Dog Dental Care
Dog dental care is an important habit to get into, not only to keep their teeth clean and breath fresh, but to also keep your pet healthy. Nowadays, it's easy to keep on top of your dog's oral health, just take a look at our range of toothbrushes, toothpaste and brushing alternatives.
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ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder for Dogs£0.00£12.98 - Easy Repeat
Vet Aquadent FR3SH™ Drinking Water Additive for Dogs and Cats£0.002 products in range £10.08 – £13.44
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VeggieDent® FR3SH™ Dental Chews for Dogs£0.004 products in range £7.81 – £11.98
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Virbac Oral Hygiene Toothpaste & Toothbrush Kit for Cats & Dogs£0.002 products in range £10.99 – £11.16
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Hill's™ PRESCRIPTION DIET™ t/d Dental Care Dry Dog Food with ChickenMRP £0.00
Manufacturer Recommended Price. For more see our T&Cs 8.8 Price & Payment
3 products in range £29.99 – £64.49 - easy repeat & save
Antos Highland 100% Natural Deer Antler Dog Chew£0.003 products in range £6.98 – £13.99
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PURINA® Dentalife® Daily Oral Care Dental Chews for Medium Dogs (12kg-25kg)MRP £0.00
Manufacturer Recommended Price. For more see our T&Cs 8.8 Price & Payment
2 products in range £5.78 – £12.98 - Easy Repeat
Beaphar Plaque Away Drinking Water Additive for Dogs and CatsMRP £0.00
Manufacturer Recommended Price. For more see our T&Cs 8.8 Price & Payment
£7.99 - Easy Repeat
VeggieDent® Zen Dental Chews for Dogs£0.004 products in range £7.99 – £14.99
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Hill's™ SCIENCE PLAN™ Specialty Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food with Chickenwas £20.99
Previous Sale Price. For full details see our offer page Promotional Terms And Conditions
2 products in range £17.84 – £52.69Save £3.15 - Easy Repeat
PURINA® Dentalife® Daily Oral Care Dental Chews for Small Dogs (7kg-12kg)MRP £0.00
Manufacturer Recommended Price. For more see our T&Cs 8.8 Price & Payment
2 products in range £5.78 – £12.98 - Easy Repeat
Beaphar Toothbrush & Toothpaste Dental Care Kit for Dogs and CatsMRP £0.00
Manufacturer Recommended Price. For more see our T&Cs 8.8 Price & Payment
£10.99 - Easy Repeat
ROYAL CANIN® Veterinary Health Nutrition Expert Medium & Large Breed Adult Dental Dry Dog FoodMRP £62.53
Manufacturer Recommended Price. For more see our T&Cs 8.8 Price & Payment
2 products in range £40.99 – £74.99Save £21.54 - easy repeat & save
YAKERS® Extra Large Dog Chew 1 x Chew£0.00£10.28
Dental Care for Dogs
Between 80-90% of dogs will suffer from some form of dental disease by the time they’re three years old, making it one of the most common conditions in dogs.
This can be prevented by caring for your dog’s teeth to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, the leading cause of dental disease in dogs.
Like humans, dogs' healthy teeth and gums are integral to their health and well-being. Dogs suffering from painful gum disease, especially those on a dry dog food diet, may struggle with eating their regular meals.
Find the best dog teeth cleaning products and dental care alternatives with Pet Drugs Online.
Canine Oral Care FAQ's
To better help you find the best dental care products for your dog, we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions about dog dental care.
Why is dog dental care important?
Caring for your dog’s teeth is just as important as caring for your own. Much like in humans, not cleaning your dog’s teeth leads to a build-up of plaque and tartar, which can lead to painful dental problems, including:
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Bad breath
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Gum inflammation
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Trouble eating
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Tooth loss
Preventing these problems with a suitable dog oral care routine is essential to ensure your dog’s over all wellbeing and quality of life.
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
You should aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times per week at a minimum. This should be enough to keep your dog’s plaque build-up at bay while getting them used to having their teeth brushed.
Once your dog is used to having their teeth brushed, you should aim to brush their teeth twice a day like you do your own to ensure no food or bacteria is left to damage their oral health.
