How to care for dogs’ teeth

Dental disease is incredibly common among pets, affecting up to 90% of dogs in the UK. Left untreated, it can lead to gum erosion, tooth loss, and even serious health issues such as heart or kidney disease. The good news is that with the right care, you can help dogs maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

Why Dental Health Matters
Plaque naturally forms on dog’s teeth throughout the day. If not removed, it will lead to gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease.. Over time, this can cause pain, infection, and the loss of teeth and bone. Worse still, the bacteria from periodontal disease can enter dogs’ bloodstream, potentially impacting vital organs.

Starting a dental care routine
The best time to start is during puppyhood, but it’s never too late to get a dental health routine into place. Toothbrushing is the gold standard for dental care in dogs, just as it is for humans. Here’s how to introduce the practice:

1. Build Trust: Start by creating a positive association with handling the dog’s face and mouth. Use a special treat reserved solely for this purpose. Gently touch their face and lift their lips, rewarding them for their cooperation.
2. Teach Basic Commands: Use commands like “sit” and “open mouth” to make the process interactive and fun for the pet.
3. Introduce Toothpaste: Use pet-specific toothpaste, as human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs. Let the pet taste the toothpaste over a few days to build familiarity.
4. Start Brushing: Once the dog is comfortable, introduce a pet-specific toothbrush or finger brush. Use gentle circular motions to clean their teeth, focusing on areas where plaque builds up.
5. Go Slow: There’s no rush to clean all their teeth in one session. Some brushing is always better than none, so work at the pet’s pace.

Gentle alternatives for reluctant pets
If your dog isn’t ready for toothbrushing, there are other ways to maintain dental health:

• Dental Wipes: Some pets don’t like having their teeth brushed so to get them used to contact with their teeth and gums with dental wipes which are a great stepping stone to toothbrushing.
• Oral Sprays: Oral Sprays are easy to use and support dental health with minimal effort.
• Water Additives: Add water additive products to their drinking water for a simple, no-hassle
  solution.

Watch for warning signs
Bad breath, bleeding gums, or changes in eating habits may signal dental problems. Symptoms like discomfort while chewing or reluctance to play with chew toys should prompt a visit to the vet.

Maintain a complete dental care routine
Consistency is key to good oral health. Once the dog is comfortable with basic care, introduce regular brushing using pet-friendly toothpaste. Combine brushing with dental chews, water additives, and routine veterinary check-ups for a comprehensive approach.

Conclusion
Caring for dog’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. With patience and the right products, you can prevent dental disease and keep your pet’s smile healthy and bright. The Plaqtiv+ range, comprising Plaqtiv+ Dental Wipes, Plaqtiv+ Oral Spray, Plaqtiv+ Water Additive and Plaqtiv+ Toothpaste, are available through vets and online and offers a complete solution to support dogs’ oral health.

For more information, visit www.dental.pet or consult your veterinary practice.

COMPETITION TIME! We’ve got two Plaqtiv+ dental sets, worth £50 each, to give away. To stand a chance of winning email your name to thecaninetimes@hotmail.com by 14 February.