Oral hygiene is an essential part of your Chihuahua’s overall wellness, which means that it shouldn’t be overlooked. People who own Chihuahuas know that their pups are more prone to dental problems when compared to other dog breeds. Since dogs’ oral hygiene is a relatively new topic, people are still getting used to the idea of proper management, and that’s okay.
Similar to humans’, there are many oral problems that dogs are irritated with. What starts as a bad breath issue can turn into a mouth infection, which will put your four-legged buddy in a lot of discomforts. While your vet likely prescribes a yearly oral cleaning, there are a few things we can do at home to help keep our Chihuahuas’ mouth in the best shape.
1. Make Brushing a Standard Practice
Brushing your puppy’s teeth is probably the most effective way to prevent oral diseases and tooth decay. Sadly, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. The first thing you need to repeat to yourself is not to feel discouraged. Many dogs need to start slowly, which means that brushing teeth goes wrong in most first-times. Putting a dental brush inside your dog’s mouth will incite an odd sensation for them, which is why they will often resist. With a little positive training, you’ll be able to brush your dog’s teeth and improve his oral hygiene without having to worry about it too much.
Before you get into it, you need to ensure that you have the right toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste. This toothpaste is made with ingredients safe for dogs, so using Colgate, Crest, or any other toothpaste will aggravate your dog’s mouth. Similar to humans’, brushing your dog’s teeth will remove and prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Even though brushing every day is ideal, replacing that with once or twice a week will provide major benefits.
2. Dental Chews Are Your Best Friend
High-quality dental chews pose a fantastic advantage to your Chihuahua’s overall health and well-being. They are specially made to clean your dog’s teeth, almost as effective as using a toothbrush. First, the chewing action that they provide scrapes off the plaque and tartar build-up, like brushing. Dental chews are also filled with ingredients to prevent deterioration and give your dog a fresh breath that everyone around him will enjoy.
What makes these alternatives ideal is that most dogs (especially Chis) love a good dental chew. Because they’re made of nutritients, they are a tasty treat that your dog will never have enough of. Dental chews are also great for keeping their minds occupied, so they’re the perfect choice for over-anxious Chihuahuas. Luckily, there are many products for you to choose from; just make sure they’re made of high-quality ingredients.
3. Oral Hygiene is Highly Affected by Food
Lastly, providing premium-quality dog food is an excellent way to keep your Chihuahua’s oral health in check. Properly nourishing the body means that the dog’s teeth will grow stronger. Not only that, but your dog will look, feel, and act happier around you. You should always avoid things like grains and other by-products since they are unhealthy and stick to your dog’s teeth.
Poor-quality foods will also increase plaque and tartar build-up, which will keep your pet’s dental health and immune system far below the ideal state. The best way for you to go is with whole foods that are lined with natural ingredients. These foods contain enzymes and other supplements that help break down unwanted build-up on teeth, which will result in less work for you. And as long as you follow these points and are patient with your dog, we’re confident that all his oral hygiene problems will go away.
