Keeping Dog’s teeth Strong and Healthy
Are Raw Meat and Bones
Beneficial to Your Dog’s Dental Care?
Author, Professional Pet Sitting Etc.
There are many pet parents who regularly feed their canine companions raw diets of meat and bones with the belief it will save their pet from bad teeth and stinky breath. But does this method really work? Or, on the contrary, does it cause more problems in the long run?
It is well know that good dental health is one key way to ensure your pooch has a happy and healthy life. Dental disease can actually lead to serious problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart, and pets who don’t receive good dental care can lose their teeth painfully, causing further health problems.
There are several dog foods available that assist in teeth cleaning and dental health, but what about raw meat and bones?
Raw Bones
Raw Diets that include raw bones, unfortunately, raw bones can cause problems for your pooch, from fractured teeth, gastroenteritis, digestive obstructions, constipation and pancreatitis. Most issues tend to arise with large beef bones. Think about it – a bone that is strong enough to hold the weight of a cow is tough. If your pooch is a determined chewer, he could easily break a tooth before the bone gives way. Worse yet, if you have a dog who likes to hide his bones, or simply save them for later, the bones then have the opportunity to reach room temperature and harbor bacteria.
Okay, so if you monitor your dog’s chew time, and keep a close eye on the temperature and condition of the raw bone, all is well, right? Not really! Periodontal disease begins with bacterial growth in the mouth that can result in tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds the teeth. And, in order to lessen this bacterial growth, the prevention of plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line is a must. Raw bones typically shatter or break as your dog’s molars penetrate the bone, meaning they never reach the gum line. The lack of dental assistance raw bones provide, combined with the possible dangers they present your beloved pooch, make them a questionable choice.
Raw Meat
Meat is obviously softer and chewier than bones, but does that make it a good option for cleaning your dog’s teeth? Consider this – would you eat a steak rather than brush your teeth? Hopefully your answer is a resounding “no!” In order for raw meat to “brush” your dog’s teeth, he would have to sink his teeth into the meat, right up to the gumline, repeatedly on each and every tooth. Now, if your dog is anything like mine, he sucks his food up like a vacuum, barely chewing at all! So, when it comes to dental care, raw meat is not ideal.
As for raw meat in terms of overall health, raw food diets for pets are a controversial topic. If you do opt for a raw meat diet for your pooch, just keep in mind his dental care will still need tending to.
Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
When it comes to doggie dental health, it’s pretty simple. You have teeth, and you need regular brushing, flossing and professional dental care in order to keep your mouth healthy, so why wouldn’t your dog need the same? Answer – he does! And here’s how you can provide him with what he needs:
- Brush his teeth with toothpaste made specifically for dogs; daily is preferred, though not always possible, so brush as often as you can.
- Visit your vet for regular doggie dental check-ups.
- Make an annual appointment for your pooch to receive a scale and polish (scaling removes the plaque and tartar build-up around the gumline, and polishing makes the teeth sparkling clean).
- Feed your dog a good dental diet. The Veterinary Oral Health Council published a list of the foods they recommend ~ http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm
- Consider using a water additive such as Healthymouth.
Our dogs are our family, and we want to do what’s best for them in all regards. When it comes to dental care, you may want to consider other options besides raw meat and bones.
If you liked this article, check out our other articles – Complete List Of Our Article and Videos
About the Owner and Professional Pet Sitting Etc
Dorinne Whynott, is a long time animal professional. She is a successful business owner establishing one of the largest pet sitting companies in New Hampshire since 1990. Click to Read her complete History.
Professional Pet Sitting Etc. is a leading business in the pet care field and continues to grow since 1990. It is an AWARD WINNING business, having been awarded the 2015 Best Pet Sitting , 2015 Best Dog Walker, Business of the Year Awards in 1996, 1997, 2006 and 2010. It boasts 30+ amazing pet sitters on staff, over 3000 clients in 38 cities from Nashua to Concord, NH. Hundreds of satisfied client testimonials can be found on their website and more 5 star reviews on their Facebook page, Google+ page and more. They have sustained an A+ rating with the BBB, A rating with Angie’s List and are unmatched in the Pet Sitting Industry in New Hampshire.
Click Here for Professional Pet Sitting Etc Reviews, Testimonial and Awards
Click For a Complete List of all of our educational Blogs
Go to Professional Pet Sitting Etc. Website for more information on the best pet sitting company or click on “New Client“ to contact us or register for dog walking or pet care.
Contact us by phone at 603-888-8088
Email Profpetsit@aol.com
Pet Sitting NH , Pet Sitting Nashua NH , Pet Care NH, Petsitternh, Petsittersnh, Professional pet sitter, pet sitters, professional pet sitting, pet sitting, pet sitter, professional pet services, professional pet sitters, pro pet sitting, pet sit, pet, puppy sitting
cat sitting, cat sitter, cat sitters, professional cat sitter
dog, dog sitting, professional dog sitter, Dog walking new hampshire, dog sitter, Dog Walking NH, dog walking services, Dog Walker, Dog Walker NH
Professional Pet Sitting Etc Reviews and Testimonials (Darlene W.)
All rights reserved, copyright 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
This article can not be copied in part or in whole without specific written permission by the Author and Owner.