Fresh Ways To Keep Teeth Clean

FRESH WAYS TO KEEP TEETH CLEAN

We all know that good oral hygiene is essential not only in the show ring but to maintain a happy, healthy dog. 

The commercial pet food and pet health sector has expanded rapidly in recent years and there are now a baffling number of different oral care products on the market for our dogs. So what is the best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean?

Well before we look at the products on the market let's consider diet. Your dog’s diet will have a huge impact on their oral health. A natural diet which includes raw bones is the best way to keep teeth clean. Raw bones (make sure they are raw. Cooked bones will splinter and could harm your dog) will keep your dog’s teeth in great condition. However, if the bone is minced or pulverised as it is in many commercially available raw diets then it will not help to keep your dog’s teeth clean. In order for bones to work their magic they need to be served in their natural, complete state and your dog needs to be spend time chewing them. The type of bone you serve your dog is important too. Depending on the size of the dog, I suggest a chicken wing is probably sufficient for a toy breed whereas a lamb shoulder or a pork rib is better for a medium to large dog.

Once you have got the diet right it could be time to consider some of the oral care products on the market. If you are starting with a puppy, then from an early age, get your puppy used to the feel of your finger in their mouth. Gently rub your finger around their teeth and gums initially. Alternatively with an older dog or one that is more reluctant to have their mouth opened try smearing something delicious such as liver paste on your finger before you put it in their mouth.

Once you have got your dog used to you putting your finger in their mouth you can start to introduce a toothbrush. If you are considering using a natural tooth cleaning product then browsing our website at Canine Natural Cures is a great place to start. We regularly scour the market looking for the best natural products to improve our dogs’ health.

 

Tartar X is a blend of sea vegetables which is exceptionally easy to use. Simply sprinkle daily onto food to help prevent tartar build up and freshen breath. Studies show that a small daily dose of these sea vegetables can be very effective in helping to safely reduce and prevent dental plaque and tartar.

Finally did you know that many everyday items that you find in your kitchen cupboard could be used to promote oral hygiene? Juliette de Bairacli Levy in her book The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog & Cat. suggests the following:

• Bathe gums with a strong brew of sage and rosemary leaves
• Oil of cloves dropped into tooth cavities is a temporary pain-queller
• Stained teeth can be cleaned by rubbing with charcoal made by burning wholewheat bread to black and then powdering. Apply with a soft brush and cold water
• Teeth can also be rubbed with sage leaves and lavender spikes and with slices of fresh lemon.

For further information about any of these products call 01883 653372 or click here.