Beneath those playful barks and wagging tails there’s a realm of dental health that's vital for your dogs overall well-being. Shockingly though, almost half of pet owners would not visit a vet if their pet had a broken or decaying tooth and over a third would not visit a vet if their pet was having difficulty eating.
Poor dental health can be a source of long term pain and discomfort for your pooch and owners can be unaware of this discomfort because most animals do not cry out in pain but tolerate it.
However, by taking proactive steps to care for your dog's teeth and increasing your understanding of dog dental disease, you can help keep them healthy and those pearly whites in tip top shape!
What is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque – a sticky coating of bacteria on the teeth – can cause a whole host of problems for pets and their owners. Bad breath aside, plaque can cause gingivitis, where the gums become red and sore. If left untreated, plaque can harden and form calculus, which is very difficult to remove without veterinary intervention.
Bacteria from the mouth can also make their way into the blood stream, travelling to other organs in the body such as the heart and kidneys with the potential to cause serious disease.
Good Oral Hygiene to keep your dog’s teeth plaque free
So, what can you do to keep your dog's teeth in tip-top shape? Just like with humans, prevention is key. Regular dental care, including brushing your dog's teeth, can help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. Additionally, providing your pup with dental chews or toys specifically designed to promote dental health can help keep their teeth clean and their gums healthy.
But it's not just about preventing dental problems – it's also about spotting them early and regular maintenance. From toothpaste to dental chews, there is a range of dental hygiene solutions for dogs, all designed to promote good oral health and prevent dental issues before they start.
Gold standard advice is to brush the teeth daily to physically remove any plaque that is present. It is important to use a specialised pet toothpaste or gel, such as Logic Oral Hygiene Gel. This is a tasty, malt flavoured, enzymatic gel toothpaste with a multi-enzyme formula that helps maintain a normal balance of micro organisms in the mouth with mild abrasives to help break down existing plaque. It can be applied with the easy to use finger brush for dogs of all sizes over 3 months old.
Don’t try your own as human toothpaste is toxic to dogs if swallowed.
How to prevent dog dental problems and bad breath:
Ignoring dental issues in pets can lead to serious consequences, including pain, discomfort, and potentially life-threatening conditions. If your dog is showing signs of dental problems, such as difficulty eating or a broken tooth, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly.
Have your pet’s teeth checked at least once a year by your veterinary surgeon
- Start a daily home care routine and immediately after professional teeth cleaning, as plaque starts to build up again within hours
- Look in your pets mouth regularly for signs of oral hygiene problems, such as bad breath, discoloured teeth or inflamed gums. If any of these signs are noted, seek veterinary attention
- To help compliance from a young age, tooth brushing with Oral Hygiene Gel can be started from 12 weeks of age and Logic Chews should be started from around 6 months of age, once the permanent teeth have erupted.
- Do not use your own human dental products; they are not suitable for your pet
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining your pet's oral health and preventing dental issues from escalating. Don't wait until it's too late – prioritise your pet's dental care and ensure they receive the attention they need from a qualified veterinarian.
Are you on the lookout for even more dog health advice? Then get in touch! We love sharing all the advice we can. You can also stay informed with our latest tips, guides, and product information by signing up to our newsletter.
