Dental Healthcare Routines That Work for You and Your Dog – American Kennel Club – American Kennel Club

From the time we are children, we’re taught the importance of caring for our teeth every single day. But does daily brushing for your canine companion put your teeth on edge? Here are some tips on how to make the process easier.
According to the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation, while most pet owners understand the importance of a healthy mouth for themselves, two-thirds of dog owners neglect their pet’s dental hygiene. Consequently, 80 percent of dogs have dental disease by age two.
Poor oral hygiene, for dogs and people, causes the accumulation of bacteria in the form of plaque and tartar, resulting in gum disease. Gum disease is the most common clinical condition in companion animals. It affects all types of dogs, but small dogs are the most susceptible.
Poor dental health can negatively impact your pet’s overall health, longevity, quality of life, and even interactions with you, reports the American Animal Hospital Association. It also causes bad breath, mouth pain, and can interfere with your dog’s ability to eat. Periodontal surgery is a costly medical treatment and requires that your dog be sedated.
The old saying “Prevention is the best medicine.” is definitely true when it comes to dental health. And it pays to start early.
Dogs just two years old will show signs of gingivitis, or inflamed gums. If untreated with proper teeth cleaning, this can progress to periodontitis by the time a dog is four to six years old, damaging gums, ligaments, and bone and if untreated, leads to tooth loss and sometimes surgery.
So start cleaning your dog’s teeth from day one. Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, gradually get him used to gentle handling of his mouth and associate it with something pleasant:

Maybe you’ve tried to accustom your pet to having his teeth and gums touched, and as soon as you come near with a toothbrush, he clamps his mouth shut. Daily brushing may be recommended, but it’s often not very easy to do – and sometimes it’s downright impossible.
Thank goodness there are non-brushing alternatives that can keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean. TropiClean Fresh Breath offers a complete portfolio of oral health products that include brushing and non-brushing solutions that are practical, safe, and easy to use. They’re made in the U.S.A. with naturally derived ingredients.
You can choose from a variety of options for the oral healthcare routine that suits you best. An added benefit will be the improvement in your dog’s breath and the sweetness of his kisses.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that a veterinarian check your pet’s teeth at least once a year. Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet in accordance with veterinary guidelines for age and breed is an important step in oral health, along with providing appropriate chew toys and treats.
It’s best to take steps to prevent plaque and tartar buildup on a daily basis. Canine oral care experts at TropiClean understand that while daily brushing is important, it’s not always possible, and the easier the dental care routine is, the more likely you will be to continue it throughout your pet’s life.
They recommend this easy three-step process for dogs and cats:
Step 1: Add TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution to your pet’s water bowl with every refill.
Step 2: Apply TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Gel to each side of your pet’s mouth each night.
Step 3: Brush weekly with the TropiClean Fresh Breath Brushing Gel and TripleFlex Toothbrush.
In clinical trials of TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Gel, dogs with medium-to-excessive plaque and tartar were treated six days a week. In just two months the treated dogs showed a 43 percent decrease in plaque and tartar.
An independent veterinarian and expert on veterinary research concluded that the product could improve a dog’s oral health without brushing. A simple application of TropiClean Fresh Breath Gel proved to be a safe and effective at-home solution to keep a pet’s teeth clean and arrest the development of plaque and tartar.
When it comes to dental hygiene, taking preventative steps at home in addition to regular veterinary visits, are well worth the effort. Clean teeth prevent gum disease and many other problems.
Begin a regular, effective, easy oral care routine for your dog today.
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