Today our pets do not eat the same food like their wild ancestors did many years ago, wich means, that pet food today is highly digestible and already reduced to small pieces. It has therefore an effect on dental health.
Dental hygiene for dogs
Our dogs do not eat the same food like the ancestor wolf did. Dog food today is not only highly digestible but also reduced to small pieces, so that the dog`s teeth will not be used and cleaned that much. This negative fact causes plaque and tartar, which will lead to different problems. First of all the pet owner will notice the bad breath of his dog. Tartar dangerously affects the dog`s health: it can lead to periodontosis and tooth loss. Furthermore it might happen that bacteria, emerged from plaque, can lead to valvular inflammation, and this means a lifelong heart defect. In order to avoid a rapid development of plaque and tartar, your dog should properly chew on dried dog chews made of Hyde or our range of Calcium Shank Bones that come smoked as well for extra flavour. We also supply a range of toys that help maintain good dental health.
How to get your dog used to get the teeth cleaned
If your dog does not know how it feels like getting the teeth cleaned, you should start slowly to train your dog. First the dog should learn to accept the taste of tooth paste. You might make it easier by putting some tooth paste on a dog cookie and feed your dog with it. Later on you can try to apply some tooth paste on your dog`s teeth and gums.
Before brushing the teeth, gently massage your dog`s outer chaps. Then you can start cleaning the teeth by brushing them. Important: Do not become impatient! Try to train several short times and not that long until your dog refuses the training.
Dental hygiene for rodents
Even Guinea pigs and pygmy rabbits do not feed the same like their wild relatives do. The food contains more calories but less raw fibres. It is fact that incisors and molars of these rodents grow the whole life through. It is necessary that rodents spend a lot of time with nibbling and chewing, so that hay is the most important basic food. Hay mangers will keep the hay clean and dry.
Date 02.02.2006