Dog dental care | All about cleaning dog teeth!

Jun 15, 2022 | Health & Wellness

We all love our furry friends and want the best for them, but did you know there’s one aspect of dog care that many dog owners tend to forget? Between all those natural diets, fancy toys and training sessions, our dog’s teeth are often ignored. A pity, because bad teeth can greatly impact a dog’s quality of life.

Let’s have a look at the basics of dog dental care and what you can do to keep your canine’s teeth in top condition.

Why is dog dental care so important?

In the wild, dog teeth stay healthy through a combination of gnawing on tough items and a diet that’s low in foods that cause plaque build-up. Things are a little different for our domestic furry friends: as with humans, their teeth are prone to accumulating plaque, partly due to the foods they’re fed.

Bad teeth can be a major issue for dogs, and as a result, for their owners. Some sources note that up to 80% of dogs aged three or up suffer from periodontal disease to some degree, leading to pain, bad breath, lost teeth and often very steep vet bills. Abscesses and infections in other parts of the body as the result of tooth disease aren’t unheard of, and neglected tooth problems can eventually lead to permanent bone damage.

Maintaining proper dog dental care is something that’s in your hands. Sure, it can be annoying, and not all pooches like to cooperate at first. But it’s just part of being a responsible dog owner and it can prevent a host of trouble in the future!



Instant Service Request

What Kind Of Pets Do You Have? (Select All That Apply)


Dog dental care | All about cleaning dog teeth!

How to provide proper dog dental care

Brushing your dog’s teeth

Yep, it sounds completely foreign to some, but brushing your dog’s teeth daily (or at least every other day) is the absolute best thing you can do to keep its teeth in good condition. After all, bacteria and plaque build up with every meal. Both are easy enough to remove if you do so on time. If you let the plaque sit and harden into tartar, however, it becomes almost impossible to remove at home. In the long run, it can start affecting tooth and gum health.

You can brush a dog’s teeth using a dog toothbrush and special flavored pet toothpaste. Not sure how in the world you’re going to get the job done? With a few weeks of training, even the more stubborn pooches should usually be fine with having their teeth brushed.

  • Begin by getting your dog used to having the outside of its mouth touched. Treats will help!
  • Introduce your dog to the dog toothpaste.
  • Begin gently touching their teeth using your finger or a finger brush.
  • Once the dog is comfortable, you can switch to a normal dog toothbrush.

If you get a new puppy, be sure to get it used to having its teeth brushed right from the beginning. It will make the whole thing so much easier!

Other dog tooth care options

There are some other options that can aid in keeping a dog’s teeth healthy, although you should remember that tooth brushing is your best bet. A toothbrush is the only thing that can really get into all those nooks and crannies and really remove plaque everywhere, after all.

To complement your dog dental care routine, you can consider:

  • Dog dental wipes. They don’t get into all the corners, but they can at least clean the teeth superficially.
  • Dental chews. Their quality varies, but some are actually quite effective in reducing at least oral bacteria.
  • Dog chews. A 2013 study found that normal chews like bully sticks can help in oral bacteria reduction.

How to keep your dog's teeth healthy

Does my dog have dental problems?

Wondering after reading this whether your dog may be suffering from periodontal disease? It can sometimes be difficult to tell, as they’re very good at hiding the pain that comes with tooth issues. Still, there are some indicators:

  • Bad breath. Sure, your dog’s breath is never going to be minty fresh, but it shouldn’t make you keel over either.
  • Red and inflamed gums, possibly along with bleeding. A healthy dog’s gums will be pale pink in color.
  • Excessive tartar build-up. Tartar is brownish in color and looks somewhat gritty, as opposed to the natural shininess of clean teeth.
  • Trouble eating. This is very serious and warrants a vet visit ASAP.

If you spot any of these symptoms in your dog, be sure to ask your vet if they can do a dental exam and see what the situation is. Sometimes only a deep clean is necessary, while in unlucky cases, rotted teeth may need to be removed. In some dogs, a dental exam may have to be performed under anesthesia.

Conclusion

Save yourself and your furry friend a lot of trouble by keeping their teeth clean! It can take some training to get a dog used to having its teeth brushed, but trust us, you’ll be glad you did it when your dog gets to live out its years with healthy pearly whites.

Enlund, K. B., Brunius, C., Hanson, J., Hagman, R., Höglund, O. V., Gustås, P., & Pettersson, A. (2020). Dog owners’ perspectives on canine dental health—a questionnaire study in Sweden. Frontiers in Veterinary Science7, 298.

Gallagher, L. (2013). The effect of dental products and natural chews on canine oral bacteria. Letters in General Microbiology1(2), 1-4.

Looking for something specific?

Instant Service Request

What Kind Of Pets Do You Have? (Select All That Apply)

You May Also Like

Are Hamster Balls Bad? All The Pros & Cons

Are Hamster Balls Bad? All The Pros & Cons

If you own a hamster, you'll know that these little rodents need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. For this reason, you may have invested or be thinking of investing in a hamster ball. These transparent plastic balls open up to allow you to place your...

From Terrarium to Companionship: Why Pet Lizards Make Great Pets

From Terrarium to Companionship: Why Pet Lizards Make Great Pets

Pet Lizards, with their prehistoric allure and unique appeal, have been capturing the hearts of pet enthusiasts for decades. From the novice reptile owner to the seasoned herpetologist, the world of pet lizards offers an array of captivating species that can serve as...

Exploring the Munchkin Cat Breed: So Little But So Cute

Exploring the Munchkin Cat Breed: So Little But So Cute

Are you a fan of felines seeking a unique companion to light up your household? If so, the Munchkin cat might pounce its way to the top of your wish list! This distinctive breed has been the subject of much discussion, both due to its adorable appearance and the...

Pet Hair Remover: Tips and Tricks To Removing Pet Hair

Pet Hair Remover: Tips and Tricks To Removing Pet Hair

Are you looking for a solid pet hair remover? Pets are cherished members of the family, bringing immeasurable comfort and joy into our lives. However, one inevitable side effect of the many furry friends and companions we love is the perpetual battle against pet hair....

Types of Pet Quail: 5 Adorable Small Breeds

Types of Pet Quail: 5 Adorable Small Breeds

When you think of keeping birds as house pets, the first thing that comes to mind is probably parrots, or maybe something small like a canary or a finch. But did you know it doesn't end there? Although most folks don't consider them past their usefulness for eggs and...

Exploring the World of Dog Treats To Keep Your Pup Healthy and Happy

Exploring the World of Dog Treats To Keep Your Pup Healthy and Happy

Dog treats are more than just a reward for good behavior; they are an essential part of your furry friend's diet and a tool for effective training. With an array of options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best treats for your pet. This comprehensive...