Dog Oral Health

Good dog oral health starts with a simple routine that fits into everyday life, whether your pup spends the day riding along for chores or snoozing on the porch. Plaque can build up on your dog’s teeth and harden into tartar, contributing to gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Daily toothbrushing is one of the best ways to help control plaque and keep your dog’s mouth comfortable. Choose a toothbrush made for dogs and dog toothpaste, and skip human toothpaste, which is not meant to be swallowed and may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. Start slowly by letting your dog sniff the brush and taste a little toothpaste, then work toward gently brushing the outside surfaces of the teeth along the gumline. Keep sessions short and offer plenty of praise so dental care feels less like a chore. Persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, extra drooling and trouble chewing all deserve a call to your veterinarian, even if your dog still seems eager for supper. Dog dental chews and dental treats can support your dog’s oral care routine, but they do not replace toothbrushing or veterinary dental exams. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal, which identifies products that meet its standards for helping control plaque, tartar or both. Pick dental treats suited to your dog’s weight and chewing habits, follow feeding directions and count those calories toward the day’s food allowance. Stay nearby while your dog chews, provide fresh drinking water and avoid bones, antlers and other very hard items that can crack teeth. Regular veterinary checkups give your vet a chance to look for dental disease that may not be obvious at home and recommend a professional cleaning as needed. A thorough veterinary dental cleaning generally requires anesthesia so the team can examine the mouth and clean beneath the gumline. With steady home dental care and a plan from your vet, you can help protect your dog’s teeth and gums through every stage of life.