Dog Dental Care 101: What Every Owner Should Know
Your pup may be all too happy to chew on a toy, chase after a ball, but there’s one part of their routine that’s easy to overlook: their teeth.
Taking care of your pet's teeth is not a priority for every dog owner. Yet, even a pooch's mouth needs some love. The good news? With a few simple habits begun early and continued over time, oral care can be just another routine part of caring for your pet.
What is the Importance of Dental Care for Dogs?
You teach dogs to do almost everything with their mouths. This includes playing with toys, exploring and yes, sometimes eating things they shouldn’t.
Plaque can accumulate on the teeth over time. If left on, it can harden into tartar. This accumulation causes foul breath and also might upset the gums.
Being constantly aware of the mouth means that you can catch changes early and maintain your dog’s daily routine. It also provides an opportunity to identify something that doesn't seem right like red gums, strange accumulation, or a change in eating habits.
What Is Your Good Dental Routine?
There is no perfect routine when it comes to every dog. A small puppy, an adult dog and a large breed with a totally different chewing style might require a slightly different approach.
However, your basic routine can consist of:
- Daily oral care with products designed specifically for dogs
- Safe dental treats or chews of the right size
- Routine examinations of your dog's teeth and gums
- Professional dental cleaning recommended by your veterinarian
- Any change in breath, eating, chewing or behavior
The key word here is regular. Consistency makes routine care easier to maintain.
If you're building a broader grooming routine at home, you can also explore Petlary's dog grooming essentials for other everyday care needs.
Dental Care for Dogs: How to Begin Brushing Your Dog
If your dog has never had their teeth brushed before, they probably won’t sit there and let you scrub them up all of a sudden.
Tip: Most dogs require time to acclimate.
Start slowly. Have your dog sniff the toothbrush and get used to having your fingers near their mouth. You can slowly lift their lip for a couple seconds, reward steady movement, and work up from there.
Once your dog appears settled, you can slowly brush the outer part of the teeth with your dog-friendly toothpaste.
You will not have to make the first session a ten-minute grooming loop. Brevity can simply facilitate future sessions.
Use Dog-Specific Dental Products
Dog toothpaste is not a replacement for human toothpaste as the latter is not formulated to treat canines. Some of the ingredients we use in human foods can be dangerous to our pets.
Instead, use toothpaste and brushes made for dogs — and follow the instructions given.
If your dog hates brushing at first, do not turn it into a wrestling match. Go away and try again later. Taking the slow approach is usually more practical than rushing the process.
How Frequently Do You Need To Clean Your Dog's Teeth?
Tooth brushing, ideally, should be a part of your dog’s routine. Daily brushing is the best method recommended by most veterinary organizations for at-home plaque control.
Of course, in the real world some dogs just won't cooperate every day.
If brushing every day is not doable for you, set up a schedule that you can stick to and discuss your dog’s dental health with your vet.
Consistency is key.
What About Dental Treats and Chews?
While dental treats and chews can be easy components in a dog’s daily routine, they should not automatically be considered substitutes for brushing or professional care.
They can be many different shapes, textures, sizes and types of ingredients. Before giving one to your dog, make sure it is suitable.
Pay attention to:
- Your dog’s weight and size
- The recommended feeding amount
- The texture and type of chew
- Your dog’s chewing habits
- The ingredient list
- Instructions regarding feeding or safety from the packaging
You can find products such as Petlary dental treats and chews for dogs if you want to add something easier into your pet's routine. They have non-hard dental treats for dogs that may fall into a more "treat routine" category, depending on the instructions of your product regarding what is suitable for your dog.
Don’t Ignore Your Dog’s Breath
To be honest, dogs are not well-known for having fresh breath. Some doggy breath is completely normal. However, if your dog has bad breath that is either very noticeable or happens for a longer amount of time with other changes, it needs to be investigated.
