Proper Dental Care for Your Dog 

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Proper Dental Care for Your Dog  

Most people don’t know that dental problems are the most common diagnosed health condition in dogs over the age of three.  

This is largely due to the fact that dogs are just as vulnerable to tooth and gum disease as we are and not only that, bacteria in dental disease can enter their bloodstream and damage their heart, liver or kidneys causing potentially life-threatening illness.   

What Kinds of Dental Disease Are Common? 

 Much like humans, dogs can get a buildup of plaque on their teeth. This happens when bacteria forms in their mouths and mixes with saliva to form a sticky, colorless film on their teeth, particularly upper premolars and molars.  When left, plaque will build up and harden to form tartar. 

Tartar, or calculus, can irritate your dog’s gums causing swelling and reddening commonly known as gingivitis. This can also cause unpleasant breath. 

How to Identify Periodontal Disease  

All dog owners should carry out regular inspections of their dog’s teeth and gums, in particular looking out for the following signs of gum disease: 

• Bad breath 
• Reddened, bleeding or swollen gums 
• Crusted yellow-brown tartar on the teeth  
• Drooling 

• Eating on one side of their mouth 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 

How to Avoid Dental Issues 

As a responsible dog owner, it is important to take your dog for regular dental checkups every six to twelve months.  Reputable vets such as heartandpaw.com offer dental exams and procedures to ensure that your dog is getting the best possible care for their mouth and teeth. 

As well as regular oral checkups, you should also try to brush your dog’s teeth.  If not daily, try to brush their teeth three to four times a week. You should start this as soon as possible when your puppy is very young and still has their baby teeth, so they have time to get used to regular brushing.   

The best way to start the process is to use a flannel which has been dampened with warm water. Use this to gently wipe the outside of your dog’s teeth which is where most of the tartar will build up. Make this a rewarding experience with treats and plenty of praise throughout and always stop before your dog becomes agitated. 

Once your dog is comfortable with the flannel, then you can progress to a soft canine toothbrush. Use it at a 45-degree angle so that you can dislodge any tartar from the gum line and continue to reassure and praise your dog throughout. Once you and your dog are ready you can then begin using a canine toothpaste.  It is important to note that human toothpaste contains fluoride which is extremely poisonous to dogs and should therefore be avoided.   

As well as this, it is also a good idea to give your dog plenty of things to chew on as well as feeding them as part of a high-quality diet. Chewing on antlers is not only pleasurable for your dog, but will also help to keep their mouth and teeth clean and dislodge any buildup of plaque.