There is no greater joy than having a pet, and time is always more fun when they are around. Especially time passes quickly and interestingly if you have a dog. Dogs are one of the most interesting pets, but also pets that are first and foremost best friends, protectors, and the most interesting friends that people have. It is necessary to constantly take care of them as you take care of yourself, especially when it comes to dental health.
Just like you, your furry friend’s dental health is crucial for their overall well-being, so it is important to start taking care of your dog’s teeth promptly. A sparkling smile isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about preventing pain, discomfort, and even serious health problems down the line that can also be present in your pets. But when should you start taking care of your pup’s pearly whites? This is the question that bothers most of the owners.
The answer, like most things in life, is: that it depends. Sometimes it is necessary to do this from the first days, but if you are concerned about what food your pet eats, it may be necessary to start dental care later.
However, a large number of factors play a role here, and we bring you more information and details about taking care of your dog’s dental health in the continuation of today’s article. Let’s see together what is most important for you to know!
Habits for Healthy and Clean Teeth Are Created in the First Months of Your Puppy’s Life
Source: dahnc.com
The first stage of your dog’s dental journey begins with the eruption of tiny, adorable puppy teeth. While the puppies are small, you need to impose a task on them, that is, apply techniques for cleaning and maintaining the teeth that you will implement, and they will have to remember them as something mandatory.
This typically happens around 3-6 weeks of age, and like human babies, the process can be itchy and uncomfortable for your little furball, but even though the teeth are growing and are small, habits should be created already in the first months.
Teething toys are your best friend during this phase, providing a safe outlet for gnawing and helping to massage sore gums, but after that, it is enough to take a dog brush and start gently brushing the teeth, and more frequent examinations at the best veterinarians like those from ortinganimalhospital.com.
As we said above, while brushing isn’t necessary at this point, you can start getting your pup accustomed to the idea. It will be uncomfortable the first few times for them, and challenging and interesting for you, but still the process should flow.
Gently massage their gums with your finger or a soft toothbrush while offering puppy-safe toothpaste. Make no mistake – only use paste for dogs, not for humans. This early introduction makes regular brushing much smoother later on, but also provides a good foundation for having healthy and clean teeth for your dog.
As Your Puppy Grows Into a Semi-matured Dog, Start Creating More Healthy Habits
Source: pet-er.com
Once your pup graduates from puppy teeth to their adult set, i.e. after they are 7 months old and have strong teeth, it’s time to kick things up a notch and add more tasks and space for clean teeth.
This is the prime time to establish a dental care routine that will stick with them for life, which will include the brush and paste for dogs, but also other accompanying things that will have to become a daily routine that will lead to healthy teeth during your whole life. What do you need to do? More in the sequel.
1. Brush their teeth several times a week
Aim for brushing your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week, and it is best if you create a habit in which part of the day to do it every day. Yes, it is best to brush your pet’s teeth every day to avoid unwanted situations such as toothaches, decayed teeth, or bad breath. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste and do not opt for human ones, because they are harmful to pets.
While brushing your dog’s teeth, try to reach all surfaces, especially the gum line where the most food collects. Make it a positive experience with lots of praise and treats, so that the dog can remember that that activity is very important!
2. Don’t forget to incorporate toothpicks into your dog’s daily routine
There are a large number of auxiliary products on the market that are made for dogs, and some of them are intended to protect the health of teeth in dogs. Always choose the right dental sticks that can help your dog maintain the health of his teeth just by nibbling on the tooth sticks.
It is perfect for all breeds and it is recommended that every owner should include these snacks in their pet’s daily routine to reliably ensure healthy and clean teeth for their pet.
3. Veterinary checks are also of crucial importance
Don’t neglect professional teeth cleanings, but also professional periodical checks! Checkups are crucial for every pet and every part of the pet’s body, even the teeth. Schedule annual vet visits for your dog to get their teeth checked and professionally cleaned when needed.
During the year, the dog consumes different foods, and it can lead to a change in the health of the teeth. In order not to allow any damage to the dog’s teeth, it is necessary to occasionally visit a veterinarian who will make checks and prevent any processes on your dog’s teeth.
Include Foods That Are Good for Your Dog’s Teeth
Source: dogsbestlife.com
Be sure to include food that is specialized for the health of your dog’s teeth during everyday life. Today there are specialized foods that are designed to prevent something, so there is also specialized food that is intended for healthy teeth in dogs. Do your research and buy the best thing for your pet.
Conclusion
As we have already mentioned, it is best to start taking care of your dog’s healthy teeth from a young age, to ensure a healthy and trouble-free life for your best furry friend. Set a routine, take care, go for checkups and your pet will have healthy and clean teeth throughout its life.
