How to check dog dental health?

You should keep brushing your dog's teeth as part of a regular grooming routine. Ask your vet first - before you start cleaning your dog's teeth, it's always best to ask your vet to show you the best way to do this. Start teeth cleaning when they're a puppy and brush their teeth everyday to get them used to it. Make sure you look out for these signs: Deposits may build up on the teeth, Gums will be damaged and bleed, Smell - if the mouth is infected it will give off a foul smell. Your dog may also refuse food, have difficulty eating or leave flecks of blood in their bowls. Brush your dog's teeth regularly. Dental chews and treats are also a good way of helping to keep your dog's teeth clean. Buy a dog toothpaste - human ones aren't suitable. You can use a special dog toothbrush that goes over your finger to brush their teeth, but if you don't have one then a child-sized toothbrush is fine.

To check dog dental health, bad breath, difficulty eating or chewing, and excessive drooling can be indicative of dental problems. Signs such as swollen or bleeding gums, loose or broken teeth, and pawing at the mouth or face may also signal dental issues. Weight loss or behavioural changes can also indicate dental pain. Regular check-ups with a vet can help catch dental problems early, and monitoring eating habits is also essential. Brushing their teeth regularly with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste can help prevent gum disease. Providing dental treats and chews can also reduce plaque and tartar build-up between brushings. Schedule regular vet check-ups, as annual exams can catch issues early before they become serious.

Brushing your pet’s teeth for a few minutes each day is the best way of preventing dental problems. Brushing your dog's teeth is important to avoid dental health issues. You can get advice, support, and treatment as required for your pet’s teeth at all our surgeries. Prevention is better than cure. Dental healthcare is vitally important for your pet. Learn more about looking after your dog's teeth with our expert advice and tips.

To check for dog dental problems, examine your dog’s mouth with care – never stick your finger inside your pet’s mouth if you are not clear what you are doing. Make sure your dog is relaxed as possible during this examination as they are much more likely to be cooperative and reduce the chance of accidental nips. If you regularly brush your pet’s teeth then you are already onto a winner as you can have a look while doing this daily task. While they are sat quietly, gently lift the flaps of their gums and have a quiet look at the teeth you can see there – pay attention to the colour of the gums, any developing ‘lumps’, signs of broken/chipped teeth and areas that seem/look painful. Once you’ve had a look at one side then look at the other. If and when you offer them some form of chew then try and have a look towards the back of the mouth while they are chomping on the chews. As with the other teeth, pay attention to the gum colour, signs of broken or chipped teeth and if he seems to favour one side of his mouth over the other. It is worth starting to do these checks for the first time after you’ve just had a vet check as there may be certain things specific to your pet that your vet already knows about. Explain to your vet that you are keen to start doing your own basic health checks so you can keep an eye on him between visits to the vet. You may well find they will show you any unusual things with your pet so you know what is already there.

You should ideally care for your dog’s teeth daily, as you would your own, to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. We recommend checking your dog’s teeth regularly for any issues too, as with any health problem it is always better to start treatment early. You can check for bad smelling dog breath, red gums that may be swollen or bleeding, build-up of plaque around the gum line, tartar deposits, discoloured, misaligned, or broken teeth. Your dog shows reluctance or aggression when you go near their mouth, reduced appetite and possible weight loss – this could be related to many other conditions, so it is always important to get your dog checked by one of our Vets. Cleaning your dog’s teeth daily is the best action you can take towards achieving good oral health. Combine this with regular dental check-ups, the right food, and dental aids for even better care. Our Vets suggest these 5 dental aids: Pet-specific oral gel – to be used with a finger brush or pet toothbrush, Dental products that can be mixed into water or sprinkled over food, Dental chews can help, but be wary of the calories, Carrots make good dental chews in moderation, Toys designed to give your dog’s teeth a dental workout.