How to prevent dental issues in dogs?

Routine examinations Your veterinarian will perform a conscious (awake) exam of your dog’s mouth at annual visits, or more often if recommended based on your dog’s age, breed, dental health and medical history. Brushing your dog’s teeth is the most effective method of home care for preventing dental disease. In addition to brushing — or if brushing isn’t possible — there are other options to help reduce plaque and tartar, including: Dental diets Dental chews and treats Water additives, oral gels and sprays It is crucial to provide your dog safe chewing options. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) website provides a list of accepted dental products. Please consult your veterinarian for appropriate recommendations for your dog. After your dog has recovered from the professional care that was provided, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for resuming appropriate home dental care.

To help prevent periodontal disease in your dog, be sure not to neglect your pup's oral health. Just like people, our four-legged friends need regular dental appointments to keep their oral hygiene in check and to identify any trouble spots before more serious issues develop. It is recommended that most dogs see the vet about every six months for an oral health evaluation. To prevent problems from taking hold between appointments brush your dog’s teeth daily to remove plaque and prevent bacteria from forming. You may also want to offer your dog specially formulated dental chews and dog food, as well as supply your pup with fun-to-chew dental care toys to help address dental disease and reduce the buildup of tartar. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be prevented, treated, and reversed if it is detected in its early stages. There are two key approaches to caring for your dog's oral health. Professional Cleanings & Dental Exams for Your Dog Caring For Your Dog's Teeth at Home

Daily teeth cleaning can keep your dog's dental hygiene in check. You can do this through daily brushing, a suitable diet and dental chews. This prevents the build up of plaque, which can lead to dental disease. Prevention of dental issues is better than cure. You can start by brushing your dog’s teeth daily, using a suitable brush or rubber thimble. Giving your dog dental chews and a suitable diet also has some effect in reducing plaque. Specially formulated diets for dental care are also available. Your vet will be able to advise you on the most suitable food for your dog.

Feed them the right food - some owners favour wet foods for their dog over dry. However, dry dog food may have the added benefit of exercising their chewing muscles and provide a mild cleaning effect on the teeth. Brush your dog's teeth regularly. Dental chews and treats are also a good way of helping to keep your dog's teeth clean. You should keep brushing your dog's teeth as part of a regular grooming routine. Start teeth cleaning when they're a puppy and brush their teeth everyday to get them used to it. Buy a dog toothpaste - human ones aren't suitable. 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.

Regular dental care, including brushing your dog's teeth, can help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. Providing your pup with dental chews or toys specifically designed to promote dental health can help keep their teeth clean and their gums healthy. Gold standard advice is to brush the teeth daily to physically remove any plaque that is present. It is important to use a specialised pet toothpaste or gel, such as Logic Oral Hygiene Gel. Have your pet’s teeth checked at least once a year by your veterinary surgeon. Start a daily home care routine and immediately after professional teeth cleaning, as plaque starts to build up again within hours. Look in your pets mouth regularly for signs of oral hygiene problems, such as bad breath, discoloured teeth or inflamed gums. If any of these signs are noted, seek veterinary attention. To help compliance from a young age, tooth brushing with Oral Hygiene Gel can be started from 12 weeks of age and Logic Chews should be started from around 6 months of age, once the permanent teeth have erupted. Do not use your own human dental products; they are not suitable for your pet.