Did you know that dental and oral health is an important part of your dog’s overall health? Dental problems are very common in dogs, but they can be difficult to notice in the early stages.
Why is dental care important?
Plaque builds up on the teeth and can eventually harden into tartar. If gum disease is left untreated, it can progress, causing significant pain, tooth loss, and other problems affecting the mouth and overall health.
Dogs do not always show obvious signs of pain. So even if your dog continues to eat normally, it does not necessarily mean that their mouth is healthy.
What signs may indicate a problem?
Pay attention if your dog:
- develops stronger or unpleasant-smelling breath;
- has red or bleeding gums;
- has yellowish or brown tartar on the teeth;
- starts chewing more carefully or avoids harder food;
- frequently licks their lips or rubs their face;
- drools more than usual;
- becomes sensitive when their muzzle is touched.
How can you take care of your dog’s teeth?
The best way to control plaque build-up is regular tooth brushing. Ideally, teeth should be brushed daily, but even a few times a week is better than nothing.
It is important to use toothpaste specifically made for dogs. Human toothpaste is not suitable for dogs. You can also brush without toothpaste – its main purpose is to provide flavour and make brushing more pleasant for the dog. You can use either a toothbrush or a special finger brush.
Additional dental care products or chews can also be used, but they should not be considered a substitute for regular tooth brushing.
We recommend having your dog’s teeth and oral health checked by a veterinary professional at least once a year, or as often as recommended based on your dog’s individual needs.
What if tartar has already formed?
Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush. In this case, consult your veterinarian to assess your dog’s oral health and determine whether professional dental cleaning is needed.
Professional dental cleaning is only performed under sedation/anesthesia.
The earlier you start taking care of your dog’s teeth, the easier it is to prevent more serious problems in the future.
