5 Simple Tips for Your Dog’s Dental Health
A sparkling smile isn’t just for humans! At Darlo Dogs Small Dog Daycare, we often get asked about the best way to keep a dog’s teeth clean. Just like us, our furry friends need regular dental care to prevent bad breath, plaque buildup, and tartar, which can lead to more serious dental issues.
Here’s how you can keep your dog’s teeth clean and in tip-top shape:
- Daily Brushing: Ideally, brush your dog’s teeth daily, just as you would your own. We like to use oral wipes, but you can start with gauze bandage (because of its rough texture) and MCT oil or make a paste with baking soda. The softness of the cloth allows your finger to follow the shape of their mouth—perfect for starting out, before introducing a baby-sized toothbrush.
- Raw Meaty Bones: Chewing and tearing into meaty bones naturally loosens plaque on your dog’s teeth. Raw diets are also thought to have live enzymes that support oral health. If your pup isn’t into bones (or likes to stash them under cushions), carrot sticks are a good alternative!
- A Healthy Diet: Mimicking the diet of a dog’s wild relatives can benefit their dental health. The live enzymes present in raw diets play a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene, helping keep those pearly whites clean.
- Regular Mouth Checks: Keep an eye on your dog’s mouth for signs of dental diseases, like red gums, bad breath, or discoloured teeth. Early detection can prevent more serious health issues. At Darlo Dogs, we include a teeth check with daycare or grooming appointments—if we spot something unusual, we’ll always let you know. We once discovered a cancerous growth in Toby’s mouth, and his owner was beyond grateful!
- Book a Teeth Clean: Consistency is key to maintaining oral health. Add a teeth clean to your dog’s grooming or daycare appointment with us! Our team is happy to keep an eye on your pup’s smile and ensure they stay on top of their dental care.
“Kibble (dry food) has long been touted as helping to keep teeth clean because of its abrasive action. If you have ever watched your dog eat kibble, you have surely noticed that they don’t chew the stuff, they bolt it down whole. I encourage all my clients to feed a balanced, high quality raw diet if possible; balanced high quality cooked or canned diets are acceptable alternatives if they can not feed raw.” Dr Sara Chapman
Despite proper diet, some dogs are genetically predisposed to dental disease … especially toy breeds and short-nosed breeds. Cleaning their teeth regularly is even more important. Sydney Animal Hospitals offer free dental checks.
By keeping up with regular dental routines, you’ll help your dog avoid painful dental diseases and tooth loss. It’s not just about fresh breath—it’s about keeping them happy and healthy!
FREE Teeth Clean Offer
At Darlo Dogs, we’re offering a FREE teeth clean when you book your first small dog daycare session or grooming session. Just show us this post when you drop your dog off, and we’ll make sure their smile is as bright as ever!
P.S. Don’t miss out—book a session now and claim your free teeth clean!
P.P.S. Check out our “How to Clean” video featuring Jasper, our star pupil!