Why is dog dental health important?

Have you ever heard the old adage that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's? Unfortunately, this is not true. Their mouths are filled with as much disgusting stuff as we are. While they're not as prone to cavities as we are, they do have the same problems as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and dental disease. These things can cause yellowing teeth and bad breath. But, more importantly, if left untreated, poor oral health can lead to life-threatening infections and diseases.

In addition to regular cleanings, dog dental care can cost thousands of dollars. Just as our preventative care is important for maintaining oral health, there are several things you can do at home to improve your dog's oral health between cleanings.

Signs of dental disease

1. Difficulty eating and loss of appetite

2. Drool

3. Lick your mouth

4. Bad breath

5. Loose or missing teeth

6. Receding or bleeding gums

7. Runny nose or sneezing

What can I do at home to take care of my dog's teeth?

brush your dog's teeth

Despite its importance, only 1% of pet owners brush their pet's teeth!

Daily brushing is definitely the best way to make sure your dog's teeth and gums stay healthy.

Use toothpaste made specifically for dogs. This is extremely important! Some human toothpastes contain ingredients that are toxic to our furry friend. Plus, as gross as it sounds, they prefer brushing with bacon-flavored toothpaste over mint gel, which makes the experience less traumatic for dogs who don't like it. You can use a soft brush, finger brush, or even a few pieces of gauze to gently brush your dog's teeth and gums.

Dental treatment and chewing

Dental treat toys are designed to serve a dual purpose - dogs love the taste, so they enjoy a tasty treat, and at the same time, they mechanically scrape the accumulated plaque and tartar from the dog's teeth. They are a win-win!

Here's our Chewing Toys is a brand new, limited ingredient, all-natural dental treatment - dental chews! Your dog will love the delicious milk and bacon chew toys that clean their teeth as they chew! It can also be used as an interactive outdoor dog toys, which really kills two birds with one stone!

Dental toys

Much like dog dental treatment does double duty, dental toys can keep your pup happy, keep them entertained, and scrub their tooth surfaces or massage their gums while they chew on them. Look for durable rubber toys that can scratch plaque or massage gums. Alternatively, try flossing the rope toy between each tooth. As with any toys, take them away when they're chopped up or small enough to swallow.

When should I start my dog's dental care?

As soon as your dog has teeth, you should start caring for them! Those puppy teeth will eventually fall out, but starting brushing early will get your dog used to a lifetime of care. This will make the care of these adult teeth easy for many years to come.