Did you know that 3 out of 4 dogs show signs of oral health issues by the age of 3? What's more, dental disease is the most common health condition affecting our pets! On the flipside, good oral hygiene can add years to a pet’s lifespan and boost your pets well being!
Anipal Sea Chews for Adults and Puppies work hard to protect and care for our K9’s teeth and gums. Anipal dental sticks also act as a vehicle to deliver other functional health benefits to calm, and nurture brain and joint health.
Just like you, dogs need regular dental and gum health care to make sure that build up of dental plaque and tartar is removed in order to prevent the most common oral diseases. And while you (hopefully) brush your teeth twice a day, have you considered what daily dental care you're providing your doggo?
Just in case you've dropped the ball on this, we've popped together a few tips, tricks and facts to help look after your pal's chompers and total body health.
Let's start with the basics... what is dental Plaque and Tartar again?
Dental plaque is a gummy, sticky substance which forms on the teeth after consuming food and fluid. This sticky coating contains traps and contains bacteria. If it isn't removed the plaque mixes with saliva after each meal, potentially damaging the tooth and leading to the formation of dental tartar (or calculus). The tartar forms a hard layer that strongly bonds to the tooth enamel, making it difficult to remove without professional cleaning.
Why the long tooth?
As mentioned, complete oral care is important for your dog’s total body health. In fact dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems which can lead to unnecessary and pricey visits to the vet. On the flipside, good oral hygiene can add years to a pet’s lifespan!
If you notice any of the following problems it may be worth checking it out sooner:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Teeth that are discoloured or covered in tartar
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
- Irritability can also be a sign of dental problems
Keep in mind that some serious dental diseases often present despite not being easily identifiable by the naked eye. That's why your dog's dental health should be checked out by a veterinarian at least once a year for early signs of a problem.
Some pearls of wisdom?
There are many ways for at home prevention to help keep some of he most common oral diseases at bay, including:
- Regular brushing (daily or several times a week) with a dog-friendly toothbrush
- Dental treats or toys (vet recommended to help prevent and reduce)
- Oral health check up, clean and scaling once a year
Tooth brushing should be introduced gradually and with the correct tools and techniques, ideally when your pet is younger. Unlike many dental chews on the market, Anipal's Sea Chews Dental Sticks use an active ingredient that helps not only reduce the formation of plaque and tartar but also prevent it!
