Cleaning Dogs Teeth Without Brushing

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Dental health is so very important. It’s the main opening to which everything goes into the body. It’s important to clean your dog’s teeth, but let’s face it, no one brushes their dogs’ teeth every day. Luckily we live in a world with other options! There are other ways of cleaning dogs’ teeth without brushing.

Without proper dental care, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of gum disease by age three. That percentage is higher in smaller dogs. Left untreated, oral disease can lead to tooth loss, pain and serious health conditions affecting the heart, kidney and lungs.

How often should I have my dog’s teeth cleaned?

It’s ideal to have your dog’s teeth checked with every annual exam. If there is plaque, tartar build up or swollen gums your Veterinarian may recommend a dental prophylaxis (cleaning.) Depending on the size of the dog, your dog may need to have this procedure performed yearly if not twice a year.

Your Vet will recommend brushing your pet’s teeth to keep the tartar and plaque from building back up. Here are types of items on the market that will prolong how often a dental prophy will need to be performed with your local vet.

Toys
Chews
Sprays
Water Additives
Powders

My favorite items are those that can slide against the side of the tooth and rub off any start of plaque and tartar. Larger sized food or kibble will help with this. Smaller kibble isn’t able to slide all the way up the tooth, allowing more build up to occur on the tooth.