Think you know everything about your dog and his dental health? In this post, we’re busting dog dental myths to help you learn about Fido and his oral health!
Dog Dental Myth #1 Bad Breath Is Normal
If you’ve ever been unpleasantly surprised by the odor coming from your dog’s mouth and thought, that’s normal...you’re wrong. While lots of pet parents seem to think that stinky breath, bad odors, and other unpleasant scents coming from your dog’s mouth are par for the course when you have a pet, this is simply not the case! A dog whose mouth, teeth, and gums are completely healthy will not have foul-smelling breath. Of course, if your dog ate something fragrant, he’ll likely have a temporary smell when he comes over to give you doggy kisses. But, if things are healthy in his mouth, he won’t have bad breath. If your dog does have bad breath, discuss it with your Vet!
Dog Dental Myth #2 You Don’t Need To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
If you want to support your dog and his dental health, it’s important to brush your pup’s teeth regularly. Despite what many pet parents think, it is a crucial thing that’s necessary for long-term oral wellness.
And, it’s easy to do! Don’t let the thought of brushing your dog’s teeth intimidate you. Dog toothbrushes are designed to make it easy to reach all the nooks and crannies in your pet’s mouth. And much of the toothpaste you’ll find in the pet aisle is formulated to be super appealing for your pet with flavors like bacon, peanut butter, or beef. Your dog won’t mind getting his chompers cleaned when his toothpaste tastes delicious and you make teeth-brushing a part of your pet’s daily routine.
Dog Dental Myth #3 You Can Use Any Toothpaste To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Speaking of toothpaste, some people think it’s OK to share toothpaste with their paste. But, you should never use toothpaste that’s not formulated specifically for your pet. Many human toothpaste formulas include ingredients your dog should not ingest. It’s best to buy Fido toothpaste of his own!
Dog Dental Myth #4 You’ll Know If Your Dog Has A Dental Issue
Sometimes it is super obvious if your dog has a dental health issue. But, that’s not always the case. Many dogs are excellent at masking their discomfort and hiding health issues. Just because you don’t see signs of an oral health issue, doesn’t mean your dog is completely healthy. Thorough and regular oral exams are a great way to catch dental issues before they escalate into full-blown problems. But, it’s also important to have your dog’s blood taken at his annual Vet visit and to have a professional check your pet out at least once a year. Your Vet is trained and knows exactly what cues may indicate an oral health issue, and they’re often so subtle you might not see them.
Dog Dental Myth #5 White Teeth Mean Everything’s OK
This is a myth! Your dog’s teeth might be bright white, but that doesn’t mean he’s infection-free or that his gums are in great shape. Your dog’s chompers are only part of his oral health, which is why it’s important to consider his entire mouth when you’re trying to promote dental health for your dog. White teeth are great, but they don’t eliminate the possibility that your pet has a dental health issue.
Dog Dental Myth #6 Diet Doesn’t Affect Dog Dental Health
Your dog’s diet can absolutely affect his dental health. In fact, it can affect just about every aspect of his wellness! The diet you feed your dog fuels him with the nutrients he needs to support his body functions and keep him healthy. If he’s not consuming a balanced diet with the right ratio of animal protein, fiber, fats, and carbs, he’s likely missing out on some important vitamins, minerals, and compounds that could affect his health.
One of the best ways to promote dental health for your dog is to feed a diet that’s packed with ingredients that target dental health. Look for foods that are rich in antioxidants, contain plenty of calcium and that can act as natural bacteria-fighters on your pet’s behalf.
Dog Dental Myth #7 Feeding Kibble Will Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean
Have you heard this myth before? While feeding Fido a kibble diet is generally safe and healthy for your pet, it’s not any better for his teeth than a raw, dehydrated, or canned diet. There’s no magical quality in kibble that allows it to clean your pet’s teeth, despite what many people think.
It can actually be harmful to your dog to eat a kibble diet if you choose one that’s full of highly processed ingredients and fillers. These additives can leave a film in your dog’s mouth that can actually lead to dental health issues. If you plan to feed your pup a kibble diet, make sure you select a blend that doesn’t contain ingredients or binding agents that can affect your pup and his dental health.
Dog Dental Myth #8 Dental Health Issues Can’t Be Prevented
This is absolutely not true! Sure, there are some breeds that are more prone to developing dental issues than others, which suggests that genetics can play a role in dental health. But, for almost all dogs, dental health issues are entirely preventable!
And this is why ‘preventative care’ is so important if you want your pup to have a healthy mouth. That, coupled with frequent Vet visits and annual teeth cleanings can keep your dog and his mouth healthy, well into his senior years.
Dog Dental Myth #9 Dental Health Doesn’t Affect Your Dog’s Overall Wellness
Dental health issues can affect your pet, especially if they’re untreated and they escalate into a major issue. Infection can spread to other areas of your body, plus dental health issues unnecessarily stress out your dog’s immune system. This can make him more susceptible to getting sick or developing health issues in other areas of his body as well. When caring for your pet, remember that his entire body works synergistically, so it’s necessary to support his overall health and each individual body function if you want him to live his happiest, healthiest life!
Dog Dental Myth #10 Dental Health Issues Are A Natural Part Of Aging
Dental health issues aren’t a natural part of aging. Sure, your dog’s body has a harder time fighting infection and keeping him healthy as he gets up there in the years. But, with preventative care, a healthy diet, and supplemental help, your senior sweetie can have a perfectly healthy mouth. Dental health issues aren’t inevitable, not even for senior dogs.
Pet Honesty Dental Support Products To Consider For Your Dog
If you want to add dental support to your dog’s diet, start with some Oral Hygiene Fresh Sticks. Not only will your dog enjoy chewing on these tasty sticks, but they’ll help freshen his breath and keep his teeth clean. Or, add Oral Hygiene Dental Water to your dog’s water dish. It’s made with breath-freshening, bacteria-fighting ingredients that work to keep your pet’s mouth healthier.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-myths-debunked-dog-dental-care/
