Oral hygiene is extremely important for your Labradoodle. It is so much more than just having healthy teeth. The toxins from advanced gum disease can travel through the blood and affect various organs. When you think about gum disease, you usually don’t realize that it can lead to kidney, heart, and brain disease. Tooth and gum disease can be extremely painful for your dog, and can cause difficulties in chewing. Also, the odor can be quite unappealing when your dog wants to breathe right in your face.
Prevention is key when it comes to fighting off tooth decay and gum disease. Veterinarians can perform professional teeth cleanings, but they are expensive and usually require your dog to be under anesthesia. If you brush your dog’s teeth from an early age, you may eliminate the need for professional cleanings. Cleaning your dog’s teeth doesn’t have to be a struggle. There are many ways to keep your dog’s pearly whites healthy and clean.
1. Feed your dog crunchy foods
This teeth-cleaning method requires no work by you! When choosing a dog food for your Labradoodle, go with the crunchy kibble. When dogs eat wet food, the meaty pieces get stuck to their teeth. When dogs eat crunchy food, it scrapes at the plaque buildup on the teeth. There are also dog treats on the market that are especially designed to clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. Since your dog will consume food and treats anyway, it’s best to give them munchies that clean their teeth as they chew.
2. Find the best products for your dog
Human oral hygiene products probably won’t work for your dog. Our toothbrushes are too big to fit in their deep mouths. Human toothpaste isn’t good for dogs either, because it is not made to be ingested. When choosing hygiene products for your dog, make sure they can be ingested safely, since dogs love to lick and taste everything.
When choosing a brushing tool, a toothbrush made specifically for dogs, or even a child’s toothbrush will work. Some dog toothbrushes are designed to slip over your finger for better control. Make sure the bristles are soft, because their gums can be sensitive and bleed if scrubbed too hard.
Dog toothpastes come in different flavors. While you may be interested in getting a mint-flavored paste for your dog, consider their tastes. It might make their breath smell very clean, but not all dogs like the taste. Flavors like chicken, liver, or cheese will be much tastier for your dog. Even if the flavors sound gross to you, the cleaning agents will help keep your dog’s mouth smelling fresh. These special toothpastes don’t create a lather, can be swallowed, and contain enzymes that fight plaque and bacteria.