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We all want the best for our pets, and maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. This means keeping your dog’s teeth clean regularly and taking it for annual dental check-ups as well. Without proper oral care, your dog can develop dental diseases like plaque buildups, gingivitis, and tartar, which can have serious consequences, leading to tooth loss and other infections in your dog’s body.
Taking proper care of your dog’s teeth and feeding nutritious food will reduce the risk of developing oral illnesses in the future. Besides, brushing your dog's teeth can be a great bonding experience for you, and your dog may slowly come to love the activity.
As a dog parent, you would want your dog’s mouth to be fresh and healthy. Here are 5 reasons why your dog’s dental care is important for its overall health.
Dental pain can be extremely unpleasant for dogs, especially when it is severe. This can be avoided by keeping your dog's gums and teeth healthy.
When the bones that support your dog’s teeth get infected or damaged, they may weaken and fall out. Providing good dog oral care will ensure that your dog’s teeth remain healthy.
Bacteria residing in the plaque can enter your dog’s bloodstream and travel to the kidneys, heart, and liver. This spread of germs can harm its organs and make your dog sick. It is here that good oral hygiene will prevent bacteria and associated organ damage in your dog.
If the smell of your dog’s breath makes you gag, then know that your dog needs a dental cleaning session. But when your dog has healthy teeth and mouth, bad breath will not be an issue.
Since many dogs develop dental diseases by the age of three, preventing it might be tough. But good dog dental care can prevent oral diseases from escalating to the point where it causes problems throughout its body.
Dogs need regular oral care just like you do; gum disease and broken teeth are the major concerns. Fortunately, pets seldom suffer from tooth decay. Their cone-shaped teeth, non-acidic saliva, and low-sugar diets all help protect them from this nasty ailment. Regular brushing and professional teeth cleaning can keep your dog’s teeth clean, healthy, and gleaming. Giving your pet appropriate toys to chew is known to prevent fractures.
(Note: If you give your pets sweets for snacks, they can get cavities.)
It should just be you and your dog, with no other children or pets in the house.
Dog toothbrushes can be easily found in pet stores or on the internet. But remember to use only dog-specific toothpaste while brushing your dog’s teeth.
Make sure you are in a well-lit area so you can see what you're doing when brushing your dog's teeth and that your dog is comfortable.
Begin by displaying the toothpaste to your dog and allowing them to lick it off your finger.
Hold its upper lip up and brush the top front teeth.
Brush the bottom teeth while holding the bottom lip down. Begin with the front teeth, and then work your way to the side and back.
If your dog is sitting still while you’re brushing its teeth, you can brush both the interior and outside of its teeth at the same time. Brushing the insides of the teeth is a little more difficult, so add this step after your dog is calm and after the outsides of its upper and lower teeth have been brushed.
Brushing your dog’s teeth may be an odd experience. Thus, praise your dog constantly to make this a happy experience. Although it may seem unusual to offer treats when you’re brushing your dog’s teeth. But the primary goal should be to teach the skill, and then you may focus on removing food from the equation later.
When your puppy first begins to get permanent teeth, check if the baby tooth has come out for the new tooth grow. Retained teeth can cause the permanent teeth to be crooked. Toy dog breeds, with their tiny jaws, are more prone to such dental problems.
While hard foods and chew toys can help keep teeth clean, you need to get your pet used to a regular tooth-brushing routine. As soon as you bring your new pet home, get it accustomed to having its mouth handled. It is also good training—it teaches the dog to tolerate having things in his mouth without biting or snapping.
What your dog eats affects its 'smile.' Dry foods and treats help clean plaque from its teeth. Rawhide chews are also good cleaning tools, as are some of the knobby plastic toys on the market. None of these are hard enough to cause tooth damage, however, monitor your dog to be sure that it doesn’t swallow small pieces of these toys. Real bones can also be dangerous for your pet and should not be used for tooth-cleaning purposes.
All dry adult IAMS™ Dog Foods, include Daily Dental Care, a special kibble coating that helps reduce tartar buildup for better oral health. So, along with providing balanced nutrition, our range of dry dog food focuses on dental hygiene as well.
It just takes a little time and patience. Begin by running your finger gently over his gums. At first, just rub the outside, but as he adjusts to the routine, begin to open his mouth and rub the gums inside the teeth as well.