This may seem daunting if brushing your dog’s teeth isn't a part of your normal grooming routine. However, once your dog is used to having their teeth brushed, they will come to expect and, perhaps, even enjoy it!
What are the signs of dental problems in dogs?
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but by monitoring their behaviour, you can spot the early signs of dental disease before it’s too late. Some of the most common symptoms of dental disease in dogs include:
- Bad breath
- Discoloured teeth
- Reduced appetite
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Excessive drooling
- Favouring chewing on one side
If you notice any of the above symptoms, call your vet for a consultation. They will be able to assess the damage to your dog’s teeth and advise on further action.
What tools should I use to brush my dog’s teeth?
All you need to start brushing your dog’s teeth is a dog-friendly toothbrush like the Virbac Dual Ended Toothbrush and a suitable dog toothpaste like the C.E.T.® Enzymatic Toothpaste.
There are plenty of options when it comes to finding a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, just make sure whatever products you choose are safe for use in dogs. Never use human toothbrushes or toothpaste for animals. The bristles in human toothbrushes aren’t designed for a dog’s teeth and can be too abrasive, and human toothpastes contain ingredients that may be toxic to dogs.
Are there alternatives to brushing my dog’s teeth?
Yes! As some dogs take better to having their teeth brushed than others, many brands have created brushless dental alternatives for dogs, including:
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Dental Gel for dogs, like this Vetruus Stomodine® F Dental Gel, which has antibacterial properties to fight bacteria and help reduce plaque build-up while soothing sore gums.
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Dental Water additives, such as the Vet Aquadent FR3SH™ Drinking Water Additive, which can be added to your dog’s daily drinking water to help fight bad breath and plaque build-up.
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Dental dog chews, like these Whimzees Dental Treats, are one of the most popular choices for dog dental care as they can be given as fun, long-lasting treats. These chews are specifically designed to get between the gaps in your dog’s teeth for effective cleaning a plaque reduction.
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Dental powders like our bestselling ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder are a king of supplement you can add to your dog’s meals to help boost their dental health without brushing.
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Dental wipes are another easy-to-use dental care alternative that allows you to clean your dog’s teeth while getting them used to having their teeth and gums touched.
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Dental dog foods may be a good for promoting dental health without brushing. Clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar build-up, these are often veterinary foods that should only be given to dogs with your vet's recommendation.
How can I get my dog used to toothbrushing?
When getting your dog used to anything, the younger you start, the better. Puppies learn fast, so by introducing dental hygiene practices, such as oral gels, dental wipes, or toothbrushes, early they’ll get used to the feel of you touching their teeth and gums and be more accepting of brushing in the future.
If your dog is an adult or older, the best practice is to start small, be patient, and follow these tips:
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Start by getting your dog used to having their teeth and gums touched by gently lifting their top lip and running your finger along the gumline.
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Next, add a little of your chosen dog toothpaste to your finger and gently rub it on your dog’s teeth and gums to see how they react to the taste and feel.
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Finally, introduce your chosen toothbrush to your dog by gently brushing their teeth, staring with their front teeth and gradually working your way to the back teeth.
How long it takes your dog to accept having their teeth brushed varies by each individual dog. Make sure to only move on a step in their dental care journey when they are happy and comfortable with the previous step. Don’t be discouraged if, after a week, your dog is only just allowing you to use your finger on their teeth. Be patient and work at your dog’s pace, only attempting to brush their teeth when they’re calm and undistracted.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to dental problems?
There are many factors that may increase your dog’s risk dental problems, one of which is their breed. Some breeds more prone to dental problems include:
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Small dog breeds – Dogs like chihuahuas and Pomeranians have small jaws that can be prone to overcrowding, which can increase their risk of periodontal disease.
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Flat-face dog breeds - Brachycephalic breeds, such as Shih Tzus, Boxers and Bulldogs can be more prone to dental problems than other dogs due to the shape of their skulls, which gives them the classic, squashed appearance. Because of this, flat-faced dog breeds often suffer from overcrowding teeth, gum disease, and build-up between their teeth.