Watch for things such as:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Heavy buildup on the teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Dropping food while eating
- Eating differently than usual
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Loose or damaged teeth
- Changes in behavior or appetite
These signs have multiple causes. If anything seems odd, your vet is the person to investigate what’s happening.
What About Professional Dental Cleanings?
You should still visit your vet, as dental checkups are important as well.
Your veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning and look for other oral problems that may not be noticed at home. They will likely recommend some sort of dental maintenance depending on your dog’s history and health.
Certain dental issues may even arise from underneath the gumline, where they are not visible to an owner.
Your job at home is not to diagnose dental disease. It is to keep an eye out for changes and seek professional assistance if anything appears unusual.
Common Dog Dental Care Mistakes
Waiting Until There’s a Problem
You might be thinking, "My dog has nice teeth so we are good." However, routine care is simpler when it begins prior to a clear issue.
Using Human Toothpaste
It is an easy error to make, particularly when you have toothpaste resting in the washroom! Stick to dog-specific products.
Brushing Too Aggressively
They do not clean better with more pressure. Brushing gently works your dog into it more than just ripping through.
Opting for a Chew Without Looking at the Size
Pick a chew that fits both the size and chewing style of your dog. Before offering it, always read the product recommendations.
Expecting Instant Results
It is possible that your dog does not like dental care on day one. That’s okay. Take it small, reward calm and build the habit.
What Exactly Should You Do To Simplify Your Dental Health?
The key to successful dental care is incorporating it into something you already do.
For example, you can brush your dog’s teeth after their evening walk or before normal grooming by giving them a dental check.
Store the toothbrush and pet-safe dog toothpaste in a convenient location. Positive reinforcement can also be a part of this as well. A calming tone, a prize, and many months of endurance yield massive rewards.
For more ideas on keeping everyday pet care manageable, explore the Petlary pet-care collection.
When To Call The Vet
Key Signs and Symptoms of Dental Disease
If your dog has chronic bad breath that doesn't go away, painful chewing, bleeding gums, loose teeth, facial swelling or other noticeable changes in eating or behavior, then you should call your vet.
If you are unsure how often your dog should be brushed, or if a particular chew is okay, ask your vet about dental care too.
Depending on whether your dog is a puppy, has had dental issues in the past, or is a senior dog, they may have different needs.
If in doubt, ask — do not assume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my dog?
The most practical regimen for you depends on your dog and what you can realistically maintain, while daily brushing is usually advised for at-home plaque control. Talk to your vet if you are not sure what schedule is the right one.
Is it ok to use human toothpaste on my dog?
No. Use dog-specific toothpaste. Human toothpaste includes ingredients that are unsuitable and unsafe for pets.
Are dental chews a substitute for brushing?
Dental chews can complement your dog's routine; however, they should not automatically be considered a substitute for tooth brushing or professional veterinary dental treatment.
How can you tell if your dog has dental problems?
Some symptoms could be persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, trouble chewing, excessive drooling, loose teeth and pawing at the mouth, leading to changes in eating habits. Call your vet if you see any of these signs.
Do puppies need dental care?
Yes. If you start to handle your puppy's mouth gently now, it will make dental care in the future a lot easier. Consult with your veterinarian on a safe brushing frequency and dental products for your pup.
Routine Is Better Than No Routine
It can all sound like yet another huge responsibility, but dog dental hygiene doesn’t have to be.
Start with the basics. Teach your dog to be at ease with hand-in-mouth, introduce an approved toothbrush and toothpaste very gently, and ensure you maintain dental treats or chews proper for his or her measurement and chewing style. And then monitor their teeth, gums, bad breath, and eating habits.
Above all, do not self-diagnose dental issues. If it seems weird, or if your dog does not seem comfortable with something, have a vet put his hands on it.
If you think about it as a part of owning a dog that happens regularly, dental care is little things throughout the year.
If you buy these necessary pet-care products on a regular basis, Petlary can offer items that are purposefully meant to fit seamlessly into your dog’s life.