Dental disease is one of the most common problems we see in dogs, and most of it is preventable with a little regular care at home.
Brush little and often
Use a dog toothbrush and a pet toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Start by letting your dog lick the paste, then brush a few teeth at a time, building up to a gentle brush along the gum line most days.
Short, calm sessions work better than one long battle. Praise and a small reward afterwards help your dog accept it as part of the routine.
Add chews and check the mouth
Dental chews and natural chews help between brushes by scraping the teeth as your dog chews. Choose the size to suit your dog and always supervise, and give chews with plenty of water.
Lift your dog's lip once a week and look at the teeth and gums. Yellow-brown build-up along the gum line, red gums or bad breath are signs to book a check.
If your dog paws at its mouth, drops food or has a swollen face, call your vet promptly. Home care keeps teeth healthy, but existing problems need a vet to treat them.
