OUCH!
Was that a Lego you stepped on? No, it’s just a tiny, razor-sharp canine tooth that must have fallen out of your puppy’s mouth right after you vacuumed. Now that this is the third time you’ve impaled yourself accidentally on puppy teeth, you may be curious about dental care for puppies and what you can do to keep your puppy’s pearly whites healthy.
It may be easy to forget to take care of your pet’s teeth in the mix of getting them enough exercise, feeding them nutritious food, or ensuring they’re groomed. However, dental hygiene for puppies is something you don’t want to ignore. Following a pet dental checklist helps you keep track of how to keep your puppy’s teeth clean to avoid health problems.
What’s On A Dental Checklist For Puppies?
Many puppy parents are unaware of the importance of dental hygiene for puppies since they can become overwhelmed with all the information that comes along with raising a puppy. You can keep your puppy’s teeth clean by understanding what’s on a dental checklist for dogs to ensure you’re ticking off all the boxes.
---> Brush your puppy’s teeth daily
Great dental hygiene begins at home as a regular care item for your puppy. It is not enough to ignore dental health until your puppy’s well-visit; you have to be consistent with your efforts. Brushing your puppy’s teeth will allow you to look for any spots of concern and give you a good baseline for what is normal regarding your puppy’s teeth and breath. Don’t wait until your dog’s breath raises the stink factor – brush early and often.
The array of dental hygiene products for puppies may confuse you, so ask your vet what he or she recommends. Puppy parents can choose from toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs, mouth and teeth wipes, dental water additives, food supplements, special toys or treats, and more. What products you use can be determined by your puppy’s age, mouth size, and more.
---> Schedule regular dental exams for dogs
It takes a partnership with your vet to keep your dog’s teeth clean! One thing your vet will help you understand is a routine dental plan for your dog, which depends on a few factors, such as the type of food they eat and the size of their mouths. Routine dental care for dogs can include a variety of procedures including an oral exam, radiographs (X-rays) to check for jaw health, teeth crowding, root disintegration, or any concerning spots, and a thorough cleaning where tartar and plaque are removed. Because your puppy is wiggly and unpredictable, pets are usually put under anesthesia for dental work. Look into pet insurance plans with routine dental care procedures included or subsidized if you will be getting regular treatment based on your dog’s dental needs.
A word about small dogs
Small dog breeds have the same number of teeth as other dogs but have to fit them all in those tiny mouths and jaws. For this reason, dogs with small mouths tend to have overcrowded, broken, or crooked teeth that can cause problems. They should have their teeth examined every 6 months to a year, while other dog breeds can receive their first dental exam at 2-3 years old.
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Natural Peanut Flavor Dog Dental Kit
---> Give your puppy appropriate chew toys
Having a guide to puppy teething and knowing what to expect can make puppy teething a bit more comfortable for sore mouths. Their little mouths will undergo quite a bit of change in mere months, so you need to know the stages of puppy teething to see what’s coming to choose the right chew toy. Choose toys that are durable and made from pet-safe materials, so be sure to read the labels. Select toys appropriate for your puppy’s teething stage, size of their mouths, and bite force. If your puppy keeps destroying toys, go up in durability. Stay clear of rawhide chews because pieces can easily break off and cause obstruction, perforation, blockage, and other serious issues.
---> Select supplemental dental products
If your vet approves, you can give your puppy various supplemental dental products to help keep their teeth pearly white between visits. In addition to appropriate chew toys, pet parents can give dental treats, water and food additives, or dental chews to loosen tartar and prevent plaque.
Skout's Honor Oral Care Fresh & Flavorless Dog Dental Water Additive
What Happens If I Neglect Dental Care for Dogs?
Dental care for dogs does not merely deal with clean teeth on the surface. Poor dental care can lead to debilitating diseases that can progress into serious health issues affecting your puppy’s quality of life.
Bad breath (called halitosis in dogs) can be caused by all sorts of dental issues. The key is to know the baseline of what is normal bad breath and what is extra bad breath beyond his typical soggy sock smell (you know the one). Ask your vet to help determine the underlying cause of his foul-smelling mouth to begin a treatment plan.
Periodontal disease in dogs affects the teeth, gums, and surrounding bones and is caused by inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) from a buildup of plaque, bacteria, and tartar. Loose teeth, bleeding gums, and a reduced appetite are all symptoms of periodontal disease. Cornell University reports studies that show 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some component of periodontal disease even if their teeth look clean and white, which is why it’s imperative to stay on top of doggy dental hygiene because you may not notice conditions becoming worse over time.
Some dental issues quickly affect other parts of the body beyond the mouth. Harmful bacteria can find their way out of the mouth and travel in the bloodstream to other organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, and immune system, causing irreversible damage and possibly death. It’s not worth the risk of forgetting to brush your dog’s teeth in light of learning about all the complications that can result from neglecting your puppy’s dental hygiene.
Keep a Pawrade Puppy’s Teeth Pearly White
You may find yourself browsing the pet aisle wistfully checking out the doggy toothbrushes, thinking of how a puppy would love the peanut butter flavor. However, there’s just one problem – you don’t have a puppy!
Go ahead and buy that puppy toothbrush and toothpaste because your new puppy is just a few clicks away! If you can’t find the particular dog breed you want on your own or are waiting on long application processes, turn to Pawrade. Pawrade offers happy, healthy puppies from pre-screened breeders available right now that would love to show you their little shark teeth! You can have your new furry friend in your arms in a matter of days thanks to our convenient puppy travel options. All Pawrade puppies come with a 3-year comprehensive health guarantee, 30 days of MetLife insurance, up-to-date vaccinations and deworming, a health certificate, and more! Browse our puppies for sale to find the one that will make you smile!
