How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
Practicing good dog dental care leads to more than sweeter-smelling kisses – your dog will live a happier, healthier and longer life!
Oral hygiene is a critical part of keeping your pup healthy that often gets overlooked. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease as early as age three. In addition to tooth loss, abscesses and periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene can lead to serious life-threatening conditions including kidney, liver and heart damage.
Let’s get one thing straight – stinky dog breath is NOT normal. Sure, it’s not going to be minty-fresh, but it shouldn’t be unbearable. In fact, the first sign of dental disease is bad breath! But it often goes unnoticed because dog parents think bad breath is just part of being a dog.
So, what can you do to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy? Here are some tips!
DOG TEETH BRUSHING
Truth bomb: Just like your own teeth, (ideally) you should be brushing your dog’s teeth every day to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. If you aren’t currently brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, this may sound overwhelming – so just remember: the more often, the better.
Be sure to get toothpaste made specially-formulated for dogs – NEVER use human toothpaste. Toothpaste for humans contains ingredients like xylitol and fluoride that are toxic to pups. Plus, dog toothpaste comes in flavors your pup will enjoy, like chicken or peanut butter. Stock up on dog toothpaste next time you visit Scenthound!
Then, place a dog toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and clean in small, circular motions. If your dog resists having the inner surfaces of its teeth cleaned, focus on the side of the tooth that touches the cheek, which usually has the most tartar.
Frankly, brushing your dog’s teeth can be a tricky task, and it’s not always easy to convince your pup that tooth brushing is an essential activity. If your pup is too restless to manage, leave it to the pros at Scenthound! Our experienced technicians are trained in how to manage various behaviors and are very skilled in handling all kinds of dogs. And the more frequently a dog has its teeth brushed, the more comfortable and trusting it will become.
DOG TOOTH WIPES
For those who struggle to brush their dog’s teeth or want some additional cleaning options, dog dental wipes are a great solution. You simply rub the tooth wipe against your dog’s teeth to help remove plaque and tartar. They work similarly to toothbrushes but are not able to get into the tiny nooks and crannies that a brush does. Nevertheless, they are still a great way to clean your dog’s teeth and are often more convenient and less messy than brushing. Use daily to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy and clean with fresh breath.
ENZYMATIC WATER ADDITIVE
Another brush-less option? Water additive is a flavorless concentrate that is added daily to drinking water to provide the safest, healthiest and most convenient way to keep your dog’s teeth clean without brushing. It contains enzymes that prevent odor-causing bacteria, reduce plaque and tartar, and support normal periodontal health. This option is especially good for pups who may face issues with dry mouth.
DOG DENTAL CHEWS
There are hundreds of different types of dog chews, and nearly all of them have teeth-cleaning properties. Chewing is a huge benefit to your dog’s oral health. Gnawing helps scrape plaque off your dog’s teeth and many chews are specially formulated with enzymes that help promote dental health.
DOG DENTAL TREATS
We all know how much dogs love treats! Dental treats are designed to remove plaque buildup and often contain ingredients that freshen breath and clean your dog’s mouth. Dog dental treats come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors, so you are sure to find something your dog loves! Many pups prefer this method over teeth brushing or tooth wipes ;)
DOG PLAQUE REDUCTION TREATMENT
Visit Scenthound to get your pup this 30 minute, two-staged treatment that reduces odor formation and tartar growth. We use a specially formulated plaque reduction spray and teeth brushing, followed by a leave-on plaque reduction gel to treat the bacteria source and eliminate the plaque and tartar that cause bad breath.
NON-ANESTHETIC DENTAL CLEANINGS
Although more expensive than the other tips we’ve mentioned, a professional dental cleaning is easily the BEST way to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene. Anesthesia free dog dental cleanings eliminate the risk of putting your pup under general anesthesia, which makes it safer for high-risk dogs. The lack of anesthesia also means there are no side effects, no recovery time and it’s significantly more affordable.
Dental care can be a hassle for both humans and dogs, but proper maintenance can be a money saver in the long run – and even a lifesaver. Remember, good dental care for your pup shouldn’t look all that different from how you care for your own teeth. Lack of care can lead to costly and painful vet visits down the road. Keep your dog’s mouth clean though, and you’ll both be smiling!
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Dr. Jim MacLean
Chief Veterinarian, Scenthound
Dr. MacLean’s first job was working as a grooming assistant when he was 15 years old. Since then, he has worked in every aspect of small animal veterinary hospitals, has practiced in small animal medicine and surgery for 26 years, and has owned and started multi-doctor veterinary hospitals.
With a mind for both medicine and business, Jim received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from VMRCVM at Virginia Tech in 1994 and his MBA from Georgetown University in 2011.
Coming full circle, he joined the Scenthound pack to bring his expertise and experience to the grooming world. As chief veterinarian, Dr. MacLean guides Scenthound from a health and medicine perspective and helps achieve our mission to improve overall pet health on a broader scale.