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:

• Bad breath
• Gum inflammation
• Trouble eating
• 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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.