What the Best Dog Dental Care Pros Do (and You Should, Too)

What do you need to do to maintain your dog's teeth? Let us examine what the best dog dental care pros do (and you should, too) that have helped keep dog's teeth white, bright, and healthy.
 

Start Early With Your Dog as a Puppy!

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, dogs should receive dental care as early as three months old. You should ensure your dog's oral health even before they erupt with the first tooth.

Of course, that does not imply that you should immediately go out and purchase your dog a toothbrush and toothpaste. However, it does mean that you should know the symptoms and causes of canine dental issues.
 

For Healthy Teeth and Overall Health, Raw Bones Are the Key

Raw bones are essential for your dog's dental and overall wellness. Most teeth, except the front incisors and canines, go through natural scaling and cleaning when chewing on bones. Wild dogs would chew on the skin and fur of their prey animals to clean their front teeth, but this is not the case with domestic dogs.
 

What Are Some Ways To Improve Dog Dental Care?

Clean Your Dog's Teeth

Even though cleaning your dog's teeth might seem complicated, it is a great way to prevent plaque buildup. Cleaning the teeth at least once daily is ideal.

While you are cleaning their teeth, you have a few options. Get toothpaste made especially for dogs first. The second choice is to use a dog toothbrush or a brush the size of a finger. Find out what you and your dog like by discussing the best options with your veterinarian at Magnolia Animal Dentistry.
 

Canine Dental Treats

Dogs enjoy rewards, so dog dental treats are a terrific approach to improve your dog's oral hygiene. These snacks get rid of plaque and typically have chemicals that clean the mouth and refresh your dog's breath. It is often more popular with dogs than toothbrushes and toothpaste and is better at keeping their mouths clean. You may notice that your dog will enjoy a taste, size, and form among these goodies.
 

Dog Tooth Wipes

You can also use dental wipes to remove dirt from your pet's teeth, although these work best when combined with routine brushing. Unfortunately, these wipes have trouble fitting into tight areas or between teeth. Using tooth wipes is preferable to disregarding potential plaque if you are not brushing your dog's teeth. They are still an excellent alternative to a toothbrush and toothpaste for cleaning your pet's teeth and are generally more straightforward.
 

Canine Chews

Vets developed dental chews for dogs for comfort and to help scrub the surface of their teeth mechanically, like a dog's toothbrush. They do not replace brushing but help in the dog's chewiest area, the rear of the mouth.
 

Take Your Dog for Regular Dental Cleanings.

Depending on the breed and home dental care, some dogs need dental cleanings once a year, while others only need them once every few years. You must thoroughly clean the dog's teeth to remove tartar, including the layer under the gum line. A general anesthetic will be required for this stage.

For more on what the best dog dental care pros do, visit Magnolia Animal Dentistry at our office in Vancouver, Washington, or Portland, Oregon. Call (360) 859-3790 or (503) 621-9107 to book an appointment today.