Q: Do I have to brush my dog’s teeth? Can’t I just give him oral treats?
A: Yes, you have to brush your dog’s teeth! Home dental care is one of the best ways to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Start as early as possible in your furry friend’s life, so that he can become accustomed to the brushing process.
- NEVER use human toothpaste, which can irritate your pooch’s stomach.
- By brushing daily, you remove most of the trouble-causing plaque, which, if left on the teeth, can turn into cement-hard tartar in as little as 36 hours. Tartar can only be removed by your veterinarian with specialised scaling equipment.
- Long-lasting treats have proved to be the best, because the most benefit is seen if your dog chews for at least 30 minutes at a time. Many so-called ‘oral treats’ are high in fat, sugar and cereal grains, which do more harm than good.
This is one of over 140 questions answered in the February 2022 issue of Animaltalk magazine. Get your copy from retailers now or order a copy from www.coolmags.co.za.
