Sometimes, keeping up with our own dental hygiene feels like a feat. Let alone our four legged family members’. If you’ve never lifted a brush to your pooch’s chompers—you aren’t alone. The majority of pet parents don’t brush their dog’s teeth.
Unfortunately, skipping oral hygiene can lead to more serious problems including gum disease, painful infection, or systemic health issues. Removing plaque, and keeping gums healthy will enhance your dog’s overall wellbeing—not to mention freshen their breath, brighten their smile, and keep their tail wagging.
Why Do We Shy Away and What Can We Do?
1. This Thing Doesn’t Come with Instructions
You know the saying…”Parenting doesn’t come with a manual.” Whether it be humans or pets, parents learn along the way. Many doggy parents aren’t aware of the importance of dental hygiene and how not making it a priority can lead to some way stickier situations. In fact, 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by age three.
Your dog’s oral hygiene routine can be easy and rewarding. Read on to learn more.
2. It Creates Anxiety for Us Both
We totally understand. Just the thought of putting your pooch through the stress of brushing can have you both running for the hills. It’s challenging and a bit nerve wracking for us while feeling unnatural, intrusive, and strange for our pets.
With patience and practice, it’s possible that you and your dog will come to love your dental hygiene routine. Before you dive into the wild world of teeth brushing, choosing the right tools will make a big difference. Be sure to select a brush designed specifically for dogs. A dog finger toothbrush is another great option for beginners. Their short, fat bristles may be more comfy for your dog while they get used to the sensation of brushing.
You may be wondering if your personal dental products can double for your dog. “Can I use human mouthwash on dogs? Will my human toothpaste do the trick?” Never use human toothpaste, mouthwash or dental products for your pets as it could be harmful—a tasty beef or chicken toothpaste made just for dogs will make the whole operation run more smoothly.
3. I Don’t Want to Cause Pain
Of course we never want our family members to experience pain or discomfort. Attempting oral care can be tricky from a physical perspective. It’s only natural to hesitate out of fear of causing your pup pain—especially when we can’t quite see what’s going on under there.
If you’re wondering how to clean dog teeth without brushing, water additives offer easy support. These tasteless solutions can be poured directly into their water dish, where they help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, support overall oral health, and freshen breath.
While dental water additives for dogs are best used as part of a complete dental care routine, they are definitely a fuss-free, pain-free way to give your doggy’s mouth a little TLC.
4. It’s Too Difficult and Time Consuming
Before you get a solid routine down, it can feel impossible to incorporate into a busy lifestyle. Remember that practice and patience will help you and your pup get on the right track. Once you’re in a groove, you may be surprised how much easier it all becomes.
However, there are a few products out there that offer oral support with added convenience. Our Dental Fresh Oral Spray is easy to use and perfect for care between brushing and on-the-go cleaning. Keep one at home and one in your car or travel bag.
5. Isn’t Dry Dental Health Kibble Enough?
Dry kibble that is made to support your dog’s teeth helps to scrape away plaque and tartar, but it’s not quite a complete routine.
Dog dental care at home can also include dental sticks and dental chews that are specifically designed to help disrupt plaque and tartar.
And while you’re still teaching your dog how to get more comfortable with brushing, dental wipes are portable, disposable, and great for wiping away gunk in a flash.
Professional Cleaning
Your veterinarian is educated and experienced in preventing, spotting, and treating doggy dental issues. While at-home care is crucial, nothing beats having your pet’s teeth thoroughly and professionally cleaned by your trusted vet. How often should you clean your dog’s teeth? Most veterinarians advise professional cleaning at least once a year.
Keep it a Priority
Creating and maintaining an oral health routine for your dog helps to stop plaque in its tracks, reducing buildup that can lead to painful tooth decay or gum disease. Preventative care is just that—preventative. Getting in front of bacteria before it has the chance to cause systemic trouble is key. Plus, who doesn’t want their doggy smooches to be fresh and clean? Practice patience and trust that effective products combined with your gentle care will have you both smiling wide in no time.