How do you care for a dog's teeth?

Whereas we humans brush our teeth twice a day to keep our teeth clean, dogs obviously cannot do this themselves. Yet dental care for a dog is at least as important. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that regular teeth brushing in dogs significantly improves dog teeth and reduces the risks of dental problems and gum disease. Giving a dog chew snacks, chew toys and the right food, for example, also contributes to a dog's dental health. In this blog, we will give you some tips on how to best and easily care for your sweet four-legged friend's teeth.

The importance of brushing a dog's teeth

Many dogs face dental problems. Much of these problems are caused by plaque and tartar. If nothing is done about dental care in a dog, it can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and eventually to the condition paradontitis, in which teeth can become loose and even lost.

By brushing a dog's teeth several times a week, you help reduce plaque and tartar. You do this with a special toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs. It is best to introduce teeth brushing when the dog is still a puppy, so the dog can get used to it from an early age.

Note: Never use human toothpaste when brushing a dog's teeth! This contains chemicals such as fluoride which are toxic to dogs.

How to clean a dog's teeth without brushing?

Besides brushing teeth, there are other ways to take care of a dog's teeth. Below we give you some tips:

Chew snacks
Chew snacks are a natural (and tasty) way to keep a dog's teeth and gums in top condition. This is because your dog's teeth are designed to bite and grind. Chewing on a hard snack creates an abrasive effect along the dog's teeth. In this way, plaque and tartar are rubbed off, but the gums are also massaged. Also, chewing keeps the dog busy and provides a calming effect to the dog. All this while enjoying a delicious treat! The result: fresh breath and a cleaner mouth. A real win-win situation in other words!

Riverwood has a wide range of natural and dried dog snacks. These chewy dog snacks are dried using traditional methods. The dog snacks consist of 100% meat, so many snacks are also hypoallergenic. There is something for every dog!

Would you like to spoil your dog but find it difficult to choose from the large range of dog snacks? Then take a look at the Riverwood Bite Box. In our 11 different snack boxes you will find a selection of our best-selling snack products, specially formulated to your dog's needs.

Chew toys
Special dog toys can also contribute to a dog's dental care. Many dogs love chewing on toys, but not every toy is equally suitable for this purpose. Good examples of chew toys are rubber toys and floss ropes. These toys massage the gums and help reduce plaque.

Dental care food
One way to promote a dog's teeth in the long run is to feed your dog good dog food. Good dog food consists of a high percentage of meat (protein and fat) as the first ingredient, a healthy carbohydrate source, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. In addition, it is free of artificial fragrances, colors and flavors. Also, good dog food does not contain added sugars and salts, which could actually aggravate plaque and tartar. This blog tells you what else good dog food should contain.

Riverwood dog foods contain around 50 to 55% meat (it varies by variety) from three unique sources of protein. In addition, Riverwood dog foods contain no grains or potatoes. Instead, yellow peas have been chosen as the carbohydrate source because of their low glycemic index. These carbohydrates are broken down slowly by the dog's body, which is better for healthy and stable blood sugar levels. In addition to the high meat percentage as the main ingredient and yellow peas as the carbohydrate source, Riverwood dog foods are made complete with a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and a rich blend of potent herbs.

Riverwood dog chunks are extruded, which means they are crunchy. Most dogs need to chew well on crunchy kibble so these kibbles contribute to healthier teeth. By chewing on crunchy kibble, food particles are less likely to be left behind and plaque is reduced.

Dental cleaning by a veterinarian

As we mentioned earlier in this blog, most dental problems arise from plaque and tartar. Once a dog has tartar, there is no way to remove it by brushing the dog's teeth or allowing the dog to chew on chewable snacks or special toys. If you suspect that your dog has tartar, it is important that you contact your veterinarian. This is because the veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning on the dog so that the tartar that has formed cannot lead to inflammation or even the loss of teeth.

As with most things, prevention is better than cure!

Lots of dogs are already enjoying Riverwood every day. Would you also like your dog to feast on our delicious foods and are you curious which variety would suit your dog best? Then answer a few questions here and order an inexpensive sample pack right away.