We all love our dogs goofy smiles 😁 but behind those pearly whites, dental health is super important. Just like humans, dogs can get plaque, tartar, and gum disease, which can lead to bigger health problems if ignored. The good news? A little regular care goes a long way.
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🪥 Why Dental Care Matters
Poor dental hygiene can cause:
- Bad breath (that dreaded “doggy breath” 🐕💨).
- Painful gums and tooth loss.
- Infections that can spread to affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Keeping your pup’s mouth healthy isn’t just about fresh breath, it’s about their overall health and wellbeing.
🦴 Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Yes, you can (and should!) brush your dog’s teeth. Start slow, keep it positive, and use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs (human toothpaste is a no-go 🚫) and I doubt you’ll want to borrow their chicken flavour toothpaste either! Aim for a few times a week if daily feels impossible. A traditional looking toothbrush may be a bit of an ask to begin with, an alternative I’ve had success with is a sleeve with bristles that you wear on your finger (here) so you have more control and feel of where it is and it isn’t quite as alien for them.
💡 Tip: Let your dog lick the toothpaste off the brush first to get them used to the taste.
🦷 Dental Chews & Toys
If brushing every day sounds like a battle, dental chews and toys can help reduce plaque build up. They’re not a replacement for brushing, but they do make a difference, plus, most dogs love them. 🐾 Some of the natural chews can be good for this too – the buffalo horns that Joey in particular loves help keep his teeth clean without having to traumatise him as often with the toothbrush (see the post on natural treats for more info).
🍗 Special Dental Diets & Treats
Some foods and treats are designed to help clean teeth as your dog chews. These can be a helpful addition to brushing and chews, especially for pups who resist toothbrushes.
🧑⚕️ Vet Dental Care
Even with the best at home care, professional cleanings are sometimes needed. Your vet can spot issues early and give your dog a thorough dental clean under anaesthesia if necessary. The vet should check their teeth as part of their yearly check up but if they start getting stinky breath or if you notice blood on toys for instance then always get them in for a check up so that any issues can be identified as early as possible.
🌟 Final Thoughts
A healthy mouth = a happy pup! 🐶💛 With regular brushing, the right chews, and the occasional vet check, you can keep your dog’s smile sparkling and their tail wagging. As with anything like this, start introducing it slowly and regularly as soon as you get your pup so that they can get used to it and hopefully it will just become an accepted, maybe even enjoyed! part of the usual routine.
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