Dog Dental Care

Taking care of your dog's teeth reduces plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup that can contribute to periodontal disease, infection, and other health issues. Having a comprehensive dog dental health routine can prevent these serious health issues and promote good quality of life for your pet. 

Brushing your dog's teeth daily is proven to prevent plaque and tartar buildup that results in bad breath, infection, and periodontal disease. In addition to brushing every day, you should invest in supplemental dog dental products like dental treats and chews, water additives, and a dental diet to support the health of their teeth and mouth.

Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth once a day. The more consistent you are in your routine, the more your dog will learn to tolerate it, especially if rewarded with a treat afterward. 

You can make tooth brushing time more exciting by investing in a tasty dog toothpaste like C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Poultry Flavor Toothpaste, designed to entice dogs to open their mouths while reducing bacteria that contributes to plaque, tartar, and odor.

No, you should never use human toothpaste on your dog's teeth because it can contain xylitol, a known toxin to dogs. Additionally, fluoride in high concentrations can be toxic to dogs, so you should only use toothpaste specifically designed for dogs because they're safe to swallow. 

Dog toothpaste is formulated without harmful ingredients, including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is responsible for making human toothpaste foam. SLS can cause some level of toxicity in dogs when swallowed, which is why pet toothpaste doesn't foam.

Dental care for dogs can be challenging for pet parents. Some dogs simply won't tolerate having their teeth brushed. If you've tried everything and Fido still struggles to have their teeth brushed, consider using oral cleansing wipes instead of a toothbrush. These wipes are designed to simplify brushing your dog's teeth by allowing you to gently wipe them clean instead of brushing them, something some dogs may find more comfortable. 

Talk to a Dutch vet to learn more about dog dental care and whether oral cleansing wipes may be a good substitute for your dog.

Adding dental water additives to your dog's drinking water can help reduce plaque buildup while freshening their breath. Products like TEEF! Dental Prebiotic Water Additive and VetraDent Water Additive are formulated with prebiotics and other ingredients to promote healthy bacteria and inhibit the growth of bad bacteria in your pet's mouth. 

While dental chews are not a substitute for daily brushing, they can supplement your dog's dental health routine. Many dog dental chews have been proven effective at reducing plaque and tartar, but not all products are created equal. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on your dog's dental treats to ensure they're effective and safe.

The best dog dental care products reduce oral bacteria that can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, cause bad breath, and lead to periodontal disease. Here are some examples of Dutch vet-approved products that may work for your dog:

• C.E.T. Dual Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush: This dual-ended toothbrush can help you reach all your dog's teeth without worrying about sticking your hand in their mouth. With a long handle and reverse angle, it easily conforms to your dog's mouth and teeth, regardless of their size. 
• C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews: These plant-based dog dental chews clean their gums and teeth for fresher breath while promoting a healthy digestive tract and eliminating plaque and tartar. 
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz: These long-lasting chews are designed to significantly reduce tartar buildup and freshen breath. 
• Purina Pro Plan DH Dental Health, Canine Formula: This kibble was designed to be extra-crunchy to significantly reduce tartar buildup while supporting your dog's everyday health. 

Questions about your dog’s dental health? Talk to a Dutch vet today with convenient virtual appointments.