We always had at least one dog in the house when I was growing up. But I will tell you that I had no idea that people actually brush their dog’s teeth. But as an adult, I know your dog’s dental health is very important.
Dental disease can affect up to 80-85% of pets over the age of three years old. That is a very serious and shocking number. When it comes to your dog’s dental health, you have to be diligent in keeping adult dog teeth healthy.
Just like humans, we need to make sure our dog’s teeth are clean and cared for. Proper and regular cleaning will help prevent dental disease and a lot more.
When your dog has dental issues or gum troubles that are left untreated, it can produce a bacteria. That bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and even kidneys.
Periodontal disease in canines is real. Below I will share the importance of dog dental health. We want to make sure we keep your pooch’s teeth and gums in good condition.
Products To Buy For Canine Dental Care
It is a good idea to have some products at home. Learning to treat and groom your dog at home can save you a ton of money. Here is a list of dental care items to have on hand. You can add them to your pup’s first aid kit for easy access.
Toothbrush
They do make dog toothbrushes that help to get into those hard to reach areas in your pet’s mouth. You can pick up many different types of dog toothbrushes. Some wipes slip over your finger making it easier to know you are reaching where you need to.
Toothpaste
Find a dog toothpaste that is safe for them to swallow. You can buy toothpaste made for dogs at your vet, pet stores, or online. They have great flavors to intrigue your dog like chicken, bacon, peanut butter and cheese. Flavors like that will convince your pup that brushing their teeth isn’t so bad.
Wipes
They even have some pad/wipes you can use to wipe away any food or buildup you see that is stuck in their teeth.
Doggie Treats for Teeth Care
There are tons of different carry chews and treats designed to help clean your dog’s teeth. This is a great option for between your cleanings. Treats are always a go in our house. Since Ryder has a lot of allergies, his treats are rationed. Thus making each one ever more tempting.
Some of the dental treats we have found that does not upset his tummy are:
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Twistix. He loves minty things (which is great for Mom) so he gets the Mint Vanilla flavor.
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One of the oldest chews Ryder has is what I call “The Chop”. It was shaped like a pork chop at the beginning. Now, almost 4 years later, it is just a sharp round piece of bone. Since then I have gotten Ryder a few different chews from Nylabone that work wonderfully. They clean his teeth while he chews away some pent-up energy.
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Antlers. We were just introduced to Antler chews. We have had one for over a month now and he really seems to like it. I will be doing a review of the split Elk Antler that we received from Barkworthies.
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Why Your Dog Needs Good Dental Health
Major Health Issues
Infected teeth or gum issues left without proper care can cause a lot of damage, pain and can even be deadly. Like I said above, bacteria may get into the bloodstream and affect Pupper’s vital organs.
This bacteria can also attack their joints and intestinal tract. Make sure you regularly clean and give their teeth a good look over. it is imperative when you are a dog owner.
If giving your pup a dental checkup and cleaning is not your thing, you can always take them to the vet clinic. Either way, make sure you are always prepared for a pup emergency. Have your dog’s health information at the ready, just in case.
Trouble Eating
You don’t want your dog to lose their teeth due to having issues. Unlike humans, there are no dentures on the market for your dog. You can not buy anything to replace their teeth.
If they lose teeth, they could struggle with eating properly. This could snowball into bigger issues, like malnourishment, later down the line. All of which could have been prevented with proper and regular dental hygiene.
Baby Teeth
Like us, dogs have to lose their baby teeth for their adult dog teeth to come in. Many times dogs might struggle to lose their baby teeth and need help in getting them out. There is no tying the tooth to a string attached to the door with dogs. BTW, do people really do that?!
Having a good dental routine for your pup will make you aware of any of these issues. You will also be more likely to find when they will need to go to the vet to get a tooth pulled. All of these baby teeth problems can be caught before it begins to hurt Pupper or cause issues.
Breath Issues
Make sure you are aware that bad breath can be a sign that something is going on in their mouth. It is not just annoying. If you take good care of your dog’s oral care, they will have better breath, which is great all around for everybody! and the puppy kisses will be more tolerable.
Signs of Early Dental Disease
We all know that early detection can save a ton of grief. While you are brushing your pup’s teeth, start to monitor their health. Here are a few symptoms of dental disease in dogs.
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Pawing at mouth
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Redness or bleeding along gums
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Difficulty chewing
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Loose teeth or even missing teeth
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Tartar buildup around teeth or gum lines
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Bad breath
Start a howl in the comments – Now tell me, do you brush your pup’s teeth? Or do you leave that to your groomer and vet? Either way, make sure you keep on eye on your dog’s dental health. It could end up saving their life.
4 Responses
Ana @ HappyJRT
Great article!
The trick is to start when they’re puppies. Getting them adjusted to you touching their mouth and gums and using tooth brushes from an early age will go a long way in making them comfortable with regular tooth brushing and grooming. Using a delicious tooth paste and making the whole experience fun and enjoyable will ensure their cooperation.
Front Seat Ryder
I completely agree. Very good point. It is always important to make sure they feel comfortable with what is going on.
sandra
Hi, Ryder. What’s up? Yes, I brush my pup’s teeth regularly. But my dog tom is little bit naughty. He was moving that time. But once he was suffering dental problem, then I went to vet. After that, tom is happy now. 😀
Front Seat Ryder
Aww, Poor Buddy. I am glad to hear that Tom is doing well!