February is that month of the year when the entire attention of the dog owners is diverted towards the oral health of the pet since it is National Pet Dental Health Month. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has chosen this month to take notice of the oral hygiene of the pet. If you feel that your furry pal has a foul breath, then it can be due to the fact that he might have eaten something that he shouldn’t or it may be a sign that there is something amiss in his teeth, gums or overall health. It is very common for dogs to have tooth decay or get periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can have a serious effect on the vital organs of the pet.
In order to ensure that you do not end up spending lots of dollars in the veterinarian’s office, we have provided certain easy and cost-effective ways to improve the dental health of your doggy:
Simple Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Health
Cut The Sugar from Dog’s Diet
Sugar has no nutritional benefits to the dog. It can cause diabetes, obesity and bad dental health. In order to keep the dog in good health and to keep his teeth cleaner, it is important to cut the sugar. There are certain food manufacturers that use different terminology to include sugar in the food like caramel, fructose, cane molasses, or corn syrup. So, always read carefully while purchasing the dog food.
Employ A Water Additive for Dog
Water additives aid in freshening the breath of the doggy and cleans his teeth. When integrated with fresh pet water, pet water additives reduce tartar, plaque along with reducing bad breath. But if you are employing a pet water fountain with a filter, the carbon filter will get rid of the additive. Take out the filter while administering to the dog or try another dental care alternative.
Brush Your Doggy’s Teeth
It is recommended that you brush the teeth of your dog on a daily basis. If you do not develop this habit during puppy-hood, then they may not respond too well to teeth brushing as adults. Commence with baby steps. Get your tyke get used to touching their muzzle. Then slowly move towards the mouth. You can even utilize finger or a pet finger brush on their teeth. Finally, switch to a toothbrush. Pet Toothpaste comes in different yummy flavors that respond better to teeth brushing. Always motivate the furry pal through cuddles and praise when he obeys your commands.
Dental Toys for Dog
Dental toys aid in Cleaning a Dog’s Teeth. Abrasive toys with ridges reach multiple contact points on teeth and can scrape and get rid of plaque; thereby preventing tartar accumulation.
Feed Dental Food And Treats To Doggy
Dental food and treats have been developed with the harder kibble that aids in getting rid of plaque and tartar from the teeth in comparison to standard kibble. They are much harder and less likely to break into pieces. So, there are less chances of them to get stuck in teeth crevices and gums. There are certain dental food that have a cleaning and anti-tartar agent present in them.
Serve Raw Vegetables And Fruits To Your Dog
Raw vegetables and limited amounts of fruits can be beneficial for the oral health of the doggy. Carrots and apples are hard and crunchy that aid in getting rid of plaque from the teeth of the dog. They can also be considered as nature’s dental treats. There are also certain human foods that can be beneficial to the dog including kale and broccoli. They are high in calcium, which aids in promoting stronger teeth and bones. Certain cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss are high in calcium and are renowned to combat bacteria that leads to plaque in dog’s teeth.
So, how do you plan to improve the dental health of your dog?