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Old Dog Resources
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Dog Dental Care
When was the last time your loveable canine gave you a big wet kiss? If your dog has doggie breath, you may not be the only one who is suffering.
But your dog’s problem extends beyond the odor. Canine halitosis (dog breath) can be a sign of periodontal disease or a mouth infection. The symptoms of
periodontal disease are not limited to foul breath but also include excessive tartar build up, tooth discoloration and gum disease.
Most dogs will suffer from some degree of periodontal disease but with proper
dental care and food, the degree of the affliction can be limited. Periodontal disease can lead to increased risk of heart, liver and kidney disease.
There are many factors that influence the development of periodontal disease: age, diet, shape of teeth, occlusion, bacterial flora, immune status,
general health, genetic predisposition, lack of oral hygiene, size and shape of dental arches, breed and chewing habits or motion. Of these, lack of oral
hygiene is probably the most significant reason for the development of periodontal disease in companion animals.
Some of the signs of periodontal disease include: swelling and inflammation of the gums, halitosis (bad breath), plaque and calculus deposition, gum tissue
that bleeds with gentle probing, gum tissue recession (exposed tooth roots), mouth ulcers, bone loss, mobile teeth, or missing teeth.
Daily removal of plaque is the key to an effective oral hygiene program. Unless your pet's teeth are brushed daily, plaque, which is an accumulation of
bacteria, will build up at the gum line. Eventually, calculus forms, further irritating the gums, causing infection that progress to
destroy the attachment around your pet's teeth. In addition to creating loose teeth, infection under the gum line can spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart.
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Common Terms |
Gingivitis - occurs when soft plaque hardens into rough, irritating tartar. Tartar build-up
on your pet's teeth can cause damage to the teeth and gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to an infection
called periodontal disease. This disease can cause the loss of teeth and bone recession in the mouth
Plaque: Dogs rarely get cavities, but are much more prone to gum disease and excess tartar build-up on the teeth. Food particles and
bacteria collect along the gum line forming plaque.
Tartar: If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or
calculus) which adheres strongly to the teeth. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms. The tartar is irritating to the gums
and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of
the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath.
Periodontal Disease: If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums. It separates the gums from the
teeth to form "pockets" and encourages even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called "periodontal" disease.
It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection. Periodontal disease is the inflammation and destruction of
the tissues which surround and support the tooth.
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| Dental Routine |
Even older dogs can be trained to accept having their teeth brushed. You need to introduce the activity gradually and make the experience
a positive one for your pet. Reassure and praise them throughout the process and reward them when finished.
As you care for your dog's mouth, look for warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, a yellow-brown
crust of tartar around the gum line, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. You should also watch for
discolored, fractured, or missing teeth. Any bumps or masses within the mouth should also be checked by your veterinarian
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Brushing your pets teeth- Just like it does for people, tooth brushing removes plaque on the tooth and below the gum line.
First, obtain a pet toothpaste.
Human toothpaste is not acceptable for pet use, because it is not designed to be swallowed and may make
your pet sick. Pet toothpaste, on the other hand, is pleasingly flavored for pets (tuna, poultry, etc) and can be safely ingested.
You will also need a toothbrush.
There are many pet-designed toothbrushes for different sized animals. Soft children's toothbrushes will also work. Once you have brush and paste, you are
ready to begin.
Gradually introduce your pet to brushing. For several days, simply feed a small amount of the toothpaste to your pet on your finger or the brush. This will
get them used to the taste.
Next, apply a small amount of paste to the brush and brush only one or two teeth. Repeat this for a few days, and then
gradually build by adding a few teeth every few days until you are brushing the entire mouth.
Animals generally buildup most of their tartar on the outer surfaces of their teeth, so this is the area to focus on most for brushing.
Brushing should ideally be done daily for maximum benefit. Brushing less than 3-4 times weekly has little benefit.
Dental diets are a newer concept in home dental care. Dental diets are not as effective as brushing in removing plaque, but can be a good alternative
or supplement.
Recent veterinary studies have proven that dental diets are successful in reducing plaque.
Canine products that have received the Veterinary Oral Health's Council seal of acceptance are as follows:
Prescription Diet® Canine t/d:Original Bites and Small Bites
Del Monte Tartar Check® Dog Biscuit: Small & Large sizes
Friskies Cheweez Beefhide Treats
Science Diet® Oral care diet for dogs
Iams Chunk Dental Defense Diet for Dogs
Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Diet for Dogs
Hartz® Flavor Infused Oral Chews: Large Dogs and Small Dogs Sizes
Purina Veterinary Diets ® DH Dental HealthTM brand Canine Formula
Purina Veterinary Diets ® DH Dental HealthTM brand Small Bites Canine Formula
Purina Veterinary Diets ® Dental Chews brand Canine Treat
Vetradent Dog Chews Marketed as 'bluechews' (sold in pet stores) and 'dc dental chews' (sold in veterinary hospitals)
Chews are another form of dental care. C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews and C.E.T. HEXtra Chews are rawhide strips that carry
dental enzymes which are released onto your pets teeth as he or she chews. This can help remove plaque. Dentees are another chew that
aid in cleaning. They are starch based, hypoallergenic and designed by a veterinary dentist
Do not use toys that are abrasive and can wear down the teeth. If your dog is an aggressive chewer and likes to bite down,
trying to crack the toy, you probably should not let the dog chew on that toy. For especially aggressive chewers, look for toys they
cannot get their mouths around. Rawhide or other chews that soften as the dog chews are another option.
Oral rinses
are available as supplement to the above dental care options.
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Dental Care Products |
Pet Toothbrush
-Select a soft nylon toothbrush, designed especially for dogs, sized properly for your pet. Consider a
finger toothbrush if your dog proves to be brush-fussy.
Dog-formulated toothpastes
Don’t use mint-flavored human toothpaste. It’s foaming action and ingredients are hard on your dog’s
stomach. Opt for special dog-friendly pastes like tuna or meat flavored instead.
Dental Cleanser
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Dental Sponges
-Easy-to-apply, chlorhexidrine solution kills bacteria that lead to plaque and gum disease
Tooth Scaler
Use on dog’s teeth to effectively scrape off tartar, plaque, and bacteria-harboring calculus
Treats
Dental Toys
- can effortlessly assist in your dogs dental care, and your dog does all the work.
Dental Treats
- can also be used to promote healthy gums and strong teeth
Dental Bones
- help improve dental health by helping to scrape away plaque, control tartar buildup, and maintain gum health.
Dental Breath Fresheners
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Dental Care System
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contains all the essentials you'll need to establish an at-home mouth-care routine.
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Helpful Articles |
Dental care for dogs
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Resources |
American Veterinary Dental Society
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - The Association is
the authorized voice for the profession in presenting its views to government, academia, agriculture, pet owners, the media, and other concerned publics.
National Pet Dental
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
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Dental care products can be found at
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1-800-PetMeds
sales prescription and non-prescription pet medications along with health and nutritional supplements at substantial savings, direct to the consumer. Shop
there online store and get Free Shipping on all orders over $39
Drs. Foster & Smith - Pet owners can trust that Drs. Foster & Smith-brand products offer the absolute best quality
available. These products are made in America, are available only through Drs. Foster & Smith, AND are frequently less expensive than pet supplies found in
retail pet stores.
PETSMART - At PetSmart, they
believe pets are family, and encourage you to bring your pets into the stores when you shop.
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