Working up to brushing daily is ideal. But if their mouth is healthy, even three days a week can make a difference. Without brushing, plaque can build up, putting your dog at risk for bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Without brushing, the particles adhere to the teeth. Bacteria then feed on these particles and produce tartar. This leads to dental disease, which causes bad breath, tooth loss, and pain.
If you never clean your dog's teeth in any way, well… a number of things can happen. Plaque can build up. Teeth can decay. Your dog can get gum disease, foul breath, painful infections.
It's been estimated that only 2 percent of dog owners brush their dog's teeth daily, despite recommendations from veterinarians across the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 80 percent of dogs have some kind of oral disease by the age of three.
Almost half of dog parents (47%) who don't brush their dogs' teeth say that they don't think they need to brush because they see dental chews as a sufficient alternative to brushing, while veterinary oral health experts say that this is the equivalent to a human dry brushing with no toothpaste.
Dog owners are better at brushing their dog's teeth than cat owners are, but still nothing to brag about: fewer than one in ten brush their dog's teeth more than once a day (1%) or once a day (7%). Other brush their dog's teeth a few times a week (8%), once a week (10%), once a month (7%), or rarely (24%).
Here at Tevrapet, we're celebrating National Pet Dental Health Month, but the vast majority of pet parents don't brush their dog's teeth. And by majority, we mean 98 percent. Around 80 percent of our pups get some form of periodontal disease by their third birthday, so dental care is a big deal.
Per the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), it is recommended that you brush your dog's teeth daily.
A major reason why wild animals don't need professional dental care is their diets. Many animals spend a lot of time chewing their food, much of it rich in fiber, which cleans their teeth at the same time. Animals also chew on sticks, barks, bones, and grass to help clean their teeth after big meals.
As carrots are a lovely, crunchy vegetable, if you give them to your dog in large pieces they will have to bite into them rather than swallowing them whole. This chewing mechanism helps clean your dog's teeth and gums by removing residual food pieces and help clear plaque from tooth surfaces.
In the wild, canines clean their own teeth by chewing the bones of their prey. But before you stock up on bones from the butcher, there are a few things to consider. There's plenty of concern out there about bones, and some of it is justified.
Try food made from meats, vegetables and fruits. This also extends to snacks and treats, which are full of sugar, fats, and cereal grains. Instead, try treating your dog with carrot slices, apple slices and pumpkin pieces.
Brushing the teeth can be done by groomers
If your dog is friendly enough to allow this kind of contact, it should still only be done for light brushing. The main reason for this is that, as listed above, groomers are not licensed to conduct any kind of medical treatment on pets.
Offer the Most Delicious Treats and Ample Praise
The best treats will help encourage your pet to sit tight and tolerate the toothbrushing routine. Some pets even start to enjoy the gum massage and attention, not to mention all the praise, that comes with the daily oral healthcare routines.
Dental Treats – C.E.T veggie dent chews work as a great option and your pet will love the taste. Greenies are also another good option and can be purchased in many different pet shops and local shops.
Like us, it is best to brush your dog's teeth at least twice every day. For many dogs, once brushing becomes a part of their daily routine, they will begin to expect and enjoy it. Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation.
For dogs, Lee recommends brushing in a downward direction (and for cats, a horizontal motion is preferred). Ideally, you'll brush their teeth every day.
Weekly: Experts recommend brushing your dog's teeth for one minute, two to three times per week. But, even once a week will help you prevent dental disease. Annually: In addition to a weekly routine, your vet may recommend professional teeth cleanings.
Certain foods are more likely to speed up the build-up of plaque on dog teeth compared to other foods. For example, bacteria love carbohydrates from sugar, which means feeding your dog sugary foods could increase the build-up of plaque in their mouth.
Apples are a fantastic addition to your dog's diet; they provide vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fibre. They also provide a way to keep your dog's teeth clean and helps to freshen their breath! However, you should be sure to remove the core and the seeds of the apple before giving it to your dog.
Coconut Treats
Coconut possess antibacterial properties. The naturally occurring compounds in coconut help defend your dogs mouth against any bacteria or parasite that they might have picked up. The texture of coconuts are excellent as they scrub against the teeth and get rid of any plaque and tartar build-up.
An easy way to tell if your dog needs a teeth cleaning is just by looking at their teeth. A dog's teeth will show a buildup of plaque. If you notice some plaque buildup or gingivitis in your dog's mouth, it's probably time for a dental cleaning.
Signs your dog needs veterinary help
Take a look at their teeth and their gums. Your dog's teeth should be clean and white, and their gums should be nice and pink. If you see brown on their teeth and you notice that their gums are red then now would be the time for you to call the vet.