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Greyhounds – Studies have shown that 39% of Greyhounds suffer from dental disease, which is much higher than other large breed dogs. It is believed the reason for this is the breeding of greyhounds for racing where dental care was likely not a priority.
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Dachshunds – These adorable sausage dogs are a very popular breed that often face dental problems as they’re prone to overbites. This can lead to a number of dental problems, including tooth loss ad serious gum problems.
Remember, any dog can suffer from dental disease, and many do, regardless of their breed. The only sure way to ensure your dog’s teeth are in tip-top condition is to utilise dog dental cleaning products in their daily routines to manage plaque and tartar build up.
Is it Really Necessary to Clean Your Dogs Teeth?
It is absolutely necessary to clean your dogs' teeth! Dental care is an important part of their healthcare and should be taken seriously. Having a dental routine with your dog can help to prevent painful and expensive issues further down the line.
In the UK 87% of dogs over the age of three are affected by periodontal disease. Your dog’s teeth require regular checks and maintenance in a similar way human’s do, their gum health is important in preventing diseases such as gum disease. Making sure their dental care routine includes preventing the build-up of plaque, promote hygiene and of course keeping their breath as fresh as possible are important steps to keeping them healthy.
If your dog is less cooperative or resistant to try their new dental care routine, try frequently hand feeding them, gently opening their mouth occasionally and trying to carefully look at their teeth so they get used to the motion of your hand in their mouth. This will help support your efforts when practising cleaning their teeth or checking for any infections. In-between your dental care routines, try to book in a dental check up every 6-12 months with your vet to keep on top of any issues before they develop.
The Best Dog Dental Care Products
We know that dog’s reactions to toothbrushes and pastes can be mixed, but we have developed a range of dental care with dogs with brands to deliver only the most delicious pastes and gels on the market making it hard for your dog to resist. Oral hygiene sits at the centre of good dental healthcare for our dogs, so we provide a wide variety of dental products to help you keep on top of your dog's oral health, making it easy even if your dog doesn't like you messing with your mouth.
Here are some of the products you can choose from:
Dog Toothpaste and Brushes
The best way to keep your dog's teeth clean and plaque-free is the old-fashioned way: with a toothbrush and paste. Just like humans, brushing your dog's teeth will remove plaque and protect from gum disease. Dog toothpaste is flavoured, so your pooch will feel like they are getting a treat as you brush. Make sure you only use toothpaste that is suitable for dogs, not only is the flavour more likely to make them accept the brushing but, unlike human toothpaste, it doesn't foam.
Many of our toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs are suitable for puppies too. If you have a puppy or a dog that has not had their teeth brushed before, introduce them to this slowly. Put some paste on a brush and let them lick it, over a few days slowly move to put the brush in their mouth, then develop this into a brushing motion.
Dental Chews
Although brushing is the best way to look after your dog's teeth, some pups simply won't accept this. Not to worry, there are other ways to help to keep their teeth clean!
One of these ways is using dental chews. This type of takes your dog a longer time to chew. As they chew, they will naturally brush of some plaque. Some dental chews also include ingredients that help to prevent plaque from building up.
Dental Food
Within our condition sepcific dog food you will find food that will help with dental care. These foods will help to keep plaque and tartar at bay. Dental care foods tend to be dry dog food as the kibble is designed to be chewed, helping to brush away some plaque. Dental care foods also contain ingredients that help to support oral health.
Other Dental Care Products
There are many other ways to keep your dogs' teeth clean without brushing. There are dental gels and powders that can be sprinkled onto foods. You can also find tablets that support oral health, as well as some dog toys that can help with dental health. Rope toys and dental-specific toys can help to support your dogs' oral health.
Your Dog's Dental Care
Whether your dog will let you brush their teeth or not, we have a range of dental care products that can help support your dog's oral health. If your dog is new to dental care, be sure to introduce their new routine slowly. Once you have a routine, they will look forward to their oral care!
Remember, if your dog is in pain, or not eating due to dental problems, it is time to see a vet. It's also important to have regular dental check-ups to catch any dental problems early.
If you need some advice on your dog's dental care, call one of our team who will be happy to help with your questions or check our our Pet Advice Blog.
