Dog Dental Care in Kuwait
A full guide on dental care for dogs, discussing healthy routines, dog dental treats, and water additives.
Intro
In one way or another, any dog owner will have heard about the importance of dog
dental care. Indeed, this is a crucial part of keeping your pup happy and healthy. Just
like us, our canine companions develop plaque on their teeth, which can harden and
turn into tartar over time. When this buildup remains on their teeth, it can lead to bad
breath, gum irritation, and even tooth decay. Starting early and using preventative care
is the key to avoiding complications down the line. Luckily, working a few simple actions
into your dog’s daily routine can work wonders.
Teeth brushing
The core of dental care for dogs is very much the same as that for humans - brushing
teeth. Consistency is key, so gentle daily brushing beats the serious scrub-down you
may want to give them when you get a whiff of bad breath. If daily is impractical, at least
three times a week will suffice to keep up their oral hygiene. Choose a dog toothbrush
that will work for your kind of breed. Something like the M-pets Double Ended
Toothbrush will fit smaller breeds mouths, while a Finger Toothbrush may help with
accessing some larger breeds’ teeth. Pair this with a dog toothpaste that your dog will
accept, like the ProDen Restomyl Toothpaste, and you should be all set. As for how to
go about brushing, lift their lips to expose the teeth and gums (no need to force the
mouth open). Use a dollop of toothpaste the size of your pinkie nail, and brush in small
circles on the outside surface of the teeth. Cover around 4 teeth at a time, and generally
60 seconds per side (if your dog will allow). Remember to be gentle, use plenty of
encouragement and treats, and strive for consistency not perfection.Dental treats:
Once their teeth have been brushed, you can add another layer of protection with dog
dental treats. These treats use a unique texture that creates friction on the teeth,
helping plaque to stay off of the gum-line. In addition to this, they use natural ingredients
like parsley, mint, and green tea to manage bad breath. Effective dog dental chews will
also be suitable to the dog’s size, so match the treat to the breed, as these may pose a
choking hazard when not sized correctly. One good recommendation of plaque control
treats is the Tail Swingers - Dental Twistroll, which comes in many enticing flavors like
beef or blueberry.
Water Additives
Another effective addition to your dog's routine could be dental water additives. These
are liquid solutions that are mixed into the dogs’ water bowl. They can help to disrupt
the formation of plaque on teeth and also decrease the plaque-forming bacteria in the
oral cavity. As well, they will keep your dog’s breath fresh through these mechanisms
and other ingredients. Keep in mind that they will not clean existing tartar, so you should
not rely on them alone. When used best, they are added to a clean bowl with fresh
water inside. Be diligent on measuring amounts before adding, as using too much will
harm your dog rather than help them. Furthermore, when first introducing such a
product, you should monitor your dog’s water consumption for any decreases. If this is
noticed, try a smaller measure or consider cutting it out at all, as your dog’s hydration is
far more important. They are also most often calorie free, and thus may be more
suitable than dental treats if your dog is on a diet or watching their weight. Consider a
product like the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Pet Dental Water Additive, which uses a
proprietary “Denta-C” formulation to control plaque and ward off the dog’s bad breath by
altering the saliva’s pH.
When to involve your vet
If you should notice any dark stains on your dog’s teeth, any abnormal odors, any
decay, any pain while eating, decreased food consumption, wincing while chewing, or
damaged/broken teeth, these are all signs of a problem you may not be able to solve on
your own. In that case, it is best to involve your vet. Additionally, elderly dogs (around
seven years or older) may need professional dental care at the veterinarian due to
hidden or underlying problems within the tooth or underneath the gum line. This is a
regular part of your dog’s aging, so be sure to ask about it at your next visit.
Why Healthy Paws?
As a family-owned pet shop and groomer, Healthy Paws prides itself on bringing a
care-based approach to your pets and a customer-oriented attitude to every encounter.Healthy Paws is diligent in carefully selecting quality products and laboring over the
meticulous details in every service to ensure that our furry and feathered friends are
receiving the highest standard, as they deserve. With our intuitive online store, you can
be sure to access premium pet goods and services from the comfort of your home with
ease. Shop at Healthy Paws for all your pet’s needs met in one place!