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Playing dentist: How do I look after my dog’s teeth?

Many dogs go through life without ever seeing a toothbrush. Dogs’ teeth have evolved to rip into flesh and gnaw on bones, and our domestic dogs just don’t get the same sort of exercise (after all, we do all the hunting). A balanced diet that includes dry food and raw bones or something else to chew on like Pedigree Denta bones will keep tartar build-up on teeth to a minimum. Yet sometimes, your dog will need some extra help from you.

Dental care for dogs is more important than most people think: bad teeth or gums can interfere with a dog’s ability to eat, leading to weight loss and nutritional problems. An infection in the gums may spread to other parts of the body, causing pain and discomfort for your pet.

It’s important to keep a regular check on your dog’s teeth, especially if you have a toy breed dog or a breed with a short muzzle. With those tiny jaws, these types of dogs can suffer ‘dental crowding’ – and an overcrowded mouth is prone to infection and tartar build-up. One way to help is by checking whether your toy or short-muzzled pup has shed all their milk teeth by the time they reach 12 months of age. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian.

A dental check will be part of your dog’s annual check-up. Your veterinarian will advise you if your pet needs professional tooth cleaning (or ‘scaling’), which is done under general anaesthetic. But don’t wait for the vet – make playing dentist part of your regular routine with your companion canine. Look for broken teeth, swollen or inflamed gums or tooth discolouration. Keep an eye on your pet at dinnertime, and observe if there are any problems with chewing or swallowing.

There are chews for dogs that help reduce tartar build-up, and these can be an additional (and enjoyable) part of your dog’s dental routine.

If your dog is prone to tartar build-up, then it’s time for the toothbrush. Clever as they are, dogs cannot rinse and spit, and are forced to swallow toothpaste left in their mouths. Use toothpaste made specifically for dogs – toothpaste designed for humans could easily upset a dog’s stomach. Doggy toothpaste will also appeal more to your pet’s taste buds – human toothpaste is unlikely to!

Toothpaste for pets often comes replete with a specially designed brush, which usually fits over your finger. If you haven’t got the brush, use a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush.

An adult dog that’s never seen a toothbrush may not be too impressed with the whole business. The best time for them to get acquainted with the toothbrush is during puppyhood.

While you brush your pet’s teeth, praise your pet and tell them what a good boy or girl they’re being. After brushing, wipe the teeth clean with a strip of gauze wrapped around your finger. Then give your pet a treat or take them outside to play, so they know that something good will follow the toothbrush. How often you need to brush your dog’s teeth will depend on the individual pet’s requirements.

Sometimes it’s a breath issue that gets an owner thinking about brushing their dog’s teeth. If your dog has bad breath, consult your veterinarian, as it could indicate an underlying medical problem. Bad breath can be a symptom of gum or tooth disease, a tooth abscess, or may indicate a foreign object lodged in the mouth. Bad breath can also be a symptom of lung or kidney disease, so don’t assume that bad ‘doggy breath’ is normal. It’s not.

The earlier a dental problem is spotted, the easier it will be to treat. Make dental care a part of you and your dog’s routine.