As your dog gets accustomed to this, wrap your finger with gauze and rub his gums. Eventually, add a pet toothpaste; do not use human toothpaste. After a few weeks, your dog should be willing to accept a toothbrush for pets, which should have soft, multi-tufted synthetic bristles.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and apply it to the area where teeth and gums meet. Rotate it in small circles, overlapping several teeth. Finish with vertical strokes to pull plaque from between the teeth. Repeat until all the teeth on the cheek side are clean. The inside teeth will be more difficult, as your dog may resist opening its mouth, but eventually you will be able to brush the inside and outside surfaces of all the teeth. For effective cleaning, brush your dog's teeth a couple of times a week.
If you want to keep your dog's teeth clean but are worried about the cleaning process, then you are not alone. You need to pick a toothpaste advised by your vet as they are usually clinically tested and approved. But most importantly, refrain from using human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth. It’s because human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Dental wipes for dogs are designed to be wiped against your dog's teeth to eliminate plaque. They work in a similar way to toothbrushes and are an excellent way to keep your pet's teeth clean. They're generally more convenient to use than a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Brushing your dog's teeth may seem goofy, but it's a great method to keep plaque from forming. Unlike humans, dogs do not require daily brushing. Your dog might not enjoy having its teeth brushed at first but making it a habit will help. Brushing should be done using a dog toothbrush or a fingertip toothbrush. You'll also require dog toothpaste. Consult your vet for advice, and then decide what you and your dog prefer.
Dog chews come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and most of them contain teeth-cleaning characteristics. Chewing is a natural way for your dog to clean its teeth and is beneficial to its dental health. Frequent chewing prevents your dog’s teeth from decaying and helps clean its teeth. Cow ears, chicken strips, and bully sticks are excellent chews for keeping your dog healthy and happy.
Dogs adore treats, and dental treats are an excellent way to improve your dog's oral care and hygiene. These treats are designed to eliminate plaque buildup and typically include chemicals that help you get rid of your dog's breath and clean its mouth. They are considerably more liked by dogs than a toothbrush or tooth wipes, and they keep dogs' mouths clean. These treats are available in a wide range of tastes, forms, and sizes, so you are sure to find something your dog will enjoy.
Cleaning your dog's teeth with the help of a veterinarian is probably the smartest way to ensure its dental health. Your veterinarian will be able to determine what is best for your dog's teeth by addressing any problems that even the most devoted dog owner might overlook.
If your dog won't cooperate with home brushing or if you already see brown tartar stains on its teeth or red and bleeding gums, it's time to turn to your veterinarian for help. The doctor will give your dog general anesthesia and clean the teeth above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. After the cleaning is done, they will be polished to remove microscopic plaque and to make the teeth smooth to discourage plaque from clinging.
Remember, dental care is as important to your pet's health as it is to your own—you owe it to your dog to provide regular tooth care and cleaning.
You can take care of your dog’s teeth in the following ways:
Yes! Even dogs develop plaque and tartar on their teeth which is caused by lingering food particles and bacteria. The bacteria then spreadc to their gums and cause serious inflammation resulting in gingivitis, or worse, teeth loss.
Regularly brushing your dog's teeth using a dog toothbrush and a dog-safe toothpaste is the best way to eliminate plaque. You can also remove tartar from your dog's teeth with a finger brushing. But it may take a lot of training for your dog to tolerate using a finger toothbrush at first.
Giving your dog a Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved dental food that reduces plaque and tartar accumulation through mechanical or chemical ways will help reduce plaque buildup. Tartar formation is considerably slowed by minimising plaque formation. Brushing or wiping your dog's teeth daily is recommended.
Yes, you can, but you must use a dog-safe mouthwash. It will help to keep bacteria at bay and decrease plaque when used carefully and diluted in your dog's water bowl.
Dog multivitamins have become an increasingly popular supplement in pet care, designed to support overall canine health and well-being. Just as humans benefit from a balanced diet, dogs also require essential vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. These supplements are formulated to fill potential nutritional gaps in a dog's diet, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for proper growth, immune function, and energy levels. Multivitamins can be particularly beneficial for dogs with specific dietary restrictions, older dogs, or those recovering from illness. However, it is essential for pet parents to consult with veterinarians to determine the appropriate supplement and dosage for their furry companions.
