Tips for Removing Plaque from Your Dog's Teeth

As you may or may not know, plaque can build up on a dog's teeth much in the same way that it builds up on our own teeth. Unfortunately, while we brush and floss to get rid of this bacteria, dogs don't have as many options available for cleaning their own teeth. As responsible pet owners, it's important that we learn how to provide our pets with the proper oral health care that will keep them happy, healthy and pain free. Not sure how to do it? It's easy! In fact, here are a few helpful tips for removing plaque from your dog's teeth:

Brush Your Dog's Teeth

When I first heard someone suggest brushing a dog's teeth, I honestly thought they were joking but after dealing with my Boston Terrier's chronic bad breath, I've learned the importance of good oral hygiene for dogs. Taking a few minutes to brush your dog's teeth, at least every other day, will not only help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your dog's teeth, but it will also help to stimulate and massage the gums to reduce the risk of canine gingivitis.

Brushing your dog's teeth is actually very easy, once you get used to it. For starters, always use dog toothpaste; not only do they prefer liver and chicken flavored toothpaste, the chemicals that we put in human toothpaste can actually poison your pet. I also recommend buying Fido his own toothbrush too. Really - you don't want to share.

If your dog is new to having his teeth brushed, have patience and take your time. By not getting angry or frustrated, you can turn his regular tooth brushing sessions into a positive bonding time, and he will soon look forward to the time with you. Just go slow and work him up to it.

A Natural Alternative to Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

If you're not keen on pulling out the doggie toothbrush and poultry-flavored toothpaste, you can also go with a more natural home remedy for brushing your dog's teeth. This is to take a small amount of baking soda and mix it with just enough water to form a paste. Next, taking a soft cloth, you are now able to wipe the paste on and then off of your dog's teeth. The same as with brushing, make sure you do this every other day to help remove plaque from your dog's teeth.

Good Nutrition is Key

We've all heard the saying that we are what we eat and our dogs are no exception. Providing your dog with a good healthy diet will promote strong bone growth, the same as it does in humans, and healthy crunchy kibble can help to remove plaque from your dog's teeth. Just remember that there is no real substitute for brushing a dog's teeth and providing good dog dental care.

Provide Crunchy Treats

Yes, it's true that giving your dog the occasional crunchy treat can help to clean and remove plaque from your dog's teeth, though you never want to rely solely upon this method. Perhaps the best example I can suggest is how gum manufacturers tell us that chewing a stick of gum after a meal can help us clean our teeth - but would you use this as the only method for cleaning your teeth? Let's hope not! Adding the occasional crunchy treat to your dog's dental care program will help to remove plaque from your dog's teeth, but be sure to follow up with regular oral health care as well.

Chew Toys Save More Than Slippers

Did you know that buying a quality nylon or rubber chew toy can actually do more than just protect your belongings from teething puppies? It's true that even adult and older dogs can benefit from quality chew toys. When a dog chews on a chew toy, they are not only exercising their jaws, but they are also massaging their gums, giving their teeth a workout and causing them to produce more saliva. This all works together to help remove plaque from your dog's teeth.

By following these helpful tips for removing plaque from your dog's teeth, you will help him to lead a healthier and happier life. When we provide our pets with good oral health care, we reduce the risk of their developing gingivitis, tooth loss and more serious conditions like heart, liver and kidney disease. Take a few minutes out of your day and show your pet a little extra love - he's definitely worth it!

Sources:

Personal experience as a long-time pet owner and breeder

Dogpro - http://www.dogpro.com/gingivitis-in-dogs.html - Informative article on gingivitis in dogs