During their initial formative years, and especially in the first few months, when it looks like nothing is truly a limit to the growing teeth of your adorable pup, dogs might seem like they got blessed with one of the most exquisite dental genetics in all of the animal kingdom.
That said, the unfortunate truth is that your pup, as healthy and energetic as he may seem at first glance, is likely to develop certain forms of dental disease without proper, frequent brushing or the utilisation of dental treats such as Whimzees.
Sure, your pup’s teeth might look like they come straight from an advert from Colgate right now, but the statistics we have at our disposal don’t lie. According to RSPCA Australia, by age three, around 80% of dogs in Australia show some early signs of dental disease. Moreover, per a survey conducted by PetSure, only 28% of Australian pet parents brush their pet’s teeth at least once per week.
Think of the Financial Burden Associated with Dental Issues
This reluctance to brush our pet’s teeth is a major issue, as, just like us, dogs’ teeth lack the necessary protections to handle the accumulation of plaque in and around the gums. Plus, per a report submitted by the same source, the costs of dog dental treatments rise exponentially with age.
Before turning one year old, the average price of your pup’s dental treatment should come under $264. However, by age five, the complexities of the required dental treatments can make the costs skyrocket to more than $778. Just like with us, dog dental health can be expensive. Do you want to have mercy on your wallet and decrease your pup’s dental discomfort? Then, a good place to start would be to invest in dental pet supplies.
Oftentimes, with dental disease, the issues can become apparent only when they are too advanced to properly care for without also investing in expensive treatments. Your pup cannot exactly express himself as we do, and if you are not paying special attention to his mood and eating habits, it’s very likely you will miss those dental issues that are still in their infancy.
Why Is Dental Health So Important?
Plaque and tartar build-up can affect your pup’s gums as the years go by and increase the likelihood of periodontal disease or cavities. Have you ever dealt with the ongoing, pulsating pain of a bad tooth cavity? At least you were lucky enough to recognise the issue and seek help. Dogs don’t have this luxury.
They suffer in silence; they adapt their eating habits, and they often can become masters at minimising their condition, even though they are in constant pain. It’s heartbreaking, and nobody wants something like this for their pets.
Good oral hygiene is not just about keeping your dog’s breath fresh and minimising the number of dental pet supplies you need to purchase. An improper mouth biome can impact overall systemic wellness and even affect the efficiency of the immune system.
What Are Some Signs That Your Pup Suffers from Dental Disease?
Unfortunately, since they are masters at keeping symptoms hidden until it’s too late, dental disease in pets can often become quite serious without owners noticing that something is wrong. That’s why the purchase of dental supplies such as Whimzees and regular brushing is so important.
Dogs lack the dexterity to pick on their teeth like most species of primates, and they rely on the care of their owners in order to keep their dental health in check. What should you pay attention to?
Bad Breath
Now, your pup’s breath will never smell like mouthwash and roses; that’s pretty much a given. But if you noticed a strong odour that wasn’t present a month prior, it might be possible to deal with a build-up of plaque that demands more investigation.
Bleeding Gums or Visible Build-up
Just like with us, humans, the inflammation of the gums is often associated with periodontal disease. Moreover, if the accumulation of plaque turns into tartar, you should be able to spot a yellowish build-up near the gums.
Difficulties Eating
Not all dogs make it easy to inspect their mouths. My friend is the owner of the friendliest Golden Retriever I’ve ever met, but even he can get a little nippy if you are trying to look in his mouth. For dogs like this, you should pay attention to signs like slower chewing, excessive drooling, or excessive pawing at the mouth.
Why Invest in Dental Pet Supplies Such as Whimzees?
Personally, I think they are just convenient, and they present an excellent price-to-quality ratio. Good dental treats such as Whimzees work primarily through chewing and mechanical cleaning, and therefore, they act both as a treat/toy for your pup and as a way to clean their teeth and reduce the soft plaque and food debris accumulated on the tooth surface. Products like these:
- Can slow down the build-up of tartar
- They are quite hard to chew, so they can also strengthen your pup’s jaw musculature
- They are good distractions for teething pups, as they can provide them with an alternative to the other chewable objects in your household.
Are Dental Pet Supplies Such as Whimzees a Replacement for Brushing?
No. Dental chews work on the surface of the teeth, and they cannot adequately clean below your pup’s gum line. Sure, they are great; they work, they are cost-effective and you can purchase them from pretty much any local pet shop. But products like these cannot fully replace brushing.
Whimzees dental chews are an accessory that shouldn’t be missing from your home, especially if you are the owner of a small, teething pup with an appetite for anything chewable. But the effectiveness of dental pet supplies is directly correlated with how often you are willing to brush your pup’s teeth.
As previously mentioned, just 28% of Australian pet owners brush their pet’s teeth weekly. Don’t be one of them. Dental health is important, and the ramifications of tooth disease can be significant, both in the amount of discomfort it can cause your pup and in the amount of vet bills you will need to pay if the situation spirals out of control.