5 Ways to Stay On Top of Dog Dental Care

Your dog’s dental health is a highly important component of their overall health. That’s why it’s crucial for dog owners to keep up with regular dental care, so they can avoid tooth decay and any related diseases.

When it comes to caring for your dog’s teeth, you have a few options to choose from ranging from hands-on options like manual brushing, or passively providing oral care through water additives. In this blog, we’ll take a look at 5 ways that you as a dog owner can stay on top of dental care and ensure that your four-legged friends stay as healthy as possible.

1. Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Getting into your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush is the old school way to get the job done. However, since it’s a manual job that requires you to get into your dog’s mouth and brush the teeth yourself, it is the toughest option.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best at-home way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and gum disease. While it’s not necessary to do daily, having a set routine will help your dog settle into a rhythm and gradually grow used to getting their teeth brushed. You’ll want to be sure that you use a dog-specific toothpaste, as they are made with ingredients and flavors that are made specially for dogs.

2. Using Dental Care Wipes

If using a brush isn’t your preferred strategy, you can simplify brushing a little bit by using dog dental wipes. While these wipes won’t have the bristles that can get into nooks and crannies like a brush, dental wipes are easier to maneuver and operate within your dog’s mouth. Wipes will do the trick of removing plaque build up, and give your dog a fresh, minty breath. Since these are easier and more convenient to use, they allow you to keep up with oral care more often, and even daily if you are able to.

3. Dental Dog Treats/Chews

Dental chews are growing more and more popular as an option for convenient dental care for dogs. Chewing on the treats or dental toys help strengthen your dog’s teeth, and keep the plaque build up low as well. You can find toys or treats in all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors that your dog will love and continue to chew on for hours. They’re easy to use, keep your dog’s breath fresh, while also giving them enrichment time as they work their way through chewing on them!

You can even find Chewable Toothpaste Tablets, which are small bite-size treats that will do everything a regular dental chew will do. These chewable tablets are a great, fast option that you can give your dog when you’re tight on time and can’t get a full brush in.

4. Water Additives

If you’re looking for the easiest and most convenient option for dog dental care, water additives are going to be your best option. Simply add some to your dog’s water bowl, and as they drink their normal water they’ll be helping take care of their teeth! Water additives are flavorless, so your dogs won’t know the difference when you add some to their bowl. This option is a great preventative to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy on a day-to-day basis, but it shouldn’t be the only form of dental care you do.

5. Professional Cleaning

Finally, you always have the option of leaving it to the professionals. If you’re having trouble getting your dogs to behave while you brush at home, you may want to set up regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian. While this will be the priciest option, you’ll always know that your dog’s teeth will be well maintained and fully cleaned every time. Additionally, your vet will be able to recognize any potential issues with your dog’s teeth or gums that you might not catch while doing at-home care.

Proper dental care will go a long way in maintaining your dog’s overall health and happiness. As your dog grows older, keeping up with their dental care will only become more and more important, so it's crucial to establish a rhythm early, so they get comfortable with however you choose to have it done. Try out a few methods and see what works for you and your dog and what doesn’t. Eventually, dog dental care will be just another part of yours and their everyday lives!

You can shop our full selection of dog dental care products online at FleetFarm.com, or at a store near you.