Good dental care isn't just important for humans â our dogs benefit enormously from it too. Healthy teeth mean less pain, a better quality of life, and a longer, happier life for your dog.
Why dental care is important for dogs
While dogs naturally chew a lot, this alone doesn't protect their teeth from problems. In fact, over 80% of dogs suffer from tartar or gum inflammation from the age of three .
Typical consequences of inadequate dental hygiene
- Tartar and plaque
- Inflamed gums (gingivitis)
- Periodontitis â painful gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Bad breath
- Bacteria in the mouth put a strain on the heart, liver and kidneys
Healthy teeth protect more than just the mouth â they support the health of the entire dog.
1. Brushing your teeth â the most effective method
Regular tooth brushing is the most effective method to prevent plaque and tartar.
How to get your dog used to having its teeth brushed
- Start slowly â begin by playfully touching the mouth.
- Use dog toothpaste â never human toothpaste, as it can be toxic to dogs.
- Use special dog toothbrushes â finger toothbrushes or small soft brushes are particularly suitable.
- Positive reinforcement â ââpraise, patience, small steps and positive association with tasty snacks .
How often should it be cleaned?
Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth daily , as this prevents plaque from hardening in the first place. If this isn't always possible, three to four brushing sessions per week are a good compromise that is also effective in most cases.
Ultrasonic toothbrushes for dogs
Besides regular dog toothbrushes, there are also ultrasonic toothbrushes that work without rotation and are silent. They are particularly suitable for sensitive dogs who dislike noise or vibrations.
2. Dental care through chew toys
Chewing supports natural tooth cleaning, as soft plaque is rubbed off.
Suitable chew treats
- Beef hide chew bones
- Dried chew treats (e.g. scalp, lamb ear, jerky)
- Chew sticks made from natural material
- Dental care chew sticks
What you should pay attention to
- Very hard bones can lead to tooth fractures.
- Cooked bones splinter.
- Cheap pressed bones often contain adhesives or inferior ingredients.
3. Dental care toy
Toys not only help keep children occupied, but their structure can also clean their teeth.
Recommended options
- Textured rubber toy
- Rope toy
- Balls with dental care surfaces
4. Dental care snacks and supplements
These products are easy to use and a good complement to brushing your teeth.
Popular options
- Dental care chew snacks with enzymes
- Powders or additives for feed (e.g. seaweed meal )
- Dental care gels or foams
- Water additives for teeth cleaning
Note on seaweed meal
Seaweed meal is often recommended for dental care, but it is not without risks :
It naturally contains very high amounts of iodine , which can cause problems in dogs with pre-existing conditions (especially thyroid issues). Therefore, seaweed meal should be used sparingly and carefully to avoid iodine overdose â always consult a veterinarian if in doubt.
Important
These products can support dental care, but they do not replace regular brushing .
5. Professional dental cleaning at the veterinarian
Even with good oral hygiene, tartar can form over time.
When is professional cleaning advisable?
- Already visible tartar
- Bad breath
- Redness of the gums
- Eating is painful
- Discolored or loose teeth
Cleaning procedure
- Performed under anesthesia
- Tartar is removed using ultrasound.
- The gums and teeth are thoroughly checked.
- Polish prevents new deposits from forming.
Note: Why dental x-rays are useful for dogs
Dental x-rays are often underestimated, but they are an important part of a thorough dental examination. Many dental problems originate below the gum line , where they cannot be seen with the naked eye.
These include, among others:
- hidden inflammation at the tooth roots
- Abscesses
- Bone loss in periodontitis
- unerupted or broken teeth
- Problems after tooth fractures
- congenital dental malocclusions
Without x-rays, these findings often remain undetected for years and can cause the dog severe pain. Therefore, dental x-rays are particularly useful when:
- Tartar or gum problems are already present.
- the dog shows unpleasant breathing or chewing pain
- Teeth appear loose or are missing,
- A professional dental cleaning under anesthesia is planned.
An X-ray allows the veterinarian to save teeth instead of prematurely extracting them, or â if necessary â to remove problematic teeth in time before they cause more serious damage. It therefore increases the safety, accuracy, and quality of every dental treatment.
Warning signs of dental problems
Watch for symptoms such as:
- unpleasant breath
- yellowish or brown deposits
- reddened gums
- Saliva
- The food is only chewed on one side.
- Pain when chewing
If these signs occur, a veterinarian should be consulted promptly.
Tips for a relaxed dental care routine
- It's better to do a few minutes every day than a long time once a week.
- Always stay positive â no pressure, no coercion.
- Get dogs used to it early, ideally as puppies.
- Combine several methods for the best possible results.
Conclusion: Good dental care leads to a healthier life for your dog.
Dental care is one of the most important, but often underestimated, aspects of dog health.
With a little patience, the right technique and supplementary measures, you can help ensure that your dog remains pain-free, healthy and happy .
