Ultimate Dog Dental Care Guide
Caring for your dog’s oral health is as important as caring for your own. Without the right dental care, dogs can experience all kinds of issues that can cause bad breath, inflammation and pain. Knowing how to provide the best dog dental care will ensure that you can help your furry friend keep on smiling.
Why Is It Important To Look After Your Dog's Teeth?
Taking care of your dog’s teeth and oral health is essential as it will help to manage the buildup of plaque which can lead to bad breath, gum disease, pain and more. This guide will help you understand why you need to care for your dog’s teeth at home and the best ways to do so. Whether it be dental pastes or dental treats - there are many products that can help improve your dog’s oral health and maintain good oral hygiene.
Dental Disease In Dogs
Over 80% of dogs will experience dental disease by the time they are three, making it the second most common health issue in dogs, after ear infections. With dental disease being so common it makes sense to take good care of their teeth! When a dog has problems with their mouth and teeth, it impacts their overall quality of life causing pain, stress and irritation. This can also affect their behaviour.
While dogs can get similar dental conditions to those seen in people, the most common dental disease in dogs is periodontal disease. This is inflammation of the gums, tissues and bone that support the teeth. This inflammation can result in infection which can cause bad breath, pain, issues when chewing and eventually tooth loss. If dental disease is not treated it can also lead to other health complications.
Dental disease is referred to by Grades and these grades reflect the severity of the disease.
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
- Grade 1: Plaque and tartar or calculus (which is hardened plaque) on the teeth, mild inflammation of the gums (usually reversible with a scale and polish by your veterinarian).
- Grade 2: Moderate calculus on the teeth extending up under the gum. There may be pockets formed under the gum and mild loss of bone around the tooth.
- Grade 3: Heavy calculus on the teeth extending up under the gums, severe inflammation of the gums with deep pocket formation, teeth becoming loose.
- Grade 4: Severe inflammation of the gums, very deep pockets in the gums, extensive loss of bone surrounding the teeth, multiple tooth loss inevitable.
A regular dental care routine using a dog dental toothbrush, dog dental chews, and other products will improve your dog’s oral health and help slow down the progression of dental disease.
How To Take Care Of Dog Teeth At Home
Knowing how to properly take care of your dog’s teeth at home will ensure that you have an efficient routine in order to improve your dog’s oral hygiene and general health. An efficient and effective routine will make sure to keep teeth clean and combat bad breath.
The following dental care options will help keep your dog’s teeth clean and slow the progression of dental disease once your Veterinarian has performed dental treatment.
Brushing their Teeth
Daily brushing is the best way to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth and keep them clean. It may be a little bit difficult at first while he becomes used to it. You can start slowly and work your way up to a regular routine. Learn how to properly brush your dog's teeth here: Teeth-Brushing Guide for Dogs.
Understanding Dental Chews
Dental chews offer a unique advantage over traditional treats when it comes to maintaining your dog's oral health. Unlike regular treats, dental chews are specifically formulated with targeted ingredients designed to combat bacteria and plaque buildup in your dog's mouth. These ingredients often include enzymes, abrasives, and other compounds that work together to break down plaque and tartar, preventing dental issues such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Using Dental Sticks
Using dental sticks to help maintain your dog's oral health is one of the best things you can do for your dog! Dental sticks are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, promoting healthy teeth and gums. The chewy texture aids in cleaning and soothing your dog's teeth and gums. Easily digestible, these chew sticks are highly palatable and house active ingredients that are used to keep your dog's smile happy and healthy.
Giving Dental Treats
Dental treats are a great option for those fussier dogs, and can be used to help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. The natural chewing motion and the rubbing of the chew against the teeth will help remove plaque. Remember the longer your dog chews the more effective the action. So if your dog finishes the chew in one bite - it may not be the right option for them.
Play With Dental Toys
If your dog loves to play with toys, then giving him a dental toy is the perfect solution to improve his oral hygiene. There are many options from a KONG dental stick dog toy to chew bones, which they can play with while at the same time caring for their teeth.
These toys provide enjoyment and entertainment for your dog with and come in tasty flavours, which encourage dogs to chew. The chewing action stimulates saliva production which helps to wash plaque from the teeth. These are an easy addition to your dental care routine if your dog loves chew toys. Some dental toys can be filled with toothpaste for added brushing action.
There are a few things to remember when using dental chews or chew toys
- Make sure the size of the chew is right for your dog - they need to be able to chew on it safely.
- Always supervise your pet while they enjoy their chews or chew toys.
- Chews are designed to be eaten and chew toys are not, regularly inspect, clean and replace your dog’s chew toys.
Using Dental Solutions
Another option to care for your dog’s teeth and gums is a dental dog wash or water additive, which will provide them with fresher breath while fighting against plaque. A dental solution will aim to maintain healthy teeth and gums and should be used in addition to daily tooth brushing and dental food options.
A combination of a dental wash for dogs, tooth brushing and dental chews will provide your dog optimal plaque control, which can help to reduce bad breath and combat disease.
Dental Dog Food
There is also the option of feeding a dental dog food, which can provide balanced nutrition while helping to reduce plaque and tartar. Giving your dog dental food every day, along with chews and treats, is a great way to provide the best dental care for your dog.
Dental Care Dog Food provides dental care for dogs of all ages providing they chew their food. Every dog eats every day, sometimes, several times a day, which means that there is lots of opportunity to achieve cleaner, healthier teeth and gums.
Some examples of good dental dog food include Royal Canin Dental Care dry dog food, which not only tastes great but is very effective at reducing plaque and tartar. The kibble has a unique texture to clean your dog’s teeth through the natural abrasive action as they chew. Likewise, another option is Advance Triple Action, which is suitable for small and toy dogs. Using a dental care food as your everyday food is an easy and effective way of setting up a regular dental care routine
Knowing When To See A Vet
Regular Vet visits will allow you to catch issues early on and get advice on the best treatment and dental home care routine to help your dog attain optimal oral health. Likewise, should your dog show signs of pain in or around his mouth, or any reddening or bleeding of the gums it is important to take them to see a vet immediately. Often our dogs are very brave and might be in considerable pain before they show signs, so act as soon as you recognise symptoms or think something might be wrong.
Often by the time we notice our dog has bad breath, dental disease has already started. Being cautious is the best way to keep on top of their dental health and optimise the health of their teeth and gums. Slight inflammation of the gums where it meets the tooth is often an early sign that something is wrong. Therefore, acting fast can help them slow the progression to more severe dental disease.
Tip: August is dental month in Australia and most Veterinarians will offer free dental checks during August - some offer them all year round - check with your local veterinarian.
The best dental care for your dog can be provided by a combination of all of the options listed above. Staying on top of a regular daily routine will ensure to provide your dog with the best dental health.
