Dental hygiene in dogs

Dental hygiene in dogs, as in humans, is very important. Having a healthy mouth helps them prevent the onset of certain heart, kidney or liver diseases. That is why keeping it well cared for ensures them a full and happier life, regardless of their breed. Let us look at the most appropriate techniques for dental cleaning in dogs and the problems caused by poor hygiene.

Main symptoms of poor oral hygiene in dogs

Oral hygiene in dogs is necessary to avoid the build-up of tartar and plaque and the development of dental problems. Some of the complications seen in these animals are as follows:

• Bad breath or halitosis. Food debris turns into dental plaque due to a lack of hygiene in the mouth. The remains break down through the action of bacteria and cause that very characteristic bad smell. It is very common in medium-sized and small dog breeds.
• Periodontal diseases. These are diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth and gums. The bacteria that build up in dental plaque are responsible and cause diseases:
  
  • Periodontitis. This occurs when the supporting structure of the tooth becomes inflamed. Bacterial action causes the tissue to recede and break down, which leads to tooth loss.
  • Gingivitis. This is inflammation and infection of the gums.
• Gastrointestinal diseases. Sometimes, the build-up of bacterial plaque means that animals ingest it with their food. This can cause acute diarrhoea and vomiting.

On the other hand, recent studies indicate a close relationship between periodontal disease and some types of cancer and early mortality in animals.

How to maintain proper dental hygiene in dogs?

A balanced diet and proper dental hygiene in dogs are the keys to limiting the formation of bacterial plaque. Looking after pets' teeth is a preventive measure to keep them healthy and strong. How should you act to guarantee dental cleaning in dogs? As with humans, brushing teeth is a daily task if you want to keep bacterial plaque under control. This hygiene routine should be introduced from puppyhood, and the best way to do so in the early stages is by stimulating the gums with damp cotton wool or gauze. The aim at this stage is to become familiar with contact. There are two resources that can be used to monitor animals' oral health:

• Veterinary dental service. Specialist professionals can carry out a deep oral cleaning and remove tartar. They are also responsible for dental treatments for problems caused by any condition or even cosmetic issues.
• Diet control. To feed a pet properly, a balanced diet can be planned. Even so, if you do not know how to do this, you can always turn to commercial diets. They usually have a high fibre content, control plaque formation and reduce gingival inflammation. However, our recommendation is that before starting a dental diet, you consult your trusted veterinary clinic. It is the best way to add supplements and vitamins that adequately cover pets' daily needs.

Tips for good dental brushing in pets

To carry out dental hygiene in dogs, it is advisable to use a veterinary toothbrush suited to the size of the animal. Likewise, a specialist toothpaste designed to encourage this new habit is needed. It is important to stress that human toothpaste should not be used because it could cause certain digestive problems. It is also not advisable to use homemade recipes made with bicarbonate of soda, as they can cause urinary infections and alter their pH if swallowed. For these reasons, and to encourage proper pet oral hygiene, it is advisable to use products such as the following, which help to remove bacterial plaque.

Stangest Dentican kit dental

The Santangest Dentican dental kit includes a triple-headed toothbrush that is flexible, comfortable and effective. To promote proper oral hygiene in dogs, the brush is designed so that owners can safely clean every corner of the mouth. In addition, to complete the cleaning it includes a toothpaste reinforced with papain. This is a proteolytic enzyme that boosts the anti-plaque action and has a whitening effect. It is also indicated for eliminating bad breath and combating tartar build-up. The correct way to apply it is to place a small amount on the brush and rub vigorously over the teeth in all directions. Unlike what happens with humans, this type of dental cleaning does not require rinsing.

Stangest Dentican dentífrico enspray

A real revolution in dental hygiene in dogs. This spray is an innovative, very convenient formula with triple action to eliminate bad breath, combat bacterial plaque in dogs and cats, and control tartar. Only a few sprays, once a day, are needed on pets' teeth and then leave it to work. There is no need to brush or rinse, it can also be used on puppies and it guarantees complete oral hygiene.

Virbacsnacksdentales

VeggieDent vegetable chew strips from Virbacfight tartar and prevent plaque build-up in pets. Their delicious flavour and texture make them irresistible to dogs. They are also available in four different formats, depending on the size of your pet. For seven minutes they can chew this product, which will leave them with fresh breath, as its design encourages the abrasion of tartar and plaque. In addition, its calorie content is moderate. It is perfect for caring for the oral hygiene of large, medium-sized and small dogs. It prevents periodontal disease, tooth loss and redness of the gums. Dental hygiene in dogs starts with good nutrition for your pet, which will influence the condition of its teeth. However, with these dog dental hygiene products available at Farmaciasdirect it is also possible to help improve the cleanliness of their teeth and significantly reduce the likelihood of pets suffering from periodontal disease.