Do dogs need dental health care? Yes, and it's not just to keep bad doggy breath at bay! Just like humans include oral care as part of our hygiene routine, dogs also need to have their teeth and gums looked after.
Here's what you need to know about why your dog needs dental care, the benefits and how to do it at home.
WHY YOUR DOG NEEDS DENTAL HEALTH CARE
Brushing your dog's teeth may sound strange, but oral care for your fur kid is an important part of helping them live their best and healthiest life. Similar to our dental health practices, brushing your dog's teeth helps prevent a number of health issues, including plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum disease.
1. STINKY DOGGY BREATH
Your beloved fur kid always wants to cuddle or give you a slobbery smooch, but you'll do anything to avoid that stinky doggy breath! As pet parents, we've all been there! That infamous smelly dog breath we all try to avoid is actually the result of bacteria build-up on your dog's teeth and inside their mouth. Much like the biological processes that take place in our mouths, plaque, saliva and food particles coat the surface of your doggo's teeth. Over time the plaque calcifies, hardens and leaves microscopic layers to accumulate (known as tartar), creating that yucky yellow-brown colouring on their teeth and extra stinky breath.
2. TOOTH LOSS AND DECAY
With chewing, fetching and eating, infections can set into a tooth, causing damage to the tooth's structure. Once structural damage or an infection weakens a tooth, it will loosen and fall out. Losing teeth makes it harder for your doggo to chew, play and even eat, affecting your pup's ability to get proper nutrition. Oral infections can also make it incredibly painful for your dog to go about their day and be their fun-loving selves. There’s also the high cost of heading to your veterinarian to have the tooth removed to be considered. Unlike humans, dogs typically require expensive anaesthesia to have broken teeth removed.
3. GUM DISEASE
When tartar (a build-up of plaque) forms on the surface of your dog's teeth, eventually, your pooch's gums start to recede and bleed, leaving their teeth vulnerable to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Not to mention, receding gums and inflammation creates the perfect environment for bacteria to infect your pup's oral cavities causing chronic pain and tooth loss.
4. ORGAN DAMAGE
Tartar and bacteria build-up on your dog's teeth doesn't only affect your dog's breath and dental health; it also affects your dog's organs. Known as bacteremia, the plaque formed in your dog's mouth enters their bloodstream, spreading harmful bacteria throughout your dog's vital organs. Bacteremia can affect your doggy's liver, kidneys and heart, impacting your dog's overall health and making your fur kid feel ill.
THE BENEFITS OF GOOD DENTAL HEALTH FOR DOGS
1. GOODBYE STINKY DOG BREATH, HELLO HEALTHY GUMS
With regular brushing, bacteria (and bits of food) in your doggos mouth doesn't get a chance to accumulate to cause bad dog breath or infections that cause inflammation and irritation to your doggy's gums.
2. STRONG, HEALTHY TEETH
When you prioritise your doggy's dental health and oral care, it ensures the structure of your pup's teeth remains strong, prevents broken teeth and helps stop your dog from losing their pearly whites.
3. HEALTHY DOGS ARE HAPPIER DOGS
Teeth brushing for dogs prevents numerous dog health issues which could stem from poor dental care. Plus, it'll save you from the enormous veterinary bills associated with medications, treatments and special diets for precious pups suffering from issues with their kidneys, liver or heart. Essentially, your darling fur baby can live a longer, healthier, and much happier life with a bit of proper oral care for dogs.
HOW DO I KEEP MY DOG'S TEETH CLEAN?
1. GET YOUR DOG A TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE
Just like you use a toothbrush with toothpaste to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, you can use a soft, small toothbrush and special toothpaste for your doggy. Be sure not to use human toothpaste for your doggy's dental health care because the foam it creates can upset your pup, and the ingredients in regular toothpaste can irritate your doggy's stomach. Instead, we recommend you opt for a toothpaste designed for dogs because its ingredients are safer, it's much tastier (for dogs, of course), and it's less likely to frighten your pup.
