August is here and it's Pet Dental Health Month! Dental disease is one of the most common conditions treated by veterinarians and it is estimated that over 80% of dogs aged over 3 years suffer from dental disease. Dogs are really good at hiding their pain so you may not realise your dog has dental disease until they stop eating because of a sore tooth or you notice bleeding from the mouth. Left untreated, dental disease can also lead to other health issues with your dog’s heart, kidneys or liver. If you’re looking for the best way to care for your dogs teeth then don’t let your dog become a statistic and implement these six things to keep your dog’s teeth looking pearly white.
What is Dental Disease in Dogs?
Dogs don’t tend to get cavities or tooth decay like us humans do, that is unless their diet includes the sugary snacks and drinks we like to consume! So what is dental disease in dogs?
Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem in dogs and occurs when the tissues around the teeth become infected and inflamed. Dog dental disease occurs when plaque is left on a dog’s teeth and hardens to form tartar, trapping more and more bacteria on the teeth and causing gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
Maintaining your dog’s dental health is essential for their overall well-being. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to a pain-free life, allowing your dog to eat, chew, and play comfortably. Proper oral health also reduces the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and infections that can spread to vital organs like the heart and kidneys. By ensuring your dog’s teeth remain healthy, you’re supporting their long-term health and ensuring they stay happy and active throughout their life.
Preventing Dog Dental Problems?
Preventative care is key to avoiding dental disease in dogs. Regular brushing with dog-safe toothpaste, along with dental chews and toys designed to reduce plaque, can help maintain oral health. Professional dental cleanings are also recommended, especially for older dogs or breeds prone to dental issues. If your dog shows signs of tooth decay or gum disease, consult a veterinarian promptly. Early intervention can prevent complications, saving your pet from discomfort and more invasive treatments.
Feed a specialised dental diet
A specialised diet can play a significant role in supporting your dog’s dental health. Certain foods are designed to reduce plaque buildup and promote healthier teeth and gums. These diets often feature textures or ingredients that help clean the teeth as your dog chews, minimising the risk of dental disease. If you’re looking to help improve your dogs dental health then a diet tailored to your dog will ensure they maintain strong teeth, fresh breath, and a healthier mouth overall.
Recommended Dog Dental Health Food
Caring for your dog’s teeth can be as easy as swapping their food for a specialised dental biscuit such as:
- Advance Adult Triple Action Dental Care – available for small, medium and large breeds
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care
If your dog has severe dental disease, your veterinarian may recommend your dog commence on a speciality dental diet food such as:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d – available for small breeds and all other sized dogs
- Royal Canin Veterinary Dental – available for small breeds and all other sized dogs
Use a water additive
Water additives or dental solutions for dogs are an incredibly easy change to make to your routine to improve your dogs dental health. These additives help prevent the accumulation of bacteria in your dogs’ mouth, leading to less plaque and tartar formation. Simply add the directed amount of additive to the specified volume of water and know that your pet’s breath is getting fresher with every drink of water!
Recommended Dog Water Additives
Water additives we stock include Aquadent, Prozym RF2 Dental Solution and Triple-Pet EZ Dog breath freshener.
Swap their treats and chews
Another easy change that could make the world of difference to your dog’s dental health is to swap their treats and chews to specialised dental treats and chews to brands such as:
Recommended Dog Dental Treats
Start brushing their teeth
While it may seem a little strange at first, brushing your dogs’ teeth is one of if not the best way to clean dogs teeth and help reduce the risk of dental disease. Ultimately, dog teeth cleaning is essential for maintaining your pet's oral health and overall well-being. Regular cleaning helps reduce plaque buildup, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. As a bonus it also minimises the risk of bad breath and infections that could spread to other parts of your dog’s body.
By making dog teeth cleaning a regular part of their care routine, you ensure they stay comfortable, happy, and healthy. Dog toothbrushes are smaller and have softer bristles than human toothbrushes to fit inside their mouths and to avoid injuring their gums. Dog toothpaste is also formulated to be palatable, with flavours like poultry or beef, and it is safe for your pet to swallow. You can purchase dog toothbrushes and dog toothpaste in our online store. If you aren’t sure where to start, Paw Complete Calm Chews can help reduce stress before brushing
Dental Wipes
If you feel like brushing your dog’s teeth is just not for you, dental wipes are a great alternative. Dental wipes are placed over your finger and rubbed along the gum line, making it a simpler process for you and a gentler process for your pet. You can purchase Max’s Dental Wipes from our online store.
Visit your veterinarian
Last but not least, don’t forget to have a dental checkup with your local veterinarian every year. Your veterinarian can identify early signs of dental disease and help you implement the best plan to prevent dental disease before it starts. If dental disease is identified, your veterinarian can perform a dental scale and polish to remove the tartar and bacteria and to stop the disease from progressing. If your pet has severe dental disease, they may need to have teeth extracted during the dental procedure. Don’t let dental disease affect your pet’s life, find a local veterinarian and make an appointment today!
