Dog Dental Health
Everything You Need To Know
We are constantly reminded of how important dog dental health is. However, I have had so many problems over the years trying to keep my dog’s teeth free of tartar and plaque. Dental operations are expensive and can be avoided by taking care of your dog’s dental hygiene.
Here is a list of dog dental health tips, with natural products to try, and symptoms to look out for.
Over the years I have tried to improve the dental health of many dogs. This includes my own dogs and foster dogs who have stayed with me until they are rehomed. Rescue dogs often suffer from tooth decay and plaque due to a poor diet. They often require dental operations to repair the damage.
The one thing that I have learned over many years is that what works for one dog may not work for another.
The trick is to try everything until you find a method that works for one particular dog. Then, stay consistent and your dog’s dental health will really benefit.
Here are some of the products I have used, with varying results. The main thing is that you find a way of keeping your dog’s oral health in tip-top condition. Unfortunately for some dogs, this can mean regular dental operations. I have also found that small dogs suffer from more dental decay than larger breeds.
A dog with good dental health should have pearly white teeth with no plaque or tartar and fresh breath.
Inside A Dog’s Mouth – Recognise A Healthy Mouth
Ways To Improve a Dogs Dental Health
Brushing
Vets tell us to brush our dog’s teeth every day.
I always start to brush my puppies teeth at an early age using special doggy toothpaste and a finger tooth cleaner like this one.
There are loads of kinds of toothpaste designed for dogs dental health, ranging from poultry and beef flavours to chicken and mint. However, these are great if you have a well-behaved dog, but can turn out frustrating with more excitable pups.
Never use human toothpaste, it contains fluoride which is poisonous to dogs
My dog Alfie was good at having his teeth brushed but only because he liked the taste of the toothpaste! He would literally suck it off the finger toothbrush and swallow it as I was trying to use it.
Holly is a chihuahua mix and has a tiny mouth, consequently brushing was almost impossible and she didn’t like the taste of any toothpaste I tried.
Darcy?.., well it would take a much braver person than me to try to get a toothbrush inside his mouth.
Dog Breath Freshener and Dog Teeth Cleaning for Dog Dental Care– Add to Water
If you really struggle to brush your dog’s teeth adding a dental cleaner to food or water can be a great alternative. This dog breath freshener and teeth cleaner is simply added to your dog’s drinking water. It’s a simple solution, affordable and dogs love the taste.
- TOOTHBRUSH IN A BOTTLE – Simple and fast, help care for your pet’s dental health by adding 1 tsp to every 8oz of water. It’s like brushing their teeth with every drink.
- FRESHENS BREATH – This dog dental water additive is an easier way to fresher breath for your pet. The unique formula activates to target buildup and makes their mouth an unwelcome place for bacteria.
- CLEANS TEETH – This dog water additive for dental care cleans and promotes normal periodontal health over time with proper use. It does not cause staining.
- NO FLAVOR – No brushing required and made free of alcohol, sugar, surfactants, detergents, and artificial flavourings that can harm your pet, this formula has no pungent mint flavour.
- EFFECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE – Our cat and dog dental care products are created with premium ingredients at a price that pet parents can afford. We know they are more than just pets because we are pet parents too.
Plaque Off
I tried Plaque Off Powder, which is added to the dog’s food. Just a tiny scoop is all that is needed, so this product goes a long way.
Toys and Chews Designed To Clean Teeth.
Chew toys designed to clean teeth are great if your dog likes toys, but not all dogs are. In addition to this more senior dogs lose interest in this type of toy when they get older.
I always purchase Dentastix which can be given as a daily treat. Darcy loves his Dentastix so much that it hardly touches the sides of his mouth, never mind his teeth!
Carrots and Apple
If your dog likes to munch on a piece of carrot or apple, this can be a great natural way to
improve a dog’s dental health. However, I have known dogs turn up their noses and walk away in disgust when offered a nice juicy piece of carrot!
Coconut Oil
I always put a little coconut oil in my dog’s food to improve their dental health. As a matter of fact, there are lots of advantages to coconut oil and oral hygiene is high up on the list. Dogs seem to like the taste and again it is a natural product.
Here are 12 Reasons To Give Your Dog Coconut Oil
Sea Jerky Cubes
These Sea Jerky Cubes are low calorie, natural and really good at removing plaque and tartar from a dogs mouth too.
The cubes have a very rough texture, they clean away plaque as the dog chews. The (very) fishy smell gets my dogs excited as soon as they hear the treat box being opened.
Purchase Links
Amazon.com
Sea Jerky Dental Health Chews, Product Review
The cubes are made from 100% fish skins, therefore a natural product. Also, unlike some dog chew treats they are low in calories too.
The thing that is most appealing to dogs (the fishy smell) is somewhat unappealing to us humans. Therefore a good quality airtight container is highly recommended. Also, try to avoid the postman if you order online because the packaging doesn’t hide the smell!
Even Holly with her tiny mouth, aversion to carrots, and missing teeth love these little cubes. She happily sits chewing away so I always have them to hand. Darcy also loves them too. In fact, I have never met a dog that didn’t! If you give your dog regular treats anyway, by changing to sea jerky you could vastly improve your dog’s dental health. Also, the cubes contain Omega 3 which is great for overall health.
At fourteen years old I would not like to risk a dental using anaesthetic. In addition, the high cost of vet operations makes prevention a top priority.
A diet of dry kibble or raw food is advised by veterinarians to keep the teeth clean and the gums healthy too.
Signs that your dog’s dental health needs to be improved.
Smelly breath
Cracked teeth
Excessive drooling
Discoloured gums
Missing teeth or infected sockets
Swollen, red or bleeding gums
Unwillingness to chew.
A dog’s dental health is of the utmost importance to the dog’s general health. The toxins from peridental disease are absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream. The liver, kidneys, and brain filter the blood, therefore infections can lead to fatal organ damage.
Here is a quote by Dr Bellows, Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry
“When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15-17 years if you brush their teeth daily … 11-13 years if you don’t.”
Thank you for reading.
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