Dental Health - The Scary Truth
If you knew what the possible outcome of ignoring Dental Health could be, for sure teeth cleaning would be part of your routine!
Friends of the Dog
If you knew what the possible outcome of ignoring Dental Health could be, for sure teeth cleaning would be part of your routine!
Friends of the Dog
Keep Those Canines Clean! Why Your Dog’s Dental Health Really Matters
We just heard (again) about another 5 year old dog needing surgery and teeth removed due to dental disease—and honestly, it breaks our hearts. So, we figured it's a good time to remind everyone how important it is to take care of your dog’s teeth. It doesn’t take much, but a little effort goes a long way in preventing pain, health issues, and expensive vet visits later down the line, plus start from when a puppy is always your best option. We’ve also popped a link at the bottom with a guide on brushing your dog’s teeth!
Why It Matters:
Dental disease is really common. In fact, around 90% of dogs over age 2 have some level of it—especially smaller breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus.
At first, it might just seem like bad breath or a bit of plaque, but over time it can lead to:
Worse still, most dogs won’t show signs of pain until it’s really bad. They’ll keep eating, playing, and acting fine. That’s why prevention is so important.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Dental ProblemsKeep an eye out for these symptoms:
Easy Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth in Great Shape
Here’s what you can do to stay ahead of the game:
Get Hands-On
Start getting your dog used to you checking their mouth. Keep it positive and calm—and treat rewards always help!
Brush Their Teeth
Ideally daily, but even 3 times a week helps. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs (never human toothpaste—it can be toxic). Dog-friendly flavours like chicken or beef make it easier.
Annual Vet Check-Ups
Ask your vet to check your dog’s teeth during regular visits. Sometimes a professional clean (under sedation) is needed. Many dogs act like a brand-new pup afterwards!
Choose the Right Food
Dry kibble or vet-recommended dental diets can help reduce plaque. Soft canned food is okay sometimes, but too much can make plaque worse.
Dental Chews & Toys
Chewing helps—but not all chews are safe. Stick with vet-approved options and avoid really hard things like hooves or antlers, which can break teeth. And skip rawhide—it can cause choking and tummy troubles.
Consider Raw Feeding (If It’s for You)
Raw diets, with the right bones or chews, can support oral health—but it’s not for everyone. Talk to your vet first if you’re curious, and if you do decide to go this route, ensure supplier has a V number and is registered - research!
Pw Note
Dogs rarely show they’re in pain until it’s pretty serious, so don’t wait for something to go wrong. A little prevention can save your dog a lot of discomfort—and save you a hefty vet bill too.
Want to know how to get your dog used to having it´s teeth cleaned and how brush your dog’s teeth?
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54WroRd1GiA
We just heard (again) about another 5 year old dog needing surgery and teeth removed due to dental disease—and honestly, it breaks our hearts. So, we figured it's a good time to remind everyone how important it is to take care of your dog’s teeth. It doesn’t take much, but a little effort goes a long way in preventing pain, health issues, and expensive vet visits later down the line, plus start from when a puppy is always your best option. We’ve also popped a link at the bottom with a guide on brushing your dog’s teeth!
Why It Matters:
Dental disease is really common. In fact, around 90% of dogs over age 2 have some level of it—especially smaller breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus.
At first, it might just seem like bad breath or a bit of plaque, but over time it can lead to:
- Bleeding gums
- Loose or broken teeth
- Painful infections
- Problems with eating
- And even issues with the heart, kidneys, and liver
Worse still, most dogs won’t show signs of pain until it’s really bad. They’ll keep eating, playing, and acting fine. That’s why prevention is so important.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Dental ProblemsKeep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown teeth
- Loose, cracked, or missing teeth
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing on one side or avoiding hard food
- Pawing at their mouth or rubbing their face
- Swelling near the mouth or under the eyes
- Acting a bit "off" or not themselves
Easy Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth in Great Shape
Here’s what you can do to stay ahead of the game:
Get Hands-On
Start getting your dog used to you checking their mouth. Keep it positive and calm—and treat rewards always help!
Brush Their Teeth
Ideally daily, but even 3 times a week helps. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs (never human toothpaste—it can be toxic). Dog-friendly flavours like chicken or beef make it easier.
Annual Vet Check-Ups
Ask your vet to check your dog’s teeth during regular visits. Sometimes a professional clean (under sedation) is needed. Many dogs act like a brand-new pup afterwards!
Choose the Right Food
Dry kibble or vet-recommended dental diets can help reduce plaque. Soft canned food is okay sometimes, but too much can make plaque worse.
Dental Chews & Toys
Chewing helps—but not all chews are safe. Stick with vet-approved options and avoid really hard things like hooves or antlers, which can break teeth. And skip rawhide—it can cause choking and tummy troubles.
Consider Raw Feeding (If It’s for You)
Raw diets, with the right bones or chews, can support oral health—but it’s not for everyone. Talk to your vet first if you’re curious, and if you do decide to go this route, ensure supplier has a V number and is registered - research!
Pw Note
Dogs rarely show they’re in pain until it’s pretty serious, so don’t wait for something to go wrong. A little prevention can save your dog a lot of discomfort—and save you a hefty vet bill too.
Want to know how to get your dog used to having it´s teeth cleaned and how brush your dog’s teeth?
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54WroRd1GiA