The essentials
- Dogs need routine dental care — This includes keeping teeth clean, as well as preventative measures to prevent plaque buildup.
- Poor dental health can lead to disease and illness — Tooth issues can quickly compound in dogs, leading to more serious illnesses if left untreated.
- Follow VOHC guidelines — The Veterinary Oral Health Council is the gold standard for pet dental care in helping owners understand what products best fight plaque and tartar buildup.
Many of us brush our own teeth twice a day without a second thought. But what about our pets? Our dogs’ teeth and mouths require dedicated dental care, just like our own. Failure to maintain proper dental health can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Left unaddressed, dental problems can cause more serious problems in dogs as they age, like heart disease and kidney disease.
Here are seven tips that pet owners can follow to help prevent doggie dental diseases.
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the easiest ways to prevent canine dental disease. However, there are some important things to be aware of before beginning a brushing routine.
First, you must use toothpaste made for pets. Most human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is toxic to dogs if ingested. There are plenty of dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste options that help break down plaque and tartar and keep teeth strong and shiny. While a standard toothbrush can do the trick in a pinch, consider a toothbrush or fingerbrush specifically designed for a dog’s mouth.
👉 Check out our favorite toothpastes for dogs for a variety of options and flavors.
Dog dental chews
Dental chews are an increasingly popular daily option for dog owners. Besides cleaning teeth, dental chews provide mental stimulation and help alleviate boredom. Most dental chews take dogs longer to consume than normal treats. They often contain tartar- and plaque-fighting ingredients.
While dental treats shouldn’t replace brushing, they can act as an effective extra line of dental defense. But, it’s important to find the right texture for your pup’s teeth. Chews that are too hard run the risk of damaging or breaking teeth. A simple measuring stick is the “finger dent” test. If you press your finger into the chew and it doesn’t leave a dent, it’s likely too hard for your dog’s teeth and may be unsafe. Our list of best dog dental chews includes choices for dogs of all sizes.
Dental water additives
If you’re looking for a simple supplement to your dog’s oral hygiene routine, consider a dental water additive. Like mouthwash for humans, these pet-safe solutions help freshen breath, fight bacteria, and prevent gum disease. Many contain ingredients like sodium citrate to combat bacteria that cause bad breath.
If you’re worried about a discerning dog, many dental water additives are odorless and tasteless. This means most pups probably won’t even notice it in their water dish. Though water additives shouldn’t replace brushing, daily use can certainly aid in overall dental health.
Professional cleanings
Even if you’ve got a dedicated dental routine for your dog, many pets still need a professional dental cleaning. Plaque and tartar buildup increase as pets age, and sometimes at-home care just doesn’t cut it.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine how often your dog should receive professional cleanings. The suggested frequency may depend on age, breed, and/or the state of your dog’s teeth. While sedation-free teeth cleaning does exist, most vets recommend general anesthesia for the procedure. This helps keep dogs as calm and comfortable as possible. It also allows vets to clean under the gum line, where plaque can commonly build up.
Dental powder
Some anxious or aggressive dogs may have a hard time receiving at-home dental cleanings, so dental powders are a great supplement to use at home in conjunction with professional cleanings. These dental supplements are designed to be sprinkled on top of your pet’s food to help curb bad breath and reduce the prevalence of plaque and tartar. Many of these powders utilize probiotics to support a healthy gut as well as other natural ingredients like seaweed, goat’s milk whey, and sea kelp that can aid in the remineralization of your pup’s mouth.
Prescription dental food
After conversations with your vet, you may need to buy prescription dog food that specifically targets tooth tartar. The formulation of this food includes added antioxidants and is most often for dogs that face an increased risk of periodontal disease — the inflammation of tissues and bones that surround your dog’s teeth caused by a bacterial infection. According to betterpet expert Dr. Dwight Alleyne, “the shape and the texture of the kibble are designed to have a brushing effect on the teeth as they bite into it.”
Tooth wipes and gels
Tooth wipes are a great option for a quick clean in between more in-depth brushings. While these wipes are handy and easy to use, they don’t get into the nooks and crannies of your dog’s teeth and as such, should only be used in conjunction with other means of cleaning.
Gels are also a fairly simple option for added protection. These work by your dog licking the flavored gel from the applicator. From there, the gel does the heavy lifting by bonding to your dog’s gums, creating a biofilm that protects against plaque buildup.
Dental care for senior dogs
Senior dogs are prone to dental disease and bad breath. Up to 80% of dogs will experience periodontal disease and a regular oral hygiene routine can reduce the risk of further complications later in life. For senior dogs, your vet may recommend a professional cleaning once a year or more frequently.
While the cost can be concerning, keep in mind that untreated tooth issues can quickly compound in aging dogs. When in doubt, always trust the advice of a professional veterinarian over your own concerns, especially when it comes to senior dogs over seven.
Myths about canine dental health
There’s plenty of information out there when it comes to caring for your dog’s teeth. So, what’s real and what’s not? We break down some dental myths, why they’re incorrect, and where to go from there.
- Dry food is better than wet. Believe it or not, all dog food contributes to the development of plaque whether it’s dry kibble or wet food. There are special dog foods that are designed to remove plaque, but your vet will recommend that if there’s a specific need to do so. Until then, feed your dog a balanced food that they enjoy eating.
- Dogs can and should eat bones. Dogs aren’t wolves, and while their ancestors regularly consumed bones, your domestic dog shouldn’t. If a dog chew toy doesn’t bend, dissolve, or flex then it’s likely to break, crack, or chip one of your dog’s teeth. Instead, opt for one of these VOHC-approved chews.
- “Doggy breath” is normal. Your pet’s breath shouldn’t stink — in fact, that can be a sign of serious dental issues. These can include a tooth abscess. cancerous oral tumors, or periodontal disease. If you notice a change in your dog’s breath without a change to their routine, consult with your vet.
- Anesthesia for dental care purposes is dangerous. Professional dental cleanings are an incredibly important part of your dog’s healthcare. These annual checkups can identify tooth problems that you don’t catch at home. Plus, the use of anesthesia ensures that both your pet and provider remain healthy and safe during the treatment.
- I would know if my dog’s teeth hurt. Unfortunately, you may have no idea that your dog has mouth pain. Oftentimes pets will tolerate discomfort and rarely will they forgo eating due to mouth pain. To get around the pain they’ll either eat the food whole or chew their food on one side.
Maintaining your dog’s oral health is an important part of pet care. By adding at-home care to your routine, in addition to annual cleanings at the vet, you can support your dog’s overall healthcare.
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Frequently asked questions
What do vets recommend for dogs’ teeth?
VOHC is the best resource for finding rawhides, treats, toothbrushes, and diets that are vet-approved for your dog’s oral health.
What are common signs of dental problems in dogs?
Signs of dog dental issues include bad breath (halitosis), inflamed or bloody gums, and difficulty chewing or eating. Yellow coloration is also a sign of plaque buildup.
What’s the best way to care for my dog’s teeth?
Daily or weekly tooth brushing is essential for a dog’s oral health. Beyond that, owners can try dental chews, dental water additives, and annual professional cleanings.
Do dogs need professional teeth cleaning?
It depends on the dog, but many vets agree that many dogs benefit from professional cleanings. Senior dogs are more likely to need a professional cleaning once a year or more.
What kinds of dog dental care can I do at home?
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is an easy and effective way to stay on top of their oral health. Choose a VOHC-approved pet toothpaste or even make your own at home.
