Keeping a dog’s teeth clean can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. You grab their special toothbrush and their favourite flavoured toothpaste, and get ready for the battle.
Your dog, however, sees this as the perfect opportunity for a game of keep-away, darting around the house with an abundance of enthusiasm!
Even when you manage to corner your canine companion, prying their mouth open can be like trying to open a steel trap. They might wriggle, squirm, and look at you with those soulful eyes that say, “Really, do we have to?”.
What they don’t understand is that one of the most common issues seen in veterinary medicine is dental disease, with 80% of dogs (and 70% of cats) over the age of 3 suffering from dental disease¹.
It starts with plaque build-up, which can harden into tartar if not removed. This can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, if untreated, more severe infections that can damage the jawbone and connective tissue.
Despite the challenge of maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene, the effort is worth it.
So, question: Want to make dog teeth cleaning as easy as humanly possible?
We’ve pulled together a list of 5 different ways you can help to keep their teeth and mouth clean and healthy. Yes, one of them is brushing… BUT we’ve included some handy hints to help make it less like a circus act and more like a bonding moment!
1. Give them some delicious dog dental chews to chomp on
The game-changer when it comes to dog teeth cleaning! They think they’re getting a tasty treat when really you’ve won the battle with them being none-the-wiser.
Dog dental chews are designed to reduce plaque and tartar build-up through the mechanical action of chewing. Make sure to find one that’s endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which means they’re proven to be effective. Some dental treats also contain ingredients that help freshen breath and kill bacteria. VeggieDent® FR3SH is a leading dental chew because of its innovative ‘power of 3’ formula – designed to decrease bad breath and maintain oral hygiene in dogs. So your furry friend’s mouth is not just fresh, but healthy too!
2. Add a dog teeth wash to their water bowl
Water additives are an easy solution for dog teeth cleaning because they contain enzymes or other ingredients that help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Aquadent® FR3SH is a palatable and proven solution, accepted by dogs and cats with no reduction in water consumption. Simply add this dog teeth wash solution to their water bowl daily as directed by the product instructions. For households with different pet species, be assured that there’s no issue if they drink out of the same water bowl – the Aquadent® FR3SH water additive is safe for both cats and dogs.
3. Disguise their dental cleaning with toys
Hard rubber or nylon toys like the well-known Kong dog toy can help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Look for toys specifically designed for dental health, and always supervise your dog with new toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their chewing style.
4. Offer them some teeth cleaning healthy snacks!
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples can help clean teeth naturally. Just be cautious with quantities and ensure they’re safe for your dog to consume.
Raw bones can help keep teeth clean through natural chewing action. Be sure, though, to always closely supervise (and consult with your Vet) before giving raw bones to avoid risks like choking or tooth fractures.
5. Tackle regular brushing, using these helpful hints to make dog teeth cleaning easier!
Because teeth cleaning should be a daily routine for your dog, there are a few factors to consider before wrangling them in readiness for a teeth clean session:
- Start early & be consistent: Start your dental care routine when your dog is a puppy, to get them accustomed to the process. And, consistency helps them understand and accept that teeth cleaning is a normal part of their life.
- Go slow and steady. Use a process of gradual introduction. Start by letting your dog taste the toothpaste. Then, gradually introduce the toothbrush. Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your dog gets used to the process.
- Choose the right time: Pick a time when your dog is calm and relaxed, such as after a long walk or play session. This can make them more cooperative.
- Be gentle and make it comfortable: Find a comfortable position for both you and your dog. You might sit on the floor with your dog between your legs, or have them on a raised surface if they are small.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise after each brushing session. This helps create a positive association with teeth cleaning.
Important: Don’t mix up your human toothpaste with theirs, as ingredients such as fluoride can be harmful to animals.
Maintaining your dog’s dental health is vital for their overall well-being. Regular brushing, combined with dental chews, and a suitable diet, can prevent dental diseases and improve your pet’s quality of life. Remember, a healthy mouth leads to a healthy dog.
¹ WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines, 2017
