Dental Care for Dogs

I am going to be completely honest, dental cleanings make veterinarians a lot of money.  This is because owners as a whole are not typically doing any sort of at home dental care for their dogs.  In fact, two thirds of pet parents do not do any sort of dental care. Routine dental care will save you money and save your dog’s teeth too. 

What is proper dental care for dogs?

Brushing your dog’s teeth at least every other day with a VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved tooth paste.  Click on this link to see the one that I recommend: Dog Tooth Paste. If you want to brush their teeth once a day, even better! Dental treats, chews, and water additives can be used a supplement to brushing, but they are NOT a substitute.  For dogs that do not allow their parents to brush their teeth those products are better than nothing.  In small breed dogs or dogs that do not have great dental genetics, a once a year cleaning, under anesthesia, with a veterinarian may be required.  

How do you brush your dog’s teeth? 

• Get your dog used to the concept of brushing, using a finger toothbrush at first and rewarding with a high value treat afterwards.   Use lots of praise during the process and try to make it a positive an experience as possible. Starting as a puppy will make the process much easier. Here is a great starter kit: Toothbrushing start kit.

• Once they are used to the finger toothbrush, switch to a dog toothbrush or a children’s soft toothbrush. 

• When you brush the teeth, focus on the cheek side of the teeth as that is where most of the tartar forms.  Use motions that you would while brushing your own teeth.  

• Warning: if your dog has tartar that has already formed, you are not going to get this off with brushing, but you will be able to prevent further worsening of the tartar.  

When to see a veterinarian?

• Bad breath

• Broken teeth or teeth that are wiggly/loose

• Teeth that are covered with tartar or are discolored

• Changes in the way they chew, dropping food, drooling, bleeding

• Pain or swelling around head or mouth