How to Maintain Pet Wellness by Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Dogs need their teeth cleaned through brushing just like human beings. Good oral hygiene is vital to their pet wellness.

The popular saying, “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans” is actually not quite true. Both species’ mouths have what is called natural flora—different species of bacteria that maintain the health and balance of the mouth by competing for resources. In this competition, the bacteria inhibit a bacterial overgrowth.

Many people believe dog’s saliva is antimicrobial because, in 1990, a study suggested that dog saliva could possibly be sterilizing. This is only slightly true. Both human and dogs’ mouths are teeming with bacteria. The only difference is the strains of bacteria.

Dogs lick their wounds, not to provide antimicrobial saliva to them, but to lick the dead skin away. For dogs to achieve proper pet wellness, their teeth need to be brushed consistently.

Canine Toothbrush

The best kind of toothbrush to use is a double-headed brush with the bristles pointing out at a 45-degree angle that can clean below the gum line.

The best pet wellness method is to begin brushing as a puppy. This way your dog will be comfortable with groomers, or you handling them. If your dog is not accustomed to having their teeth brushed it might be wiser and easier to have a professional do the brushing.

You want brushing to be a reasonably enjoyable experience for your dog. When first beginning do this after a walk or when your dog is well exercised. Start slowly and quit if your dog shows agitation.

Increase time spent brushing as your dog habituates to the act.

What Toothpaste Should I Use?

Please. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog, Fluoride is extremely poisonous to dogs and is an ingredient in almost every commercial human toothpaste.

O.K. now that is out of the way, know that all dog and cat toothpaste is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

For the best pet wellness, discuss various brands of toothpaste with your veterinarian. Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique use only the best-formulated toothpaste for excellent oral hygiene for our doggie clients.

Dry Kibble VS. Wet Kibble

We recommend the rotational diet—varying a dog’s diet between dry food, wet food, raw, and freshly prepared food. Kibble, or dry food, does serve its place within a dog’s pet wellness diet.

If a dog eats too much wet food, the food can stick to a dog’s gum line and teeth which can cause decay.

Give Them Something to Chew On

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique sells a variety of both rubber and natural chew toys that are helpful for oral hygiene.  Rubber KONG chews and Red Barn Filled Bones are specifically designed to strengthen gums and jaws.

The friction against a rawhide or rubber bone also scrapes plaque away from teeth.

Should I leave the Brushing to Professionals?

Brushing teeth improperly can do more damage for a dog’s pet wellness than not brushing at all. Bleeding, chipped teeth, or agitation are huge signs you need to stop.

Many dogs who have not grown accustomed to having their nails trimmed or their teeth brushed can be difficult to handle. Even if your dog has great temperament under normal circumstances, you may find that it will be very hard to brush their teeth.

Professionals know the proper techniques of brushing and have trained for years to help soothe anxious animals. On top of this, Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique groomers go through a rigorous asseveration of their knowledge and skills in grooming before being hired.

Our groomers maintain their professionalism by bathing and grooming in a lap of luxury.

When to Consult a Veterinarian?

If your dog is exhibiting any of these visible symptoms, take them to a veterinarian immediately.

  • Bad Breath
  • Drastic Change in Eating
  • Misaligned or Missing Teeth
  • Discolored, Broken, or Crooked Teeth
  • Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums
  • Yellow-ish Brown Tartar Crust Forming Along Gum Line
  • Bumps or Growths in Mouth

Most veterinarians include a dental examination as part of their routine examine, but if they do not, ask them too. A pet’s wellness begins at the mouth.

Also, preventative care is vital. If you are diversifying their diet, having a professional brush their teeth regularly, and provide chew toys that support oral hygiene. This ensures your doggie will smile just as brightly as you do!

 

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