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Sian Victoria © - Blue merle border collie dog

A guide to caring for your dog’s teeth

Being human, it’s naturally built into us to take good care of our teeth and oral hygiene by brushing them at least twice a day, avoiding sugary treats, freshening up our breath with mints, gum and mouthwash, and using dental floss to get rid of any plaque left behind after brushing.

But as pet owners, it’s also our responsibility to look after our dogs’ dental care too, just like we look after their food, exercise, grooming, and wellness. Like humans, dogs and cats can experience the many symptoms of poor dental care, but since they are unable to tell us if they have a toothache or sore gums, it’s important that we check and clean their teeth regularly and avoid giving them certain foods or objects to play with that may cause damage to their teeth.

When it comes to taking care of my own teeth, I rely on an electric toothbrush, flossing, tongue scraping, swilling mouthwash, and chewing sugar-free gum after every meal. I also know that frozen foods like ice-cream are not my friend, as my teeth are too sensitive, and I do my best to avoid sugar and acid-based foods and drinks while always using an eco-straw when drinking liquids that may stain my teeth. But as a dog mom to Blue, a 6-year-old Blue Merle Border Collie, I’m responsible for his teeth too, and it’s not that different to how we look after our own human teeth.

Reasons why you should look after your dog’s dental health

Firstly, if you are a first-time pet owner or not it's important to know the reasons why you should look after your dog’s teeth and gums and why it should be a part of you and your dog’s routine, just like feeding and walking them is.

Because dogs don’t complain, 90% of pet owners assume that their dog’s teeth and gums are healthy, but shockingly, 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 experience gum disease. Yet gum disease can be easily prevented if plaque is removed regularly from the dog’s teeth.

When plaque isn’t removed over time, it builds up and turns into tartar, which is brown, solid, and has a gritty look. Tartar can then cause inflammation and tenderness, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.

These symptoms can affect your dog’s wellbeing, as they will likely find it difficult to eat and may want to avoid playing with toys or running to catch a ball, since they rely on their mouths for most tasks in the same way we do our hands.

Sian Victoria © - Blue merle border collie dog with chew toy

Ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean

Bad breath, plaque, tartar, changing of behaviour, reddening, swelling, and bleeding of the gums are all signs of poor dental health. As soon as these are recognised, it is important to introduce a few simple ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, it's never too late to introduce good dental hygiene for your pooch.

1. Finding the right food and toys for your dog to chew

Chewing on rubber toys and food such as Dentastix is fun for dogs, as it supports their wellbeing, is brilliant for their teeth and gums and will also prevent them chewing on things they shouldn’t, like furniture. But when choosing toys for your dog to play with, it’s vital that they are not too hard and can be easily pressed.

For example, you may consider a tennis ball to be perfectly safe for your dog to play with; however, my friend’s 5-year-old Springer Spaniel broke one of its canine teeth from doing so. As he lost one of the four long sharp teeth at the front, he now finds it difficult playing tug of war and carrying things around in his mouth.

So, choose toys wisely. Rubber and rope toys made specifically for dogs are ideal; they are a lot more challenging, entertaining to play with and shouldn’t cause harm to their teeth or gums.

Sian Victoria © - Blue merle border collie dog smiling

Sian Victoria © - Blue merle border collie dog eating Pedigree food

Just like when we started brushing Blue’s fur, he would run off and hide as if we were trying to cause him harm, but once we gained his trust over time, he eventually found it to be a relaxing experience.

So, how do you start to introduce teeth-brushing to your dog? You’ll need a pet toothbrush with medium bristles and a pet toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, along with water, clean hands, and short nails, as you’ll be close to their eyes and if they flinch or try to pull away this can help to prevent accidents and spreading of bacteria.

Brush their teeth in a quiet area of the home with no distractions, keep each session short around 2-3 minutes, and give your dog lots of praise to reassure and keep them happy.

2. Give your dog the right nutrition

Just like humans, when dogs don’t receive the right nutrition, it can have a negative effect on their general health, wellbeing, and dental health. That’s why good oral health starts with good nutrition, making it vital to provide your dog with a complete and balanced diet that is tailored to their life stage. This will ensure they are consuming the correct levels of key nutrients to support the healthy development and maintenance of bones, teeth, and gums.

If you’re like me and are always reading the labels and ingredients of human food during a shopping spree, it’s important to do the same when purchasing food and treats for your dog too, as their health is as equally important as yours. So, always look out for words such as complete, vitamins, and vital protection on the packaging.

Sian Victoria © - Blue merle border collie dog with soft toy

3. Have your dogs’ teeth checked at the vet’s at least once a year

Checking your dogs’ teeth is something you can do regularly at home. If their breath is fresh, gums are a pale pink colour, and their teeth are looking white and plaque-free, then those are great signs of good dental care. If they're not, then my tips and those on dog dental care should be carried out quickly to prevent further teeth and gum problems.

But a second opinion is always best, especially if they’re an expert, so make sure that your dog’s teeth get routinely checked at least once a year by a vet.

4. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly

All the above are simple things that can be introduced straight away. But physically brushing your dog's teeth, all 42 of them, maybe a little tricky at first. It certainly was for my dog Blue, who will happily let you open his mouth but would run as soon as he spotted the toothbrush.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is something that needs to be introduced into your dog’s routine gradually, so that it becomes natural to them just like grooming, eating, and going for a walk. They’ll eventually realise that your intentions are good and may even learn to enjoy the experience.

Sian Victoria © - Blue merle border collie dog with Pedigree tasty mini treat

Just like when we started brushing Blue’s fur, he would run off and hide as if we were trying to cause him harm, but once we gained his trust over time, he eventually found it to be a relaxing experience.

So, how do you start to introduce teeth-brushing to your dog? You’ll need a pet toothbrush with medium bristles and a pet toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, along with water, clean hands, and short nails, as you’ll be close to their eyes and if they flinch or try to pull away this can help to prevent accidents and spreading of bacteria.

Brush their teeth in a quiet area of the home with no distractions, keep each session short around 2-3 minutes, and give your dog lots of praise to reassure and keep them happy.

For more tips and information on how to look after your dog’s teeth, visit dog dental care.

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Dog Dental Care – How to Care for your Dog’s Teeth