Vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth as part of their regular grooming routine as the most effective way of preventing plaque build-up. When plaque is left for long periods on the teeth, it goes hard and forms tartar which is harder to remove, and the main cause of tooth and gum problems.
However, brushing your dog’s teeth is not always achievable. It is likely you will have needed to start the routine when your dog was as a puppy for them to feel comfortable with this process and allow you to brush their teeth with little resistance or stress.
Food and treats to improve dental health
One of the other most effective ways to support dental health is to consider the food and treats you feed your dog. When your dog eats, the food, his saliva and bacteria all combine to form plaque.
Some owners favour feeding wet food over dry. However, feeding a wet only diet can increase the chances of your dog developing tartar. Feeding a quantity of quality, dry kibble as part of your dog’s daily diet helps to exercise chewing muscles and provide some cleaning effect on the teeth, helping to remove plaque through the crunching action.
Gum disease occurs five times more often in dogs than in people, this is down to a lack of brushing and the fact that dogs’ mouths are more alkaline which promotes the formation of plaque.
Unfortunately, it’s not just the health of your dog’s teeth and gums that could be at risk. If tartar is left to build up, it can lead to gingivitis which if left untreated can cause periodontitis. This can bring abscess formation, loss of teeth and severe infections. These infections can enter the blood stream and cause problems in the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Dental chews and treats are another effective way of helping to keep your dog’s teeth clean and prevent future health issues through efficient crunching and chewing.
Fish4Dogs® Dental Sea Jerky treats provide a good solution to support your dog’s dental health. Made from 100% dried fish skins, they are lower in calories than many other dental treats on the market. The naturally rough texture of the baked fish scales is perfect for removing plaque from teeth and dogs find them irresistibly tasty!
The treats have won numerous awards in the pet industry since they were first introduced in 2004 and receive rave reviews from verified customers on their website. One customer wrote:
‘Best thing on the market for preventing tartar build up……believe me I’ve tried them all. It’s the most natural way to cleaning a dog’s teeth & they just love ’em! My dogs can’t grip the toothbrush’
There are 6 different shapes in the range to choose from, so owners can find something suitable for most breeds.
For small breeds or puppies over 16 weeks, try the smallest shape called ‘tiddlers’ or the ‘skinny strips’. For very large breeds try the ‘whoppers’.
Another reviewer writes; ‘The Tiddlers are great. My dog loves them. They are hard and crunchy and are excellent for his teeth and gums. He has a few every day, a fantastic low-fat treat as part of his daily food allowance’.
Made from natural ingredients, grain free and containing no poultry or red meat derivatives they are even perfect for dogs with sensitive tummies.
For more information about Fish4Dogs products, including the DENTAL range of Sea Jerky, or to buy online, visit www.fish4dogs.com. Also available in all good independent pet shops.
