Dental Care for Husky – What you need to know

The husky belongs to the Spitz family and is a working dog which originates from Siberia. With a life span of up to 15 years, this alert, intelligent, friendly, gentle, and outgoing breed requires dental care for a healthy life.

Huskies are very clean dogs and they keep themselves clean most of the times. They chew n hard stuff which cleans the plaque and prevents tartar formations. When the husky ages, the teeth become weak, which makes them unable to chew. This leads to plaque and tartar buildup. Brush the teeth about two to three times a week. If possible, daily brushing is recommended to prevent gum disease and bad breath and should be started whilst your pet is a puppy. Brushing removes the plaque and prevents tartar buildup which leads to oral or dental diseases.

According to the American Veterinarian Dental Society, about 80% of canines suffer from gum disease by the age of three. The pet owners should take proper care of their pet's teeth. Gum disease leads to tooth loss due to tooth decay and other problems like fractured teeth and infections. An untreated dental problem can lead to heart, lung, or kidney disease.

Nature takes care of the husky's teeth as they chew upon hard raw hide or tear fur which automatically flosses the teeth when in their own outdoor environment. The owner has to take care of their pet's teeth to prevent dental problems. This can be done by:

• Feeding dry food that the pet can nibble upon which helps to keep the teeth clean by breaking down the plaque and tartar
• Play toys should never be harder than the teeth as they may fracture the teeth. Nylon bones are a suggested alternative
• Brush teeth at least three times a week or daily if possible. Use a soft toothbrush with canine toothpaste only. Do not use human toothpaste as the fluoride affects your pet's health

How to Brush Teeth

It is good practice to start when your dog is a puppy, which makes it a fun experience for you and your pet. Trying to brush at a later age, may make your dog reluctant and difficult to handle.

• Start with a finger toothbrush as that is easier to maneuver in the husky's mouth
• Fix a time for brushing so your pet is trained
• Make it a fun activity by rubbing the finger toothbrush on the teeth and gently massaging the gum
• Introduce the toothpaste so that your pet plays with it and becomes familiar with the odor
• Apply toothpaste and brush his teeth
• Remember to reward him for good behavior

Brushing the teeth regularly prevents tartar buildup and removes bacteria that cause infection in the oral cavity. Follow a teeth brushing schedule to give your pet a healthy life, especially in old age when they are unable to chew on hard stuff and develop painful gums. Enjoy all the 15 years of your pet's life by keeping them healthy.