Adopting a dog and welcoming him into your home involves a great deal of burdens and duties. But, among the main responsibilities you have as an owner, your pet’s health is the top priority. How to take care of your four-legged friend’s teeth? In this article we will explain how to choose a bone for dental hygiene in order to avoid serious pathologies to the gums and teeth of your best friend.
A dental hygiene bone for your dog
Avoiding unpleasant tooth brushing and at the same time ensuring good oral hygiene , fresh breath, good health and fun seem impossible to combine in one action. On the contrary, there are several modern alternatives: special chewing bones , natural or artificial, which have long been available on the market. Obviously, the key thing is to choose the right one for each breed.
It should be noted that chewing is a natural behavior of dogs. And you can use it to automatically clean your pet’s teeth . These are special toys, even with shapes different from the classic bone, designed to scrape away impurities and get to places where the normal toothbrush would not be able.
To ensure proper oral hygiene , however, one dental bone for dogs is not enough. A proper diet and constant visits to the vet are also needed. The aim is to avoid infections, gingivitis, periodontitis , tooth loss and even more serious damage to the body.
The risks of inflammation caused by the accumulation of tartar, plaque and spoiled food increase after three years. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society , oral discomfort affects 80% of dogs of that age and, the remains of food that generate bacteria, initially turn white teeth to a yellow or brown color, leading to annoying halitosis. .
Bones and dental hygiene toys are designed to drastically solve all these discomforts by exercising the jaw and relieving the pet’s accumulated stress . In short, they are a truly perfect solution to avoid many problems, including bleeding gums.
When choosing a bone for dental hygiene, it is essential to take into account the size of your dog and the condition of his teeth. For puppies, medical toys should be softer so they don’t damage the gums. On the contrary, in adults, the hardness of the products will help to achieve a deeper cleaning, always without exaggerating.
Candy, snacks and dental bones for dogs
There are different types of candy and dental snacks that you can give to your dog. They are usually processed with materials that respect the health and integrity of the animal. Always check to buy quality products and, if necessary, get advice directly from your trusted veterinarian.
Some candies have distinctive flavors , but it’s important to make sure they don’t contain toxic chemicals or additives. Sodium nitrate, potassium sorbate, artificial colors and natural moisturizers are ingredients to avoid.
How to use them
Once you’ve found the right bone, candy, or snacks for your friend’s dental hygiene, it’s time to offer them to your dog . If you notice that he almost does not chew it and, indeed, swallows the product in a few seconds, it is obviously not useful for cleaning his teeth. You will have to resort to another solution, since unsuitable bone can cause choking and other damage. Always prefer products that force the animal to chew .
In fact, chewing allows you to activate the digestive enzymes of the mouth which will attack any food remains. In addition, the abrasive action combined with this natural antiseptic activity will help to satisfactorily clean your pet’s teeth.
Natural fibers are often added to candies and oral care snacks . Avoid excessive administration of these products, generally keep this consumption below 10% of daily meals.
How to protect your dog’s teeth
- Candies : they have different textures, flavors, shapes and sizes. Some are soft, which is useful for puppies and to offer positive reinforcement during training. Other products have a drier texture and resemble kibble. Be careful, as they can cause intestinal obstruction if ingested. Therefore, it is essential to choose the proper size for each dog.
- Animal bones : produce cavities and problems in the gastrointestinal tract. The most dangerous are those of birds, which must be eliminated, as their splinters can pierce the esophagus and throat or perforate the intestines. Pig ears are fine too, and dogs love it; however, do not exceed the administration of these.
- Human products : snacks or anything else, such as biscuits, cheese or sausages, should be avoided. They are harmful. Best to offer carrots, lean meats, apples, poultry, and seafood, all without seasonings. A much more appropriate option.
- Dangerous products : Other foods that are absolutely inadvisable are onions , raisins and grapes, since they are toxic and can even cause dog death. Garlic can be given, but only with the supervision of the veterinarian.
- Artificial bones: made from animal cartilage and leather, or from plastic or dried meat, all sterilized and very safe products, also useful for playing together.
The health and dental hygiene of your four-legged friend cannot be neglected in any way: it is therefore worth finding the right bone to take care of. If brushing your teeth is a complicated and tedious operation, especially with large specimens, choose a bone, candy or snack well in order to prevent serious dental diseases. Your dog will be grateful to you!
