How Do Dog Chews Help Your Pet's Teeth?
Most people think of dog chews as just another treat for their pet, but they can be a vital part of your dog's healthcare routine. Dog chews can help your dog's teeth in several ways, and healthy teeth are the first step to a healthier overall dog. So how do these treats help keep your dog's oral hygiene in good shape, and why does it matter?
Remove Plaque and Bacteria
When a dog chews on a dog chew treat, it scrapes around to remove plaque and bacteria resting on the teeth and gums.
Prevent Periodontal Disease
Dog's gums work the same way ours do, but they don't have floss to remove buildup between their teeth and keep their gums healthy. Dog chews help to remove some of that gunk and strengthen the gums.
Cures Bad Breath
Dog breath is never pleasant, but a dog's breath with an unhealthy mouth is nearly unbearable. Removing the bacteria from their mouths helps freshen up your dog's breath and makes them more fun to be around.
Mental Health
While it may not be directly related to your dog's teeth, mental health affects the entire body. If your dog is anxious, dental chews are a good way for them to get some of that anxious energy out so they feel better overall.
How Else Can You Help Your Dog's Oral Hygiene?
Dental chews are a fantastic way to help your dog with daily oral maintenance, but a few other methods will help maintain their oral health.
Dental Spray and Additives
If you need a quick fix to freshen your pup's breath, dental sprays are available that you can spray directly onto your dog's teeth. Additionally, there are additive products on the market that you can add to their water that are safe to drink and beneficial for canine dental health.
At Home Brushing
Brushing at home is one of the most effective forms of canine oral hygiene. However, it can be time-consuming, and if your dog doesn't like it, it turns into a wrestling match, and it doesn't feel like you've accomplished a decent cleaning.
Professional Oral Care
Professional cleaning is the most effective option for oral care but it has drawbacks. Professional canine oral care is not cheap, and it usually requires your dog to be given anesthesia, so risks are always involved. It is better to try to keep up with daily oral health care so professional cleanings only need to be done once in a dog year.
The Importance of Canine Oral Hygiene
Some pet owners will question why oral hygiene is essential; after all, they are just dogs. If you want your dog to live a long, quality life, there may be nothing more important than caring for their teeth.
Prevent Bad Breath
Your dog may not care about their bad breath, but you do. Good oral care prevents the bacteria that cause bad breath from building in your dog's mouth. Bad breath can be a sign of other underlying health issues, so if you are confident in their oral care routine but they still have bad breath, it could be an indication that something else is going on.
Prevent Tooth Breakage and Loss
One of the most common side effects of poor oral hygiene in your dog is if their teeth break, fall out, or must be extracted. Not only is this painful for your dog, but it can also affect their quality of life. If they lose too many teeth, they may be forced to change their diet, which can be more expensive and effect their quality of life.
Prevent Organ Damage
When the bacteria that cause gum disease gets into the bloodstream, it can do all kinds of harm, but if it settles in the organs, it can cause organ damage, leading to premature death.
Prevent Pain
Dogs are good at hiding oral pain, so you may not even know your dog is suffering. Taking care of their oral health gives you peace of mind that they aren't quietly suffering through oral pain.
The Challenges of Canine Oral Hygiene
You know oral hygiene is vital for your dog, but that doesn't make it any easier. These are some of the most common challenges when caring for your dog's teeth.
Cost
Oral care for your dog can be expensive, especially if you have to pay for regular professional cleanings.
Potential Injury
Not many dogs like having their teeth brushed, so if they get squirrelly during a brushing session, one or both of you have the potential to get hurt.
Choosing the Right Products
Not all oral care products are made the same, so you want to ensure that you give your dog a safe and effective oral care product.
Make It a Daily Treat
One of the greatest features of dental chews is that your dog doesn't even know they are enjoying something good for them. Giving them one of these treats daily makes them happy but also reduces the need for home and professional cleanings. Your dog will love the daily treat, and you will love that you're helping them live a long and quality life.
