You might be surprised to learn that regular dental care for dogs is just as important as dental care for humans. If we don’t brush our teeth daily, it can cause plaque build-up, leading to tooth decay. Your pup’s teeth also need some TLC since they rely on their teeth, jaws and lips to pick up, gnaw on and swallow food. If their teeth are neglected, it can lead to various health issues for your pup. 

This blog will discuss how to maintain your dog’s dental health and provide you with dog dental health tips you can utilise for your furry friend daily. First, let’s examine why dental care for dogs is so essential. 

Why dental care for dogs is crucial 

While you might notice your pup’s stinky breath from time to time, you may not be aware of the more severe effects of neglecting your dog’s tooth health. Not taking care of your pup’s teeth can cause periodontal disease, resulting in bad breath, bleeding gums, and, eventually, tooth loss. This disease begins with a build-up of plaque which causes inflammation that doesn’t just kill the bacteria but destroys their tissue in the process. In fact, about 80% of dogs over the age of three are affected by this disease, making dental care for dogs that much more essential. 

Dental disease increases the likelihood of heart and liver inflammation. Not to mention, the more severe the periodontal disease, the more severe their diabetes can be, affecting their blood-sugar metabolism. And for smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese or Shih Tzus with disproportionately larger teeth, infections can weaken their small jaws, causing an activity as simple as jumping across the room to result in a potential jaw fracture. Needless to say, the best thing for a dog’s dental health is to keep on top of their dental care from the get-go — and we have all the dog dental health tips you need to keep their teeth in tip-top condition. 

How to keep your dog’s teeth clean

If you’re ready to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene to avoid future health concerns, here are some dog dental health tips so you can find what works for your pet:

• Brush your dog’s teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth is a direct way to remove any plaque buildup. While your pup may not like it at first, slowly and surely, they’ll warm up to it, just like they would having their nails trimmed. 

Since human toothpaste has ingredients toxic to pets, you’ll need dog toothpaste, which comes in tasty chicken or peanut butter flavours they’re sure to love! Use a dog toothbrush or a brush that fits over your fingertip to clean their teeth. 

If you’re wondering how often to brush your dog’s teeth, daily brushing is your best bet since the bacteria that can cause periodontal disease can build up on the teeth in less than 24 to 36 hours. If not daily, the more often, the better. 

• Dog dental wipes

If you’re unable to brush your dog’s teeth or looking for another alternative, dental dog wipes are a nifty way to remove plaque by wiping your pup’s teeth. While it’s not as effective as a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies of their teeth, it’s still a great way to clean your dog’s teeth.

• Give your dog a bone

Giving your dog a raw bone once or twice a week, where possible, is an excellent option to remove plaque and tartar from your pup’s teeth and massage their gums, promoting better oral health. They provide a source of nutrients, including calcium and phosphorous, which are beneficial for boosting your dog’s overall health and well-being. 

The best part? Chewing a bone is a mentally stimulating task to keep your dog occupied and help relieve boredom. You should be mindful that not all bones are safe for your pup. Only raw bones like beef, pork or chicken bones are recommended for dogs to chew on. Cooked bones can splinter and be detrimental to your dog’s digestive system. If you notice any signs of discomfort or digestive issues after your dog has chewed on a bone, stop giving them bones and consult with your veterinarian. 

• Schedule regular professional cleans with your veterinarian

A surefire way to maintain your dog’s oral health is to schedule regular professional cleans with your veterinarian. They have the necessary experience to prevent and locate any issues that tend to go unnoticed by dog owners. You should start regular cleans and exams when your dog is young and keep up with regularly scheduled appointments to maintain their health and well-being. 

At MfM, our commitment to wholesome, natural, top-quality pet food is what separates us from other dog food companies. Our dog food is rich in nutrients, gluten-free and grain-free, hypoallergenic, and meat and fish animal proteins so pets can chew on the best and live long, happy lives, maintain joint health, and so much more — the benefits speak for themselves. 

With our in-house nutrition and food science team’s over 40 years of experience with animal nutrition and hypoallergenic all-natural holistic diets, you can rest assured you’re giving your pup the best chance not just to survive but thrive. We have an incredible range of delicious dog food and treats your pup will love, ideal for all breeds and sizes. Its gentle formula accommodates dogs suffering from allergies, digestion, shedding, hotspots, joint inflammation, anxiety, scratching/biting, immunity, under or overweight, ear infections and body odour. 

To take your dog’s health to the next level, discover our selection of pet supplement products to target different areas of concern, including intestinal health, gut microbiome, and joints, skin and coat health. Consult your veterinarian first to ensure your pet benefits from supplements and the proper dosage. If you have any questions, reach out to our team, who would be happy to assist.