Brusha, brusha, brusha. Let’s talk about your pet’s dental hygiene and gum care.
So, during Benji’s last check up, I found out that he needs a dental…again. ARGH! I told the doctor that he just had one last year! His response, ‘Some dogs are just prone to dental disease.’
Ya, some of it was my fault. I wasn’t brushing every day and wasn’t using his PlaqueOff Powder regularly. I was more diligent about dental health with my other dogs, but not Benji.
The fact was that it took me the better part of 8 months to be able to brush his teeth or even touch his mouth! But one tube of doggie toothpaste, patience and lots of love, I can brush his teeth!
As I am not aware of his past dental history, I can only speculate that his teeth were not a priority, and his diet may not have been stellar. That’s all in the past, my concern is keeping those teeth sparkling and his breath fresh!
And now the probing question:
How many of you regularly brush your pet’s teeth? Every day? Once a week? Once a month? Never?
Keeping your pet’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape is all about maintaining their health and well-being. Inflamed gums and diseased teeth are much more than painful, they are dangerous. When your pup has periodontal disease, the bacteria in their mouth can get into their bloodstream and cause illnesses such as heart disease, systemic infections and when left untreated can cause a weakened immune system.
Signs of Periodontal Disease:
- Red or bleeding gums
- Mouth sensitivity
- Loss of appetite
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Depression or irritability
You can keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and healthy by scheduling regular oral exams with your vet. They can help you determine the best course of action to keep you on top of your pet’s oral hygiene.
Some things you can do at home to keep your pet's pearly whites healthy:
- Brush your pet’s teeth with an approved pet toothbrush or gauze wrapped around your finger and pet toothpaste every day (do not use human toothpaste).
- Raw diets help control tartar buildup because raw, ground bone is a gentle dental abrasive.
- Probiotic supplements can improve gum health.
- Let your pet chew on raw bones. Never give them cooked bones as they can splinter. Always supervise your pet when giving raw bones.
- Check their mouth and gums regularly. Visual observations are usually the most accurate way to determine mouth health. By keeping track of each visual exam, you can note any changes and discuss them with your vet.
- Something that I have used in the past is PlaqueOff Powder for dogs and cats. It’s best for those who despise toothbrushing (cats) and is sprinkled on their food. You can find this on Amazon along with pet approved toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Easy Doggie Toothpaste
2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 drop organic peppermint oil (optional)
Mix all the ingredients together into a paste. Use toothpaste with gauze or a toothbrush to gently scrub your dog’s teeth. Remember to give your pet a smooch after to let them know how great their breath is!
Please note, this advice is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian for medical issues and concerns regarding your pet’s health.
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