We know that as humans, we should be brushing our teeth twice a day. TV adverts are filled with info on mouthwashes, toothpaste and other dental hygiene products – but what about for our dogs?
From the immediate issue of dog breath, bad dental hygiene for your dog can lead onto very serious issues and complications. In everyday life, bacteria will build up in your dogs mouth between the teeth and gums. Left unchecked this can cause infection and inflammation and in turn lead to dental diseases, which can be accompanied by a host of secondary complications for organs like the liver, heart and kidney.
4 Stages Of Dental Disease
STAGE 1: PLAQUE
Plaque forms as saliva, food, and bacteria meet. If this soft, sticky film is left untreated, it combines with minerals to become hard tartar. This process is the same as what goes on in our mouths on a daily basis.
STAGE 2: INFLAMED GUMS
Plaque and tartar accumulate. Gums respond with inflammation of blood vessels. The swelling of the gums can often be painful, so your dog may tend to favour softer foods.
STAGE 3: GINGIVITIS
Bacteria wedged between the gums and teeth causes infections and further inflammation.
STAGE 4: DENTAL DISEASE
Infection below the gum line with secondary complications (tooth abscess; loose teeth; heart, kidney & liver changes)
So what can you do to help stave off dental issues in your dog? Well the most obvious is to brush your dogs teeth daily. Now, whilst some owners seem to have an almost other-worldly talent when it comes to brushing their dogs teeth, it’s fair to say that they are very much in the minority.
Not all dogs have the temperament to let their owners brush away, no matter how obedient or docile they may be. It is true that like any training, you can develop it over time, but there are alternatives to brushing.
Many of our chews and others on the market, are proven to naturally assist in the removal of plaque, and don’t require you to get up close and personal with your dogs gnashers and a brush.
The biscuit based foods that many of us feed our pets, can exacerbate plaque and provide little assistance in removing it from teeth.
See our range of natural chews HERE
Finally, we wanted to share a couple of doggy dental myths, so you can make a more informed decision when it comes to your furry friends oral health
MYTHS:
ALL DENTAL TREATS ARE MADE THE SAME
Some treats pack on unintentional calories. Breath freshening treats generally do NOT contain any nutritional value.
"IF I CAN’T BRUSH THEM I’LL GET IT PROFESSIONALLY DONE."
Whilst this is an option, professional dental treatment can involve anaesthesia and be very expensive. As mentioned before not all dogs have the constitution for daily brushing at home.
"WHY DOES IT MATTER? WOLVES DON'T EVEN BRUSH THEIR TEETH!"
Wolves consume raw, meaty bones that scrape tartar off naturally. Processed dog foods and treats can actually make tartar and plaque build-up worse.
So supplement your dogs diet with natural chews and treat which can help maintain a healthy mouth. If you're ordering a Chewbox, be sure to pop in the notes if you need a focus on treats for dental needs.
- Many of our natural treats removes more plaque-causing bacteria than processed dental chews.
- Provide a raft of nutritional benefits.
- Are easy and instinctive for your dog. Chewing is an essential, daily function.