2. MAKE TOOTHBRUSHING A ROUTINE
Practice makes perfect, and the same is true when it comes to brushing your dog's teeth. The more time you spend getting your fur kid used to a good ole toothbrushing, the easier it will become for both of you. If you have a puppy or younger pooch, getting used to regular teeth brushing is much easier as they grow up with it and know what to expect. Older dogs can be a bit more challenging to introduce doggy dental health to as they don't know what to expect, what is happening or why. But, with calm, reassurance and a lot of love, you can get your older doggo on board with this new toothbrushing thing by letting them taste the toothpaste and by starting slowly.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH MY DOG'S TEETH?
You should brush your pooch's teeth with a toothbrush and dog toothpaste daily or once a week at least. Using small, circular motions, focus on the area where your dog's gums and teeth meet to help loosen and remove any build-up. Before you finish your tooth brushing sessions, brush down vertically towards your doggy's tongue to help remove plaque, tartar or bits of food trapped in their teeth.
ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO TOOTHBRUSHING?
Absolutely! There are various cleaning tools, gauze wipes, treats, chews, and even dog foods made to help remove tartar and avoid gum diseases if brushing your dog's teeth isn't an option. We highly recommend speaking to your local veterinarian about which dog oral care products they recommend specifically for your pup. Remember, oral care for dogs can be a bonding experience, just like regular grooming, so use this opportunity to spend time and connect with your darling doggo.
Please note this blog is for information purposes only. Valgray for Dogs encourages dog owners to consult a veterinarian before making decisions about dog feeding, medical care, oral health care or behavioural conditions.
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Valgray for Dogs
When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around.
We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!
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Maintaining your dog's hygiene is crucial for their health. Regular grooming prevents skin infections, parasites, and other health issues. DIY dog washing is cost-effective, strengthens bonding, and offers flexibility. Essential supplies include dog shampoo, brushes, and towels. For a thorough clean, follow steps to wet, shampoo, rinse, and dry your dog. Professional dog washing services offer expertise, high-quality products, and comprehensive care packages. Choose between DIY and professional services based on cost, time, quality of care, and your dog's comfort. Prioritize your pet's well-being for a happy, healthy dog.
Teaching a dog to stop pulling on a leash involves understanding the cause, using a well-fitting harness, and consistent training with positive reinforcement. Start in a calm environment, gradually introduce distractions, and seek professional help if needed. Regular practice and patience will ensure enjoyable walks. In this article we take you through some of the steps to help you get your dog to stop pulling on lead.
Winter poses significant challenges for dogs, making it crucial to keep them warm and healthy. By taking proactive measures, owners can ensure their pets remain comfortable throughout the cold months. Here are ten effective strategies to keep your dog warm in winter:
Create a Warm Environment: Ensure your dog has a heated, insulated indoor space and consider safe indoor heating options like space heaters or heating pads. If your dog spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house with proper insulation and dry bedding.
Dress Your Dog for Winter: Use winter clothing like sweaters, coats, and booties to help retain body heat and protect against cold conditions. Choose breathable, water-resistant materials and ensure a proper fit. A Valgray dog snood is great for helping to keep them warm in moderately cold conditions.
Adjust Diet and Nutrition: Increase caloric intake to help maintain body heat. Incorporate high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and supplements like fish oil to support overall health while maintaining a balanced diet.
Provide Comfortable Bedding: Use insulated, cushioned beds, and add fleece or thermal blankets for extra warmth. Place the bed in a warm, draft-free area.
Practice Safe Exercise: Adjust exercise routines to include indoor activities and shorter, more frequent outdoor walks. Dress your dog appropriately for cold weather.
Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's health and address any winter-specific issues like arthritis or respiratory infections.
Use Pet-Friendly Heating Devices: Utilize electric blankets, heated pads, or microwaveable heat packs to provide consistent warmth during very cold times. Ensure safety features like automatic shut-offs and avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Monitor Your Dog’s Condition: Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, lethargy, and seeking warmth. Address any signs of discomfort or health issues promptly.
Proper Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to maintain its insulating properties. Avoid shaving your dog’s fur during winter to retain natural warmth.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated, which is essential for maintaining body temperature and overall health.
By following these tips as needed, you can ensure your dog stays warm, healthy, and comfortable during the winter months.
Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward.
It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar.
Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.
DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?
No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here.
Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.
PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION
We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.
