The best dental care for puppies (and adult dogs) is as important as your own oral health! Not only does regular K9 dental care help protect your dog’s pearly whites and ensure better breath, but it also supports his overall peak physical health!
Your pet’s dental health is so important that the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) has coined the month of February as “Pet Dental Health Month!” Keep reading to learn more about how to maintain your puppy or adult dog’s best oral health.
K9 Dental Health: 4 Important Facts
- According to the AVMA, by the young age of just 3 years, dogs (80%) and cats (70%) will be challenged by periodontal disease!
- If left untreated, dental disease can damage a pet’s internal organs (including kidneys, heart and liver through the bloodstream) just like in humans.
- Regular dental care plus annual dental exams cost only a third as much as treating dental disease according to VIP Pet Insurance.
- Consistent dental care also ensures your pet’s best overall health and comfort!
Next, let’s take a closer look at how to best care for your puppy’s pearly whites!
Puppy Dental Care
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Happy Yellow Puppy Smiling If you’ve ever smelled a puppy’s breath, it’s clean and sweet with a sugary, milky scent due to its milk-only diet and beneficial gut bacteria and flora. Until 8 to 10 weeks, most puppies will have this classic, sweet-smelling breath due to the lack of bacteria, plaque or tooth decay.
The puppy’s mouth is the cleanest it will ever be at this stage!
But a dog parent can support their puppy’s best oral health with the additional tips below especially as your puppy begins to eat regular (often stinky) dog food. Regular and consistent dental care will also help prevent the development of bad-smelling bacteria and plaque from the age of 3 and beyond.
Best Dental Care for Puppies
- When should you start brushing your puppy’s teeth? The simple answer is as soon as possible! It’s much easier to teach a young puppy to let you brush his teeth than an older dog. According to Cameron Thompsen, Dog Trainer and the founder of Hope2K9 Foundation,
Puppies have sweet breath due to the age and diet you can start brushing your puppy’s teeth as early as eight weeks of age. First, find the right tool for you and your puppy!
- A dog toothbrush that easily fits into your puppy’s mouth. (Do not use an adult human toothbrush; you can use a small kid’s toothbrush if necessary.)
You can also opt for a finger brush; but be forewarned, your puppy may bite your finger until he gets used to the brush! - Or try disposable dental wipes for dogs.
Next, if you’re using a toothbrush, buy toothpaste made for dogs. (Never use human toothpaste!) Since many come flavored, find the taste your puppy likes best to make it easier for you both! (Avoid any alcohol or alcohol derivatives in the toothpaste you choose.)
Infographic: The 7 Ingredients to AVOID in Your Pet’s Dental Product!
Before introducing the toothbrush to your puppy, rub a little toothpaste on his gums. Once your puppy is comfortable with the toothpaste, add some to the toothbrush and gently brush your puppy’s teeth and gums.
Remember, use lots of patience and praise as your puppy learns to enjoy having his teeth brushed by his favorite person, you!
AVMA Video: Home Dental Care for Your Pet
Remember, for the best dental care for your puppy, begin oral care early using dog-friendly products. Schedule annual dental check-ups and watch for signs of dental disease or pain for your puppy’s best oral and overall health!
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