Dental Care For Dogs
October 12th, 2009 | 
Author: 
A dog’s teeth can be a good indication of overall health. But as important as good dental hygiene is for dogs, many dog owners overlook it. Just like in humans, it’s important to practice routine oral maintenance on your dog. Not only can it help its teeth stay healthy now, but it can also protect against more serious issues later.
If bacteria are allowed to grow in a dog’s mouth, plaque can accumulate on the teeth. If it’s not addressed, it can escalate to more serious concerns. Since a dog’s mouth is used to play and eat, among other things, it’s important to keep it in top shape. The best way to do this is through maintenance and prevention.
Believe it or not, most dogs three years of age and older have some form of gum disease. If a dog’s teeth are neglected, plaque can form, setting the stage for advanced oral diseases. Plaque can bind with minerals in a dog’s saliva and create tartar, which attaches to the teeth and can cause irritation to the gums, or gingivitis. Left untreated, tartar can get under the gum line and dissolve the bones that hold the teeth in place, causing the teeth to become loose and possibly fall out. Periodontal disease, as it’s called, is treatable, but once your dog’s teeth fall out, there’s little to be done. The best line of defense is regular brushing and check-ups.
Home care is important, but it’s also critical to have your dog’s teeth examined regularly by a professional. A simple visual exam can be done in an office visit, but more comprehensive care, such as x-rays and tartar removal, has to be done while the dog is under sedation. It’s safer for both the dog and the medical staff, and it gives the vet an opportunity to do a more thorough exam. Some vets even specialize in dental care for dogs, so it’s worthwhile to investigate your options.
It may take time before your dog is comfortable having its teeth cleaned. If you use a toothbrush, be sure to get your pet familiar with it, so he’s more likely to allow you to use it. A toothbrush allows you to reach teeth more effectively, but a finger brush may be easier to maneuver. Just be sure it fits well, so it won’t fall off in your dog’s mouth. Find a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste is made to be spit out, while a dog will swallow it, so don’t use human products, just to be on the safe side. Many dog toothpastes have added flavors that are attractive to dogs, such as beef, chicken or vanilla.
While brushing your dog’s teeth, take this opportunity to examine its mouth for any signs of disease. Bad breath (that which is out of the ordinary for your dog), yellowing or crust at the gum line, swelling, or pain when you touch your dog’s gums should be noted. These could be signs of infection and should be addressed immediately. Not doing so could result in tooth loss for your dog.
Another important consideration for healthy teeth is your dog’s toys. Excessive chewing on hard surfaces can lead to a dog’s teeth being damaged. If this occurs, bacteria can get into the tooth and cause infection. Bones can splinter and lodge between teeth, rocks can break teeth and toys can cause bleeding gums if a dog chews too aggressively. Be sure to monitor your dog during play time, and only give it toys that are appropriate for your pet’s size and activity level.
Your dog’s food and treats can be a good tool for treating plaque. Dry food can help attack plaque, while there are dog treats on the market that are especially formulated to address the issue of plaque and oral care.
Dental care for dogs consists of relatively simple maintenance. Following these tips can keep your dog healthy for a lifetime.
By: David Beart
About the Author:
Posted in Dental Care
October 12th, 2009 12:40 pm
of-course ogs need dental care, too! Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall heath as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routine grooming. Help keep your dog healthy – pay attention to those pearly whites!
October 13th, 2009 2:17 am
I’ve always had the opinion that dogs mouths weren’t as clean as the rumors say, and have always thought that SOME care should be given to their mouths. I wasn’t aware of the 3 year or older damage thing, but it definitely backs up my thoughts. Interesting read, thanks for sharing.
October 13th, 2009 11:31 am
I own a German Shephered Dog. I never washed or brushed her teeth. I give her a Neem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem) and she happily cleans her teeth with it.
BTW, your tips are great!
October 14th, 2009 4:14 pm
If I had a dog, I think I’d just give him some good bones to chew on, I think a toothbrush while seeing the plus side is taking it too far. A dog is a pet I know but its also more of an animal than we are. Maybe we should also put Channel 5 on the dog and take the dog to the local dance club.
October 14th, 2009 7:00 pm
lol I first heard about dental care for dogs but anyway thank you
October 14th, 2009 7:49 pm
Who loves his pet?
October 15th, 2009 7:04 am
yes, very true. oral hygiene is not only for humans but for animals as well specially dogs.
