February is a great month for so many reasons – Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and we’re in the homestretch towards Spring time. But there’s one more reason that makes February a great month for dogs – it’s National Pet Dental Health Month! In celebration of the importance of your pooch’s pearly whites, today we’re going to talk about the various ways you can ensure your dog’s teeth stay healthy and clean.
Pay Attention To What You’re Feeding Your Dog
There are TONS of choices of dog food you can buy. Just like with anything, some are much better with others. The best types of dog foods are made only with whole foods, rather than by-products. Whole foods will strengthen your dog’s body, heart, and ultimately teeth.
Dog food made from cereal grains or meals are a bad choice because they are much more prone to stick to your dog’s teeth – which can cause plaque and buildup. Instead, opt for quality dog foods made with veggies, fruits, and meats. Your dog’s teeth will thank you for it!
Now, that we’ve talked about what types of dog foods to buy, let’s talk about what kinds of treats you should have in your pantry. Treats that contain sugars or grains will also stick to your dog’s teeth, resulting in poor dental health. Instead, opt for veggies or fruits for snacks like baby carrots or celery sticks. These will reduce your dog’s calorie intake, and will actually help them scrape plaque off their teeth as they chew them! Cool, huh?
Choose Toys That Will Help Your Dog’s Teeth
Just like dog food and treats, there are hundreds if not thousands of dog toys that you can buy. The pet industry is HUGE, am I right? Let’s talk about some toys that your dog will enjoy, and will also help them keep their teeth in tip top shape.
Rubber or nylon chew toys are great for dog’s teeth. Just like vegetables, these actually allow your dog to scrape plaque off their teeth while they chew them. Experts recommend that after each meal that you give your dog one of these good chew toys. It’s kind of the same idea of humans chewing gum after meals. It helps remove plaque!
Dry, raw, bones are also great chew treats for your dog’s dental health. These type of bones are usually from cows, and are large and uncooked. It’s important that you don’t get bones made of starches, because these tend to, again, stick to your dog’s teeth. These types of bones will hinder rather than help your dog’s teeth. If you’re still unsure about what type of bones to buy, don’t be afraid to ask your Veterinarian – they are here to help!
For More Suggestions, Talk To Your Veterinarian
If you’re still unsure about whether or not the dog food, treats, or toys you’re buying for your pooch is helping your teeth, make sure you reach out to your local veterinarian. They’ll be able to help educate you on the topic, and recommend products as well.
It can definitely be challenging to decipher which dog products to buy over others. I know they don’t make it easy. For this reason, it may be beneficial to start a teeth-cleaning routine with your dog. If you can’t dedicate yourself to a teeth-cleaning after every meal, try for once a day, or once every other day. And what better time to start than National Pet Dental Health Month?
Overall, clean teeth will help your dog live longer, and be happier! So whether you choose to invest in new dog food, treats, or talk to your Vet – working towards the goal of clean teeth is always a good idea.
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