What is One of The Most Common Dental Issues in Dogs?
What This Blog Covers:
The importance of dog dental health
How dogs naturally clean their teeth
What dental plaque is and why it’s harmful
Steps to prevent and treat dental plaque in dogs
The importance of regular dental care for dogs
How Scenhound can help you be a better dog parent
As dog parents, we all want to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. While we focus on their diet, exercise, and overall well-being, dental health often takes a back seat. Dogs can face a lot of dental issues but did you know that one of the most common pet dental problems in dogs is plaque build-up? This seemingly minor issue is the start of many other dental issues and can lead to significant health concerns if not addressed.
In this article, we’ll dive into what dental plaque is, how it affects your dog’s health, and the natural ways dogs clean their teeth. We’ll also provide practical tips on preventing plaque buildup and explain how Scenthound is here to support you in keeping your dog’s mouth clean and healthy.
Why Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy is a Big Deal
Let’s talk about dental health for dogs in general. Good dental hygiene is a crucial aspect of your dog’s overall wellness. Neglecting your pet's teeth can lead to plaque buildup, but it doesn't stop there! Various issues, including bad breath, pain, difficulty eating, and even more serious conditions like periodontal disease and eventually other health problems can develop from bad dental hygiene. Plaque buildup is the starting point for many of these issues, making it essential to understand and address them early.
What You Need to Know About Dog Dental Plaque
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth after your dog eats. It starts out soft and can be removed relatively easily with regular teeth brushing. However, if left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and can lead to serious dental issues.
Why Plaque and Periodontal Disease Are Harmful to Dogs
Plaque isn’t just an aesthetic problem—it can have real consequences for your dog’s health. The bacteria in plaque can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontal disease if left untreated. Periodontal disease is a severe condition that affects the structures supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss and other health problems, including infections that can spread to the heart and kidneys. If it gets bad enough, oral surgery may be required to remove tartar and address other serious dental issues.
Top Tips for Preventing and Treating Plaque to Avoid Dental Disease
Now that we've talked about the dangers of bad dental hygiene and plaque buildup, let's talk about what you can do to maintain and improve your dog's dental hygiene and avoid dental disease.
Regular Brushing
The most effective way to prevent plaque buildup is by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. Aim to brush at least three times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to focus on the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate.
If your dog is not accustomed to brushing, start slowly and make it a positive experience by offering treats and praise. The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends regular brushing as a key component of maintaining your dog's oral health.
Dental Supplements
A great tool to help improve your dog's dental disease is specialized Dental supplements. Make sure to choose supplements that are made for dogs. We especially like Houndswell's Daily Dental Support, it is hassle-free and helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup with ingredients like organic kelp. Always follow the instructions on the bottle for dosage and instructions on how to give them to your pup.
Dental Toys
Dog dental toys work by mechanically scraping the teeth as your dog chews, helping to keep the teeth clean in a fun, easy way!
Professional Dental Cleaning
In addition to at-home care, your dog may need regular dental cleanings performed by a veterinarian. These cleanings involve scaling the teeth to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for catching dental issues early and preventing periodontal disease. Professional dental procedures, including cleanings and extractions, are essential for maintaining your dog's oral health.
Dietary Considerations
Your dog’s diet plays a significant role in their dental health. Dry kibble can help reduce plaque buildup by creating a scraping action on the teeth, while certain dental diets are specifically formulated to promote oral health. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, especially those high in carbohydrates, as they can contribute to plaque formation.
Make sure to talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog's diet!
How Your Dog’s Natural Chewing Habits Help Reduce Plaque Buildup
Your intervention as a dog parent is essential to keeping plaque buildup at bay and their dental health in good shape. On top of good hygiene care provided by you, dogs have a few natural ways to help keep their teeth clean.
Chewing: Nature’s Toothbrush
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that helps them keep their teeth clean. When dogs chew on bones, sticks, or toys, they scrape away food particles and plaque from the surface of their teeth. This action is similar to brushing but is far less effective, especially if the plaque has already hardened into tartar.
Saliva Production
Dogs produce a lot of saliva, which plays a vital role in washing away food particles and bacteria from their mouths. Saliva also contains enzymes that help break down food and protect teeth from decay. However, saliva alone isn’t enough to prevent plaque buildup, especially if your dog’s diet is high in carbohydrates.
Self-Cleaning Mechanisms
Dogs’ mouths have natural self-cleaning mechanisms, such as the tongue and gums, which help move food particles away from the teeth. However, these mechanisms are not foolproof, and plaque can still accumulate, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the back molars.
These natural methods work in conjunction with dental care like brushing and checkups but they are not sufficient on their own. Routine Hygiene Care provided by you or a trusted source is essential for maintaining good oral health. In some cases, a professional dental procedure may be necessary to address dental disease and keep your pup's mouth healthy.
Healthier Mouth, Healthier Dog
Dental plaque may be the most common dental problem in dogs, but it’s also one of the most preventable. By taking the steps to maintain their oral hygiene like regular teeth brushing, utilizing dental supplements, and keeping up with vet checkups you can help your furry friend avoid the discomfort and health risks associated with plaque buildup.
Scenthound - Beyond Traditional Dog Grooming
At Scenthound, we understand that being the best dog parent you can be involves more than just providing food and shelter. That’s why we provide personalized, convenient hygiene services that go beyond traditional dog grooming so you can take the best possible care of your dog, including maintaining your pet's teeth.
From routine care like bathing and teeth brushing to specialized treatments tailored to your dog's unique needs, we've got everything you need to keep your pup clean and healthy. Plus, we offer take-home products to help you maintain their care at home, so you can enjoy a happy, healthy dog every day.
With Scenthound by your side, you can feel confident that you’re doing everything you can to be a better dog parent. Ready to get your pup on the path to wellness? Find a Scenter near you!