Dental health is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. As well as regular check ups at the veterinarian, there are various ways you can take care of your dog’s teeth at home. Here are our top tips for protecting your dog’s pearly whites!
Regularly examine your dog’s mouth
You should regularly monitor your dog’s mouth for any abnormalities such as redness of gums or tartar build up. If you notice any changes, you should book an appointment to the vet as soon as possible. Many pet parents are unaware of problems simply because they don’t take the time to look into their pet’s mouth. If you have a puppy, we recommend starting young to get your dog used to their mouth being examined.
Brush your dog’s teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth provides a foundation for good oral health. It is recommended to brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet specific toothbrush. Specifically designed dog toothbrushes come with soft bristles and angled handles to ensure it reaches those tiny nooks and crevices inside your dog’s mouth easily. The Ezdog Pet Toothbrush is a popular choice due to its 3-angled brush head. They also offer a Complete Dental Kit, which comes with the toothbrush and toothpaste. Establishing a regular teeth cleaning schedule at home will take less time than you think and will help prevent tartar, plaque and bad breath.
Not all pets like the idea of having a foreign object in their mouth, so be sure to gradually introduce the use of a toothbrush and always use positive reinforcement to make brushing a positive experience. We highly recommend starting with a finger brush to ease them into it and make it more comfortable. Pet toothpaste comes in appealing flavours such as cheese and chicken to help make the experience more enjoyable.
Dental treats
Dental chews are extremely beneficial in cleaning your dog’s teeth while also stimulating their craving for a tasty treat. Nowadays, there are a range of healthy and natural dental treats that are clinically proven to help reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar. We highly recommend offering a dental treat daily to help keep your dog’s mouth and teeth healthy. A good idea is to look out for those dental treats that have received the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval as this means the treat has met the standards of plaque and tartar reduction set by veterinary dentists and scientists. Greenies Dental Chews for Dogs are delicious treats that are the #1 vet recommended dental chew and are clinically proven to clean teeth. Nowadays, there are also various other options on the market including SavourLife Dental Bars, Bell and Bone Dental Sticks and Whimzees.
There are a variety of chew toys available that have been specifically designed to help improve dental health. These toys are often plastic, rubber or nylon and provide a natural way to clean dog’s teeth as the constant gnawing scrapes plaque off the teeth. In addition, dental toys provide great entertainment and will keep your dog occupied for hours on end. Be sure to choose toys that are doggy-safe so they don’t damage your dog’s teeth. Nylabone is a great option to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, while the KONG Dental Ball has been specifically designed to deeply clean your dog’s teeth when they chew.
Dental Sprays and Gels
Dental sprays and gels are a great option for those time poor pet parents. They provide a quick, easy and effective way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and are ideal to use in between brushings. These solutions kill bacteria to reduce plaque and tartar build up and help to freshen breath. Tropiclean has a range of sprays, gels and water additives that provide defence against plaque and tartar and noticeably fresher breath. These can be given to the dog directly or added into their water.
Dental food
There are various super-premium dog foods that have been specifically designed for dental health. This is ideal for dogs prone to dental sensitivities as it not only provides complete and balanced nutrition, but also has an advanced texture to clean your dog’s teeth while they’re chewing. In addition, they generally come in a larger sized kibble to assist mechanical abrasion and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care provides precisely balanced nutrition to improve dental health. Royal Canin Dental Care and Advance Dental are also popular options.
Regular check ups with a veterinarian
You should book your dog in for routine check ups at the vet to ensure any dental problems don’t go unnoticed. Veterinarians are able to identify early warning signs of any serious dental problems. They can also provide a full teeth clean, removing plaque below the gum line where toothbrushes can't reach. While trips to the vet can be expensive and time consuming, they should be made a priority.
With a combination of preventative methods, you can optimise your dog’s long term dental health and minimise their risk of developing periodontal disease. By brushing their teeth, offering dental chews and supplements, and choosing a diet that promotes oral care, you can ensure your pet has sparkly clean teeth. If you require any advice on the best dental care routine for your dog, we recommend consulting your local veterinarian.
