Pawsitively Healthy Teeth: A Guide to Maintaining Your Dog’s Oral Health

We all know that our dog’s dental health is important. Just like with people, dogs can suffer from plaque buildup, gum disease, and other dental problems if their teeth aren’t properly taken care of.

But don’t worry! Here are some of the top ways to keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

Brush their teeth regularly

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s the most effective way to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. Use a soft-bristled brush and doggie toothpaste to gently clean your dog’s teeth and gums.

Not all toothpaste is created equally. Here are the top 5 we recommend:

Toothpaste

Rank	Image	Name	Where to Buy
1		Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats & Dogs	Buy Here
2		Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit, 2 Piece Set, toothbrush and toothpaste	Buy Here
3		Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Natural Dog Dental Kit Peanut Flavor	Buy Here
4		Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs, Pet Dental Care	Buy Here
5		TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Kit for Large Dogs - Complete Toothbrush & Toothpaste Gel Kit - Helps Remove Plaque & Tartar + Breath Freshener	Buy Here

Remember to use ones specifically for puppies if your pup still has its puppy teeth and to find ones specific to the size of your dog. It’s also important to note that not all dogs will like the taste of toothpaste, so it may take some time for your dog to get used to having their teeth brushed.

Give them dental chews and toys

Dental chews and toys can help to scrape off plaque and tartar as your dog chews. Make sure to choose items specifically designed for dental health and supervise your pup while they use them.

Here’s our top 5 recommended Dental Treats:

Rank	Image	Name	Where to Buy
1		GREENIES Original Regular Natural Dental Care Dog Treats	Buy Here
2		Ark Naturals Extreme Clean Brushless Toothpaste, Longer Lasting Dog Dental Chew	Buy Here
3		Every Day Naturals Dog Dental Chew, NoBrush Toothpaste	Buy Here
4		Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Large Natural Dental Chew Dog Treats	Buy Here
5		Virbac CET Veggiedent FR3SH Tartar Control Chews for Dogs	Buy Here

and our top 5 recommended Chew Toys:

Rank	Image	Name	Where to Buy
1		Nylabone Power Chew Flavored Durable Chew Toy for Dogs Bacon	Buy Here
2		KONG - Squeezz Dental Ball - Unique Flexible Texture, Teeth and Gum Cleaning Dog Toy	Buy Here
3		Benebone Dental Durable Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers	Buy Here
4		Bullibone Nylon Dog Chew Toy Nylon Bone - Improves Dental Hygiene, Easy to Grip Bottom, and Permeated with Flavor	Buy Here
5		Yomp ToothBuddy Dental Chew Dog Bone - Chew Stick Designed for Safe Pet Play, Made from Textured & Non-Toxic Silicone - for Soft and Medium Chewers	Buy Here

Incorporating dental treats and chew toys into your dog’s daily routine is an easy and effective way to promote healthy teeth and gums. Just be sure to supervise your dog while they chew, and replace the treats and toys when they become worn or damaged.

Feed a healthy diet

Hard kibble can help scrape plaque from your dog’s teeth, so it’s important to choose a well-balanced diet for your furry friend. We recently posted a guide to the top ingredients to avoid when choosing your dog’s food and which vet recommended brands we recommend instead.

Regular dental checkups

It’s often overlooked, but it’s very important to schedule regular dental checkups for your dog with your veterinarian. They can assess your pup’s dental health and clean their teeth if needed. Having their teeth and gums professionally checked will allow you to find any big red flags sooner rather than later, allowing you to make changes before it starts to really negatively affect your dog’s quality of life.

Use water additives

Some dog owners add special dental rinse or water additives to their dog’s drinking water. This can help to both reduce plaque and freshen their breath.

Here are our top 3 recommended additives:

Rank	Image	Name	Where to Buy
1		Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Water Additive for Dogs - Liquid Tartar Remover	Buy Here
2		Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Solution Pet Water Additive	Buy Here
3		TropiClean Fresh Breath Dog Dental Water Additive - Dog Breath Freshener For Advanced Whitening	Buy Here
4		Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive - Dental Health Solution for Dogs	Buy Here
5		C.E.T Aquadent Dental Solution for Dogs and Cats	Buy Here

Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before adding any new supplements to your dog’s diet.

By following these tips, you can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, which will result in a happier, more comfortable pup!