Bad breath in dogs might be the first sign you notice that your dog’s dental health is an issue, but it’s the least worrying. Dog dental problems get a lot more serious than stinky breath. Dog gum disease, tartar and plaque buildup, difficulty eating and even loose and lost teeth can be the prices pups pay if we don’t provide preventative dog dental care.
Why Oral Health Matters for Your Dog
Oral health for dogs is critical because they explore and enjoy the world with their mouths. Their quality of life suffers if they can’t enjoy eating, chewing and playing with their toys. Dog gum disease, which affects most dogs sooner or later, can lead to heart problems and infections if it isn’t treated promptly.
Signs Your Dog May Have Dental Problem
Keep an eye out for these red flags in your dog’s oral health:
· Bad Breath (Halitosis): More than just an unpleasant odour.
· Excessive Drooling: Could signal discomfort or pain.
· Difficulty Chewing or Picking Up Food: Indicates possible dental pain.
· Bleeding or Inflamed Gums: A sign of gum disease.
· Loose or Broken Teeth: Points to advanced dental deterioration.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important not to delay a visit to your vet.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Ask your vet about what preventative dog dental care they provide. Do they check your dog’s teeth at their annual vaccinations? Including a wellness check that includes your dog’s oral health helps catch any problems while they are still treatable.
Preventing dog gum disease and other dog dental problems prevents a lot of suffering. Untreated gum disease leads to bacteria entering the bloodstream, which leads to more serious problems including lost teeth and damage to the heart, liver and kidneys.
Preventative dog dental care can spare your pet this kind of suffering, and regular exams mean any problems are caught – and corrected – before they become severe.
At-Home Checks and Prevention Tips
These simple ways to monitor your dog’s oral health and incorporate preventive care can help protect your dog’s teeth and their overall wellbeing.
- Regularly inspect your dog’s mouth and teeth. Start young with weekly puppy dental care or start small with short sessions with an older dog. Check their teeth for plaque and tartar build-up, and examine their gums for signs of inflammation. Then reward them with a tasty Leader dental stick.
- Brush your dog’s teeth with vet-approved toothpaste, never human toothpaste. You’ll find instructions and tips at this previous blog post.
- Provide dental chews for dogs to promote oral health. Dental sticks from Go Native or Foran reduce tartar and prevent bad breath in dogs.
- Keep track of changes in behaviour (e.g., reluctance to eat hard food). If you notice a change in your dog’s eating habits or increased drooling, talk with your vet.
Your dog’s dental health is a critical part of their overall well-being. By incorporating simple at-home dental care and regular professional checkups, you can prevent severe dental issues and ensure your pet enjoys a pain-free, healthy life. Remember, a little preventative care goes a long way in safeguarding your dog’s quality of life.
Taking action now—by regularly brushing, offering dental chews, and scheduling routine vet visits—can save your dog from future suffering. Don't let something as preventable as dental disease compromise your furry friend’s health.