October 15th, 2009 8:09 am
Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall heath as things like nutrition
October 15th, 2009 11:28 am
I thought about this concept very interesting.
October 15th, 2009 9:54 pm
lol i loveeee! :))))) thanks for good post!
October 15th, 2009 10:52 pm
We used to brush the dogs teeth quite regularly. Especially on holiday after hiss annual treat. Soft ice cream.
I know its bad but was only once a year.
October 15th, 2009 11:52 pm
These are the basic things that only a PET lover and Veterinary Docs would explain and understand…it has utmost importance
October 16th, 2009 1:12 am
Great article. I have a three year old dachshund and she has horrible breath. I have been wondering what to do for it and you have given me some good ideas. I thought about brushing them, but didn’t think about the tooth paste issue. I have also heard from a friend that there is a food put out by science diet called oral care that works pretty good. It comes in larger chunks so the dog has to chew on it quite a bit and it is pretty hard so it is supposed to break up some of the tartar. I hear it’s expensive, but I think I will give it a try. Thanks for the information.
October 16th, 2009 4:51 pm
I always though that dogs have evolved so that they don’t have to worry about their teeth…As you rightly point out they are using their mouth and teeth for nearly everything…So i would have though their own mechanims would suffice to keep their teeth healthy…thanks for the post
October 21st, 2009 4:02 pm
Dental care is one of the most overlooked aspect of our pets. Good article, sometimes we forgot the obvious.
October 21st, 2009 10:21 pm
People complain about dogs having bad breath, but if humans didn’t brush their teeth they’d have bad breath too.
October 22nd, 2009 6:38 am
Oh, my god! I’ve never heard about that! Dogs have began to live a better life than humans in some countries…
October 22nd, 2009 9:17 am
I dont know about dogs but cats need dental care too. I dont think you can clean cats teeth but providing them with the right food (as mentioned in the article) will help keep them healthy. I assume its the same with dogs.
October 22nd, 2009 9:34 am
Dog’s mouth is cleaner than human. but while taking care of all parts mouth and teeth to be cared. who love their pets do that. nice post
October 23rd, 2009 3:19 pm
Especially on holiday after hiss annual treat. Soft ice cream
October 24th, 2009 1:37 pm
I read recently too that if human teeth aren’t brushed for 24 hours, plaque can turn into tartar which can only be removed with a scale and polish at the dentist.
October 26th, 2009 6:06 am
So funny,first time heard about dental care for dogs.Thanks for sharing such a great tips..keep sharing…
October 26th, 2009 3:04 pm
It is up to the foster person to pay for the dogs needs - that is the point - the shelters cannot afford to pay for shelter and food for all the dogs, so nice people offer to help out in their own homes and own money.
October 26th, 2009 5:09 pm
Hi,Dental care is very important for dogs, they can have a build up of tarter and other things, i take my dog at least once a year for a teeth cleaning.
October 27th, 2009 6:02 am
It’s my first time to hear that a dog needs dental health care. Absolutely new for me.
November 12th, 2009 12:40 am
Hi, what an interesting article! I do enjoy reading all your informative articles. I take joy in reading about ideas and observations from someone else’s point of view. Keep up the fantastic work. Good Greetings,
November 14th, 2009 3:33 am
This is all great advice about dental care for your dog. Many people do no realize that dental health of a dog or person is related to overall health.
December 8th, 2010 6:51 pm
Great info
March 10th, 2011 12:44 pm
I thought the fact that their mouths were cleaner than a humans, or at least their mouths contained less harmful bacteria than a humans was a proven fact? We see a range of dental and overall health of dogs coming in to our kennels, what you say is very true. It would be good if every dog owner knew the facts!
April 22nd, 2011 6:39 am
Im very completely happy to hear this. This is really nice :).
May 9th, 2011 10:57 pm
You have a great site here.
May 16th, 2011 6:50 am
Resources this kind of as the one you mentioned here will be extremely useful to myself! I’ll publish a hyperlink to this page on my private blog. I’m certain my site site visitors will uncover that fairly beneficial.
August 5th, 2011 6:35 am
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this info for my mission.
September 8th, 2011 11:22 am
Valuable informationLucky me I found your site by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
October 11th, 2011 8:02 pm
Excellent written. Positive of course is not enough, but read in one sitting