There are many reasons to take care of your dog’s teeth. This simple action will not only benefit your canine, it will also benefit you. Many people don’t realize how important it is to care for their dog’s mouth, but it is just as important as caring for our own oral health. Dogs get plaque and tartar build up just like humans which can cause a slew of complications. If you don’t have time to brush their teeth often, chew toys and bones are also a healthy supplement for their oral wellness. Here are 8 reasons you should be taking care of your dog’s teeth.
Better Breath
There’s no question that you would enjoy being closer to your dog if their breath was a little more fresh. Not to mention, the guests in your house would probably appreciate your dog having better breath as well. Halitosis is actually a serious condition that can lead to other health complications, so if you notice your dog has seriously bad breath it’s time to focus on their oral care. If your dog is drinking excessively, urinating excessively, or very lethargic they may have an infection and should be seen by a vet. Other symptoms such as not eating, vomiting, or diarrhea can be signs of an oral infection and should be checked out immediately by a professional.
Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease
If taking care of your dog’s teeth isn’t a priority they can develop tooth and gum diseases by the time they are just 4 years old. The mouth is a host for bacteria and infections can be painful and spread to the gastrointestinal tract. Choosing food that is good for their teeth and gums is essential, as is regularly looking at their gums for any signs of blisters, swelling or discoloration that is out of the normal.
Lower Your Vet Bills
If you take care of your dogs teeth they are less likely to need oral surgery or medications for infections. Preventive health care in dogs is just as important as it is in humans. Remember, you’re the one paying their vet bills and if you don’t take the small amount of time to brush their teeth, choose appropriate bones and chew toys, and check their gums you could be asking for high vet bills down the road. Talk to your vet about which foods, toys, toothpaste, and toothbrushes they recommend.
Chewing Reduces Stress
Dogs have natural instincts to chew and when they are at home for extended periods of time they want things to occupy them. Chewing actually helps calm a dog’s nervous system and reduce boredom. Find toys that are rubber and toxin free. Remember certain dogs like bull-dogs will choke from raw-hide bones so be sure to do your research. This may help your dog stop barking as much when you’re away and keep them out of mischief.
Less Likely To Get Cysts
Cysts can develop in your dogs mouth if you don’t take care of their teeth. The bacteria that can build up between their teeth and gums can lead to these painful blisters. Often times, this problem will require drainage and surgery so don’t take the risk and just brush those pearly whites!
Lower Chance of Mouth Tumors
Mouth tumors can develop in the gums and look like lumps under the surface and sometimes they have to be surgically removed. This will not only cause your dog pain, but it can cost a lot of money. It makes much more sense to choose a soft brush that is designed for dogs as well as a toothpaste that is made for dogs and brush their teeth. Don’t use human toothpaste because fluoride can interfere with the enamel development on their teeth.
Lowers Pain For Your Puppy
Unlike humans, our dogs can’t tell us when they are experiencing pain. Their loss of appetite or low energy may indicate something is wrong, but often it’s not until they are severely sick that we know something isn’t right. If you don’t want your dog’s teeth to get loose, rot, or get those painful infections make sure you brush their teeth 2 or 3 times per week.
They Won’t Chew Furniture As Much
When you give dogs chew toys and bones that will help their gum health it also helps to keep them from getting bored. They have a natural instinct to chew and they will usually find something to chew if you don’t give them something. If you like your shoes and the corners of your couches, make sure to give them vet recommended chew toys. This can also help reduce the amount of time you’ll need to spend brushing because it will help remove some of the tarter and plaque build up.
Your dog should not be given table scraps or processed foods. Dogs don’t know what is good for them and what is not. If you give your dogs unhealthy foods it will increase their rate of tooth decay and possibly make them susceptible to other illnesses. They need food that has the proper nutrients and you may want to look at the vitamin supplements that can help their coat and overall health as well. So long are the days of just putting out a bowl of food and forgetting about doing anything more for the family farm dog. Dogs need love and attention and we must be smart about their health just as we must be smart about our own. Please do not use human toothbrushes on your dog as the bristles are too hard for their gums and keep in mind that before you stick a toothbrush in their mouth you’ll need to spend a few weeks putting your fingers in their mouth and massaging their gums so they get used to being touched in this way. There are many additional options for tooth care including teeth cleanings, special diets, and treats.