From brushing your dog's teeth to giving a water additive, there is lots you can do to protect your canine companion's gnashers
Your dog’s dental health is a cornerstone of their overall well-being. Unfortunately, oral hygiene in pets is often overlooked, leading to potentially severe consequences. Proper dental care is not only about keeping your dog’s teeth clean but also about preventing periodontal disease, a condition that can impact their entire body. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of periodontal disease, how to spot the signs, the best homecare practices, and the top products to keep your dog’s teeth healthy.
Myths about dog dental care
1. ‘My dog doesn’t need dental care because they eat dry food.’ While dry food can help reduce plaque, it is not a substitute for proper dental care.
2. ‘Bad breath is normal for dogs.’ Bad breath often signals dental disease and should not be ignored.
3. ‘Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.’ Even senior dogs can adapt to a dental care routine with patience and positive reinforcement.
What is periodontal disease in dogs?
Periodontal disease refers to the inflammation and infection of tissues around your dog’s teeth, including the gums and jawbone. It starts with plaque, a bacterial biofilm that forms on teeth and gums. If plaque isn’t removed, it irritates the gums, causing inflammation (gingivitis), and will harden into tartar. Plaque is invisible whereas tartar is the brown-grey substance you may see on your dog’s teeth. Over time, infection and inflammation spreads deeper into the tooth socket, leading to tooth loss and more serious issues in the body.
Why is periodontal disease in dogs dangerous?
Periodontal disease doesn’t just harm your dog’s mouth — it can also affect their overall health. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to heart disease, kidney problems, and liver damage.
Alarming statistics
Periodontal disease is incredibly common, affecting:
- Approximately 90% of dogs at some point in their lives
- Small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, and King Charles Spaniels, which are more prone to dental issues
- Dogs under 10kg, which are three times more likely to develop periodontal disease compared to larger breeds
Even with such alarming statistics, many owners remain unaware of the risks. Early detection and preventive care are crucial.
Recognising the signs of periodontal disease
Dogs can be experts at hiding discomfort, so it’s essential to know what to look for. One of the earliest signs is bad breath, often caused by bacteria from diseased gums. However, there are other symptoms to watch for:
- Red or swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or chewing
- Difficulty eating, such as dropping food, favouring one side of the mouth, or refusing hard treats
- Visible tartar build-up on teeth
- Swelling around the face or mouth, which may indicate a tooth root abscess
- Excess drooling, sometimes tinged with blood
- Sensitivity to touch around the face or mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your vet promptly.
Veterinary care: your first step
If you suspect periodontal disease, your veterinarian should be your first port of call. They will perform a thorough examination, checking all the teeth carefully. In some cases, X-rays may be required to evaluate the severity of the disease.
Professional dental treatments
If periodontal disease is diagnosed, your vet may recommend treatments under general anaesthesia. This allows them to:
1. Deep clean teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar.
2. Extract damaged teeth where appropriate.
While the idea of anaesthesia can be daunting, it is the only way to perform a comprehensive oral examination and cleaning. Pets generally recover quickly and can eat normally even after having multiple teeth extracted.
Avoid quick-fix solutions
Some high street businesses offer anaesthesia-free dental cleanings for pets. However, these are not recommended by veterinary professionals. Such procedures only clean the surface of the teeth and do not address issues beneath the gumline. Delaying proper treatment may worsen the problem and increase costs later.
Prevention is better than cure
Once your dog’s teeth have been professionally cleaned, maintaining their oral health is essential. Preventive care at home can help reduce plaque build-up, keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.
Why preventive care matters
Just as in humans, dental disease in dogs progresses gradually. By establishing a daily oral care routine, you can slow or even stop the progression of periodontal disease. This not
only saves on costly treatments but also improves your dog’s quality of life.
How to brush your dog’s teeth
Brushing may seem daunting, but with patience and practice, it can become a manageable routine. Follow this five-step guide to get started:
1. Introduce handling
Touch your dog’s face and lift their lips regularly to get them accustomed to having their
mouth handled.
2. Start with toothpaste
Let your dog taste the pet-safe toothpaste to create a positive association.
3. Use a finger
Rub a small amount of toothpaste on to your dog’s teeth and gums using your finger.
4. Introduce the brush
Allow your dog to investigate the toothbrush before using it to clean their teeth.
5. Begin brushing
Start with the large canine teeth and gradually work your way to the molars and incisors. Aim for one minute of brushing daily.
Alternatives to brushing
If your dog refuses to accept brushing, don’t despair! There
are other ways to maintain
dental health:
- Chews and treats: Provide daily chewing opportunities to mechanically reduce plaque
- Oral rinses or sprays: Easy to apply and effective at reducing bacteria
- Dietary additives: Mix into food or water to support oral health
Combining multiple products often yields the best results. For example, brushing a few times a week combined with the use of a water additive can be highly effective.
Scheduling regular check-ups
Even with a solid homecare routine, regular veterinary check-ups are essential. Your vet can spot early signs of dental disease and recommend professional treatment when needed.
Summary
Caring for your dog’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the risks of periodontal disease and using a combination of active and passive homecare methods, you can significantly improve your pet’s dental health.
- Start with professional veterinary care
- Choose dental homecare products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) which demonstrate effectiveness against plaque and/or tartar, and safety
- Establish a homecare routine that works for you and your dog
With a little effort, you can prevent dental disease and ensure your furry friend enjoys a happy, healthy life filled with wagging tails and toothy grins.
Choosing the right dental products
There are a wide range of dental products available, which can be categorised into active and passive care options.
Active care
Involves direct handling of the pet’s mouth. Examples: toothbrushing,
gels, sprays, and wipes.
Highly effective at removing plaque when combined with brushing.
Requires patience and training
Passive care
Requires little to no effort from the owner.
Examples: Water additives, dental chews, diets.
Easy to integrate into daily routines.
May be less effective when used alone.
For more information on your pet’s dental health and homecare options, visit dental.pet where you’ll discover the Plaqtiv+ dental homecare range which includes a VOHC-approved Water Additive, on-the-go Oral Spray, easy-to-use Dental Wipes, and tasty Toothpaste.
The Plaqtiv+ dental homecare range is available from your vet practice or online.
