Tips for Keeping Your Dog's Teeth Healthy from The Experts at Bond Vet
February is Dental Health Awareness Month for pets, so we sat down with the experts at Bond Vet to ask some of our most pressing questions about keeping our dog's teeth and gums healthy. Read on to learn our top preventative tips from Dr. Gabrielle Fadl.
"The most important things a pet owner can do are: get regular checkups and recommended preventive care for their dog with their veterinarian, watch for any symptoms of a dental problem at home, and if possible, brush their dog’s teeth daily." - Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, Bond Vet
HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR DOG'S TEETH?
The best schedule is daily—because plaque can build up on the teeth that fast!
CAN YOU HELP CARE FOR YOUR PET'S TEETH IN OTHER WAYS, LIKE USING TOYS OR TREATS?
Yes. While these aren’t a substitute for brushing or regular veterinary dental care, every little bit can potentially help. Just check with your vet about adding new treats to the diet, especially if your pet struggles with weight management or has a health or allergy condition. Look for toys that are sturdy enough that your dog can’t accidentally bite off and swallow pieces, but not so firm that your dog could break a tooth chewing on it.
HOW ELSE CAN I CLEAN MY DOG'S TEETH?
Some veterinary dentists say it’s okay to gently brush with just water on the brush. It’s this brushing action that provides most of the cleaning. Then give your dog a treat, play, or praise as a reward.
Let's talk puppies...
WHAT DO NEW PUPPY PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DENTAL CARE IN YOUNG DOGS?
For puppies, teething is usually the biggest concern. It’s natural but can cause some discomfort and result in a puppy chewing things up in the home. There are sturdy teething toys made specifically for puppies, and pet parents should make sure to keep items out of puppy’s reach that are unsafe/undesirable for puppy to chew.
SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL MY PUPPY LOSES THEIR TEETH BEFORE I START CLEANING?
For most puppies, yes. It’s best to wait until the adult teeth are in place prior to brushing. That’s because trying to brush the teeth during teething (with baby teeth that will be lost, or with adult teeth that are just coming through the gums) can be uncomfortable and may cause a puppy to be resistant to future teeth brushing efforts.
However, puppyhood is a good time to get a puppy used to having their mouth handled (plus their ears and paws) in a gentle manner and that is a positive experience for them. Try to lift their lip to examine their teeth, or gently touch their gums, and reward them with praise or treats. But avoid too much of this during the height of teething discomfort.
For rescues and older dogs...
WHAT DO PARENTS OF OLDER DOGS OR RESCUES NEED TO KNOW?
First, it’s important to address any pre-existing dental disease. Trying to brush a dog’s teeth if their teeth/gums are painful can be a negative experience and may cause them to resist future efforts in teeth brushing. Ask your veterinarian for the okay prior to beginning, then go slow and begin by getting your dog used to having their muzzle touched, then their mouth and gums, then gradually introducing the brush in short increments. Reward them for being good and calm.
IS IT EVER TOO LATE TO START CLEANING YOUR DOG'S TEETH?
Dental disease is more prominent in older pets. And pets with significant dental disease or periodontal disease (a deeper, more serious process affecting the structures that hold teeth in place) can experience pain when someone tries to brush their teeth. Ask your vet for the okay prior to beginning. A veterinary dental cleaning procedure might be required first, but after that it’s often perfectly fine to begin this new, healthy habit.
What makes our Signature Ball better for your dog?
The Signature Ball is meant to do more than just bounce. It was made with safety in mind.
The natural rubber composition ensures that the Signature Ball is both non-toxic and dynamic, and its dual openings minimize choking risk, so you can play with your canine companion worry-free.
It's both durable and easy to clean, making it the perfect companion for outdoor expeditions and indoor adventures.
The natural rubber composition ensures that the Signature Ball is both non-toxic and dynamic, and its dual openings minimize choking risk, so you can play with your canine companion worry-free.
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