Contents
According to RSPCA, approx. 69% of households in Australia own a pet, out of which 48% are dogs. For most pet owners, their pets are crucial members of their family. But unfortunately, many pet owners overlook the oral health of their pets, unwillingly subjecting them to some serious periodontal diseases and even early death.
In fact, Colleen O’Morrow, a veterinary dentist in Manitoba, Canada, and fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, has found that dogs tend to have 5 times more periodontal disease than people. And over 80% of dogs have a dental issue by the age of three.
But do you know the heart-wrenching consequences of periodontal disease in pets can be avoided by just regularly brushing your dog’s teeth? Yes, you’ve heard it right! Just like your oral health, your pooch’s oral health is equally important. Here, we will discuss the benefits of regular tooth brushing for pets.
Consequences of Neglecting Your Pet’s Oral Health
Just like humans, plaque occurs naturally in dogs, leading to dental problems like gingivitis, pyorrhoea, cavities, and bad breath. These conditions can be uncomfortable for your pet and may lead to not only pain but also difficulty in eating.
The consequences of poor dental hygiene in pets go beyond the oral cavity. Bacteria that thrive in the mouth due to cavities and gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream. It further results in systemic health problems, such as heart disease, liver disease, and kidney dysfunction.
However, regular brushing can help prevent these problems by maintaining a healthy oral environment for your dog.
Alternative Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth
Maintaining a regular brushing routine is the best way to clean your dog’s teeth. However, if you don’t want to brush your dog’s teeth regularly, it is recommended to do it 2-3 times a week. In addition, you can choose to opt for various alternatives to clean your dog’s teeth, such as:
- Use Chew Toys: Just like brushing, chew toys and bone scrape off plaque from your pet’s teeth. The longer your pooch chews, the more it benefits your pet. In addition, it helps boost blood flow to the gums, promoting the oral health. However, remember that this is not a complete solution for tooth care. You should still brush your pet’s teeth and take preventative measures to ensure your pet’s oral health.
- Try A Dog Dental Spray: While nothing can be better than tooth brushing, you can use dog dental sprays, especially when you don’t have time to brush your pet’s teeth. These sprays can not only kill bacteria but also prevent bad breath. These sprays are easy to use.
- Feed A Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is essential for the overall well-being of your pet, including oral health. Feeding your pet with the right proportion of kibble and wet food can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Schedule An Appointment With The Groomer: Last but not least, you should make tooth brushing a part of professional grooming. Take your pet to a dog groomer in Sydney that offers teeth stain cleaning to ensure your pet has pearly white teeth. Not only do they know how to clean your pet’s teeth properly but also know how to handle it with ease.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know why brushing your dog’s teeth is important and several ways to clean your pet’s teeth, what are you waiting for? Make tooth brushing a part of your pet’s daily routine to improve its oral health. And if you notice stains on your pet’s teeth, it is time to find reliable dog grooming services in Sydney and schedule an appointment now.
