative to Dentastix and other popular branded dental chews.
This may include:
• Purina Dentalife
• Earls Dental Sticks (Aldi)
• M&S Dentasticks
& most supermarket own brands!
For natural chews, we recommend beef chewys, rabbit ears with hair, pig snouts, empty hooves and lots more!.
These are all great natural teeth and gum cleaners due to the dog really having to chew to help remove any plaque and tartar build up.
You can also brush your dog’s teeth!
If you can, start teeth cleaning when they are a puppy and brush their teeth every day to get them used to it. If you have not done this, then gradually introduce the activity by having your finger near their mouth. Maintain the habit and slowly introduce brushing until this is natural.
You will need to purchase a dog toothbrush; human toothbrushes are not suitable.
Dental disease can appear quite suddenly, or progress overtime and take months. Make sure you look out for these signs:
Deposits may build up on the teeth Gums will be damaged and bleed Mouth is infected which will give off a foul smell Discoloured teeth that die and fall out Your dog may also refuse food, have difficulty eating or leave flecks of blood in their bowls.
Why not check out our range of natural dental chews? Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/natural-dog-chews