Dental problems sometimes occur in dogs. If your dog has tooth decay, toothache or missing teeth, it can make feeding difficult. There are things you can do to reduce discomfort and keep them happy.
Dental disease can affect dogs just as it does humans. Poor quality food with added sugar can cause dental decay in canines, buildup of tartar and bad breath. If the problem becomes severe, the dog might have to get some of their teeth removed. Some things can be done to promote a dog’s dental health.
1. Give them soft dog food
If the dog has missing teeth or has had some removed — which is more common in senior dogs — warm water or meat broth can be added to dry food to soften it and make it easier to eat. Alternatively, soft dry dog food for senior dogs is available, which is easier to digest.
2. Brush their teeth
It might sound crazy, but dog’s need to brush their teeth too. Owners can do this by purchasing dog toothpaste (flavored with meat flavorings that appeal to dogs and contain ingredients that are safe for dogs).
They can buy a toothbrush designed for dogs. If there isn’t one available, a child-sized toothbrush or a pair of pantyhose or gauze wrapped around a finger can be used instead. Likewise, dental chews entertain a dog while getting rid of plaque and tartar, keeping their breath fresh.
3. Take them to the vet
If the dog has periodontal disease, they will need an oral exam at the vet. If any disease is detected, they might need to have go under sedation so that the vet can check the extent of the disease and treat it with deep cleaning.
Dental problems in dogs can cause pain and bad breath as well as putting a dog at risk of other health problems. Regular tooth brushing, dental chews and vet visits can help, as well as soft food for dogs.