As a result of whatever your dog eats, the surface of his teeth quickly becomes covered with plaque. This plaque mineralises and becomes tartar, which is responsible for periodontitis, a painful condition. Canisfelis Services SRL, a veterinary practice in Brussels, talks to you about the right reflexes to adopt.
Regular brushing for good oral hygiene
Brushing is undoubtedly the most effective technique. The action of the brush and the effect of the pet toothpaste dislodge the dental plaque responsible for tartar. Brushing removes around 50% of plaque, but must be done every day, or at least 3 times a week.
If your dog can't stand brushing, clean his teeth with a raised or spiked finger pad, which is gentler and less invasive. And to make sure you can do this with complete peace of mind, there's no better way than to start getting your dog used to brushing from a very young age.
Chewable strips and sticks, an interesting alternative
If your pet really can't stand brushing, opt for chewable strips or sticks. There are many products designed to eliminate dental plaque and limit tartar formation, thanks to their abrasive or antibacterial content.
Good eating habits
Finally, to prevent plaque build-up, remember to vary your dog's diet and alternate between dry and wet food. Kibbles naturally have a more abrasive composition than pâtée, so chewing helps to clean your pet's teeth while he's eating.
Professional descaling
Finally, if tartar is becoming a problem, you can opt for scaling carried out by your vet. However, this medical procedure requires a general anaesthetic, and should only be used as a last resort.
Contact our team if you have any questions about your pet.