Dog-Friendly Dental Care

Jack Russell with Healthy White Teeth — **Jack Russell Dog with Clean, White Teeth Looking at the Camera**

Halitosis (bad breath) - whether it’s human or canine - is often the brunt of some really bad jokes and equally rude gestures! But just like humans with bad breath, your dog’s nasty breath could actually be a symptom of something much more serious going on with their health!

Also, just like in humans, an oral bacterial infection (associated with bad breath) can eventually spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and cause serious - even potentially irreversible - damage to major organs including the kidneys, liver and heart. Left unchecked, this preventative damage could even lead to your dog’s premature death.

TOOTH DECAY & GUM DISEASE STARTS EARLY

The research is shocking! Approximately 80% of all dogs begin to show tooth decay and gum disease/inflammation (gingivitis) by the tender age of 3! The tips below will help prevent K9 dental issues.

PREVENTATIVE K9 DENTAL CARE

Annual Check-ups and Cleanings: Get your dog’s teeth (and gums) checked - and cleaned (a treatment called prophylaxis) - at least once a year by your regular vet. Annual check-ups can also catch the early signs of dental problems which could cause - or be caused by - other serious dog health issues.

Recommended Dental Products: Your vet can recommend the best dental products, treats or diets for your dog and their medical history. Raw bones (size-appropriate for your dog) are a great option for your dog!

NO cooked or rawhide bones!

Raw bones are also rich in calcium (promoting strong teeth), probiotic bacteria (the “good” bacteria) and enzymes. Probiotic bacteria/enzymes work to maintain healthy bacterial flora keeping the harmful bacteria (that causes gingivitis) under control. (ALWAYS supervise your dog when they are chewing any bones.)

Small amount of yellow plaque forming on a dog's tooth — **Plaque Forming on a Dog’s Tooth**

REGULAR CANINE DENTAL CARE

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Regularly at Home: Periodontal disease begins when bacteria combines with food particles and forms plaque on the teeth. Left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar (that yucky hard brown stuff you can’t wipe or brush off). Brushing your dog’s teeth daily helps remove those food particles. But even doing it several times a week can help maintain good K9 dental hygiene.

Use a child’s toothbrush, finger brush , single-use pet dental wipes or all-natural, non-toxic products. DO NOT use human toothpaste! Only use pet-specific/formulated products that DO NOT contain alcohol or the artificial sweetener - xylitol - which is very toxic to dogs!

NATURAL AND RAW = K9 DENTAL-FRIENDLY!

Promoting good oral health for your dog does not have to be difficult!

Avoid feeding your dogs snacks and foods high in sugar and starch. Read ALL labels before purchasing and feeding to your dog.
Include natural and raw items (like the raw vegetables and fresh herbs below) in your dog’s daily diet. Start with small bites and watch for any negative reactions or loose stools.