Vitamins for dogs are essential organic compounds crucial for various physiological functions in both humans and dogs. These micronutrients, including A, B-complex, C, D, and E vitamins, play key roles in immune function, bone health, energy metabolism, and skin maintenance. Multivitamins for dogs consolidate these vital nutrients, providing a comprehensive and balanced nutritional boost to address potential dietary deficiencies.
If you are looking for vitamins for dogs in the Philippines, the IAMS dog supplement range has you covered. Tailored for canine needs, these supplements are particularly beneficial for dogs with specific health conditions, dietary restrictions, or those requiring additional support for overall well-being.
Yes, multivitamins and vitamins for dogs can prove to be very useful, especially in specific life stages or health situations. While quality dog food is designed to meet most nutritional needs, supplements become more valuable for puppies, seniors, pregnant or lactating females, and dogs with health conditions. These stages are the most crucial and are the best time to give multivitamins to dogs.
Caution is crucial, as human vitamins can be harmful to dogs. Consulting a veterinarian is essential to determine if supplementation is necessary, ensuring the right dosage and nutrient balance. Veterinarians assess the dog's health, diet, and medical history to provide tailored recommendations, enhancing well-being without posing risks. Judicious use of vitamins, under veterinary guidance, can benefit certain canine companions.
Integrating dog multivitamins into your furry baby’s diet offers a spectrum of benefits. These supplements contribute to enhanced immune function, promoting resilience against illnesses. Additionally, they support healthy skin and coat, minimising issues like dryness and shedding. For puppies, vitamins aid in proper growth and development, while senior dogs may experience increased vitality and joint support. Multivitamins are particularly valuable for dogs with specific health concerns, such as joint problems or allergies. Overall, vitamins for dogs act as nutritional insurance, ensuring that dogs receive the essential elements vital for their overall health and vitality.
When administered thoughtfully and under veterinary guidance, dog multivitamins can prove to be extremely beneficial. While quality dog food provides essential nutrients, supplementation becomes crucial in addressing specific needs or potential deficiencies. However, it is vital to avoid self-prescribing human vitamins, as certain substances can be toxic to dogs. Professional advice ensures that the supplementation is tailored to the dog's unique requirements, promoting overall well-being without adverse effects. Responsible use of vitamins, guided by a veterinarian, can contribute to a dog's health and vitality.
Ensuring your furry friend receives the right balance of vitamins and minerals is crucial for their overall health. While a well-balanced diet is the foundation of canine nutrition, certain situations may call for certain good vitamins for dogs as additional support. This is where vitamin and mineral supplements come into play. Dog multivitamins are specially formulated to address potential nutrient gaps, supporting everything from immune function to bone health.
In addition to supplements, incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your dog's diet is essential. Some of the best dog vitamin sources are:
Meat: Lean meats like chicken and turkey provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
Fish: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting a healthy coat and supporting cardiovascular health.
Vegetables: Dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale offer vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
Fruits: Berries, apples, and bananas are not only tasty treats but also provide vitamins and antioxidants.
Dairy: Plain yoghurt and cheese supply calcium and probiotics, benefiting bone health and digestion.
Balancing your dog's diet with both high-quality dog food and these natural sources can contribute to their overall well-being, reducing the need for excessive reliance on supplements. Always consult with your veterinarian to tailor your dog's nutritional plan based on their specific needs.
Vitamins and minerals are indispensable for a dog's overall health, playing pivotal roles in various physiological processes. These micronutrients act as catalysts for enzymatic reactions, supporting metabolism, growth, and energy production. Calcium and phosphorus, for instance, are crucial for bone health, ensuring proper skeletal development and strength. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, while zinc promotes skin health and wound healing. These micronutrients collectively contribute to the maintenance of a dog's immune system, vision, and cardiovascular health. Recognising the importance of vitamins and minerals underscores the significance of a well-rounded and nutritionally balanced diet, supplemented as needed, to meet the unique requirements of individual dogs.
The incorporation of vitamins and minerals into a dog's diet through supplements or nutrient-rich foods is a proactive approach to ensuring their overall well-being. While high-quality dog food serves as a foundation, targeted supplementation can address specific needs and contribute to a dog's vitality at different life stages. Consulting with a veterinarian is paramount, as they can provide tailored recommendations based on a dog's health profile. By understanding the benefits and importance of these micronutrients, pet parents can take informed steps to optimise their canine’s nutrition with the best dog multivitamins, supporting a happy, healthy, and thriving life for their furry friends.
