You may not realize that you are supposed to be caring for your dog's teeth on a regular basis. Just as with humans, dogs can also end up developing cavities and other dental issues. There are a variety of things that you can do to ensure that your dogs teeth are being cared for the way they should be, so you can avoid dealing with dental related issues in the future. Here are some of the things you need to know about dog dental care:
Give your dog dental friendly treats
There are treats on the market that can help to keep them clean by removing plaque and tartar when they chew on them. Make sure you read the directions on the package to make sure you don't give them these treats too often, they should only have a certain amount per day.
Purchase dental care products for your dog
You will need to have a tooth brush for your dog that fits its mouth size properly. For example, you are going to need a smaller tooth brush for a Chihuahua than you will need to use on a Rottweiler. You also need to purchase a toothpaste that is made specifically for dogs. You can get these dental care products directly from your vet's office, or from other places such as pet supply stores, feed stores and some big box stores.
Brush your dog's teeth without hassle
At first, your dog isn't going to like to have their teeth brushed, even though the tooth paste is flavored in flavors that should appeal to them. So, you'll have to get them used to the process. Start slowly and gently. Lift their upper lip and brush a few of their teeth in one setting. If they let you keep going then try to get them all. However, it's likely that you'll have to work on the other side the next day. After doing this regularly, they should get to the point where they no longer fight you and you can brush them all in one sitting.
Take your dog in for dental exams
Just as you go in to the dentist regularly, your dog should also have their teeth looked at regularly by their vet. This way, problems can be caught and dealt with early on. If needed, your vet can also give your dog a good teeth cleaning session if your at home brushing hasn't done a good enough job of keeping tartar at bay.
For more information, talk to a company like Animal House Veterinary Hospital.
