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According to every dog food ad, people want the best for their pets – after all, they’re part of the family. This includes making sure they are getting the medical care they need. But what about her teeth?
If you are new to caring for a dog, it might come as a surprise when the vet first walked you through your new friend’s dental care. With routine tooth cleanings ranging from $ 450 ($ 620) to $ 1,000 ($ 1,377) and additional procedures (like extractions) that cost even more – and the fact that the dog is anesthetized during the appointment stands – you’ll want to make sure that your chompers stay as clean and healthy as possible.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends getting your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year and keeping smiles healthy at home. Here’s how to do it.
Brush your teeth
Just like us, dogs experience plaque and tartar on their teeth. “Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is the most effective way to keep teeth healthy between cleanings and can reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for regular teeth cleaning by your veterinarian,” according to the AVMA.
And here is a video to show you how to do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB3GIAgrTPE
Ideally, a dog’s teeth should be brushed daily, but when they don’t, a few times a week should be enough, says the AVMA.
Give them something to chew on
There are all sorts of treats, toys, chews, and chopsticks that are said to help clean your dog’s teeth, but the AVMA says they are not all equally effective. You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations or check the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) website for the latest list of approved dental products for dogs, which the organization will review and review for their ability to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
