How to properly care for your dog’s teeth

Just as with people, dental care is important for our canine companions too. Over the centuries, their lifestyles and diets have changed, so they often struggle with plaque or bleeding gums, and unfortunately, tooth decay is not uncommon either. As with us, prevention works best: if you care for your dog’s teeth regularly from an early age, you can significantly delay toothache and tooth loss, plaque buildup, and bleeding gums. This will help ensure your dog enjoys a comfortable life free from pain. Here’s how!

How can you tell if your dog has a toothache?

It’s not too hard to tell if something is wrong with your dog’s teeth. Just take a look inside their mouth from time to time. What are the usual signs of dental problems?

• Your dog’s breath smells bad.
• The gums are red and may bleed, and tartar and plaque are visible on the teeth.
• Your dog loses their appetite and prefers soft food; they may also drool more.
• A toothache can also affect their mood – they may be irritable or sad, or not want to play.

Prevention is key – get a dog toothbrush and special toothpaste!

You should ideally get your dog used to a regular toothbrushing routine (at least once a week) from puppyhood. That way, they’ll get used to a regular procedure that won’t stress them out. But it’s never too late to start, so we recommend adding dental care to your routine even if you already have an older dog at home!

There’s a huge range of special dog toothbrushes on the market today, including traditional brushes, finger brushes, and rubber brush heads. All of these can clean your dog’s teeth gently yet effectively. To make brushing more enjoyable for your dog, use toothpaste – but be careful! Avoid human toothpaste altogether, as it contains ingredients that could harm dogs. Dog toothpastes are not only safe, but also very tasty – they’re often available in poultry or beef flavors, or even liver pâté.

How can you get your dog used to having their teeth brushed?

You should get your dog used to oral hygiene gradually, just as you would with other kinds of handling. Follow our tips and you’re almost guaranteed to succeed!

• Approach brushing your dog’s teeth calmly and positively – if you’re getting your dog used to dental care, be patient. Never scold them, as that will only increase their stress. A calm approach and positive reinforcement are the keys to success.
• Get your dog used to the toothbrush gradually – if you’re just starting to brush your dog’s teeth, first teach them to let you lift their lips and reveal their teeth. Then gently run your fingers over their teeth, praising them generously as you do so. You can use tasty dog toothpaste as motivation – let your dog have a taste.
• Brush gently but thoroughly – don’t press too hard on the teeth and gums while brushing. This is especially important if your dog’s teeth are already less than perfect, as brushing may hurt and quickly create a negative association. At the same time, be thorough and gradually clean all the teeth, from the molars to the canines.

 

Dental toys and treats help clean your dog’s teeth!

If brushing your dog’s teeth is out of the question or simply not possible for some reason, try dental toys and treats. They’re designed so that as your dog chews and bites them, plaque is naturally and gently removed from their teeth and their gums are stimulated. And with treats, they get to enjoy a tasty snack too! Treats often contain active ingredients that strengthen the teeth and gums. Toys are usually made from durable yet flexible rubber, so they can withstand your dog’s bite over time.

How can you take your dog’s dental care to the next level? Try special sprays and tinctures!

Special sprays, tinctures, and oils can provide extra dental care for your dog, helping to break down plaque, stimulate circulation, soothe the gums, and disinfect them. You’ll also find plenty of products on the market made entirely from natural ingredients. The main advantage of these products is that they’re quick and easy to apply: simply spray them on the teeth and gums, or apply them with a tincture and your finger or a cotton pad, and you’re done. The whole process takes no more than a few dozen seconds.

🐶 DINGO TIP! Remember to reward your pet and encourage them positively during dental care – our tasty slim sticks are sure to help!

Not enough to keep your dog’s teeth clean? Ask your vet! 

Even if you do everything you can for your dog’s well-being, the methods above may not be enough in some cases. Whether your dog’s dental problems are due to genetic predisposition, an injury, or old age, it’s time to consult a vet. Your vet should also check your dog’s teeth at least once every six months to catch any developing problems in time.

The vet will examine the cause and condition of your dog’s teeth and gums, then recommend appropriate treatment. In some cases, the right medication is all that’s needed; in others, your dog may need professional teeth cleaning at a clinic. However, bear in mind that your dog will need to be anesthetized for the procedure, which can be risky, especially for older or sick dogs.

Tasty Dingo treats help care for your dog’s teeth! 

Our high-quality dog treats can also help effectively remove plaque, stimulate the gums, and strengthen teeth. With our rusks (ideal for large breeds), biscuits (for medium-sized breeds), or drops (for small breeds), dogs break down and scrape away plaque as they bite and chew – and enjoy a delicious treat at the same time. Choose from dog treats flavored with fish, beetroot, spinach, beef, and more. These treats contain no added sugar, which can wreak havoc in a dog’s mouth, and their firm texture strengthens your pets’ teeth and chewing muscles!