Dog Wellness: Dog Dental Care

Periodontal disease doesn't just mean your dog has bad teeth and gums it also means your dog could end up with a more serious health problem such as an infection in his heart valves. Gum disease is also a warning sign of possible cardio-vascular disease. Periodontal disease will also cause bad breath and can get in the way of your dog eating comfortably. With 80% of dogs demonstrating signs of oral disease by the age of three, dog owners need to put dog wellness practices into action and be aware of the importance of proper dog dental care.

Providing good oral health can be done through good nutrition and regular teeth cleanings. Here some  ways to ensure good dog dental care.

1. Raw Carrots. Raw carrots will help control bad breath odors as well as help to scrape plaque from the teeth.

2. Brushing. Brushing your dog's teeth 3 times per week, only using toothpaste specifically formulated for pets is a highly effective way to keep his teeth and gums healthy. Do not use people toothpaste, as it contains harmful ingredients for your dog. Instead, use a . Use a soft children's toothbrush for puppies and an adult toothbrush for adult dogs.  If using a regular toothbrush is difficult then try a finger toothbrush.  My dogs seem to enjoy the tea tree and cinnamon toothpaste for dogs.

3.  Specially formulated foods designed to remove build-up can be very effective. For example, Pedigree Dentastix  have a design and a special texture that help to clean between teeth and have been clinically proven to reduce up to 80% of tartar build-up, and the doggies love them!

Remember that pets like people can take time to get used to things, so don't give up on brushing just because it doesn't go smoothly the first time.  After several attempts your dog will realize it is something he can handle and won't be so resistant.

4.  Nylon or raw hide dog chews help keep the teeth clean.  Do not give your dog anything to chew that is harder than his teeth. An example of this would be knuckle bones - they are to hard for your dogs teeth.

Brushing Instruction

Here is "The way to brush your dog's teeth" according to Veterinarian, Dr. Jon.


1.  Use a soft toothbrush. Start by offering your dog a taste of the dog toothpaste. The next time, let him taste the toothpaste, then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth.

2.  Repeat the process with the tooth brush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line.
3.  Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet's teeth. Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first.

If all that your pet lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease - prevention.

It's time to see the vet:

1.  If your dog has misaligned teeth
2.  If drooling is out of the norm
3. Missing teeth or adult teeth are not growing in.
4.  Becomes uninterested in chewy toys, or displays signs of slow, uncomfortable eating.

It is so important to put good dog dental care into practice from a young age because once the plaque sets on the teeth it cannot simply be removed by brushing, and will require attention from a vet. Use raw carrots and 3 times a week brushing to ensure your dog does not get periodontal disease. If you have a dog whose teeth have not been taken care of regularly, then examine his teeth for brown spots, which usually mean plaque, as well as bad breath. Have your dog checked by the vet to make sure the plaque has not affected his heart. Then make sure you put good dog dental care practices into action.

Remember that a wholesome healthy diet is also an important factor to healthy teeth and bones, and consider natural health care for your pet as much as you can - it makes the difference for longer, happier, healthier life for your pet, and less money you have to pay to your vet.

Pedigree is giving $1.00 off of Dentastix.