Dog Dental Care 2025: Vet-Approved Tips for Healthy Teeth 🦷🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene is more than just a cosmetic concern — it’s essential for their overall health. Poor oral care can lead to serious issues like gum disease, tooth loss, heart disease, kidney problems, and more. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean, from natural chew products to regular brushing and veterinary check-ups.

1. Natural Chew Products

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and using the right products can help remove plaque and tartar buildup while keeping your dog entertained. Here are some of the most effective natural chew options:

• Bully Sticks (Pizzle Sticks)
  Made from a bull’s pizzle, these single-ingredient treats are safe, digestible, and long-lasting. As dogs gnaw on them, plaque is naturally scraped away from their teeth, supporting overall oral hygiene.

• Rawhide
  Traditional rawhide chews can help reduce plaque and keep your dog’s teeth clean. Make sure to choose fully digestible rawhide to avoid digestive blockages or choking hazards.

• Animal Tendons
  Tendons are high in collagen and glucosamine, which are great for joint health, and their tough texture also aids in cleaning teeth naturally.

• Dental Chews
  Specially designed dental chews can scrape away plaque and tartar. Look for options made with natural ingredients and that are long-lasting to maximize dental benefits.

• Antlers and Bones
  Deer and elk antlers, or certain hard bones, provide a strong chewing workout for your dog’s jaw while helping to clean teeth. Always supervise chewing, as aggressive gnawing can fracture teeth.

Tip: Rotate different chew options to keep your dog interested while preventing overuse of hard chews.

2. Tooth Brushing

While chew toys help, tooth brushing is the most effective method for preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Here’s how to do it safely:

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste:
  Use a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs. Dog toothpaste comes in flavors like poultry or beef, making the process more enjoyable. Never use human toothpaste, which can upset your dog’s stomach.

• Frequency:
  Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing three times a week can still significantly improve oral health.

• Technique:

  1. Let your dog sniff and explore the brush to build familiarity.

  2. Lift your dog’s lips gently and brush the outer surfaces first, angling bristles towards the gums.

  3. Gradually include the inner surfaces, always moving slowly and rewarding your dog with praise or treats.

Tip: Start brushing from a young age to establish a positive routine and reduce stress.

3. Yearly Veterinary Check-Ups

Even with regular brushing and chews, professional dental care is crucial. Your veterinarian can:

• Perform a thorough dental cleaning under safe anesthesia.

• Check for gum disease, tooth decay, or infections.

• Extract damaged or infected teeth if needed.

• Provide guidance on diet, supplements, or preventive care.

For dogs with a history of dental issues, more frequent check-ups may be necessary.

4. Additional Tips for Healthy Teeth

• Balanced Diet: A proper diet helps maintain strong teeth and healthy gums. Some kibble and wet food options are specifically formulated to reduce plaque.

• Dental Water Additives: Enzyme-based additives can reduce bacteria in the mouth and support oral hygiene.

• Monitor Your Dog’s Mouth: Watch for signs of dental problems, such as bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, or red, swollen gums.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Dental health impacts your dog’s overall well-being — neglecting it can lead to systemic health problems.

• Natural chews, tooth brushing, and regular vet check-ups work together to maintain clean, healthy teeth.

• Early habits, supervision, and routine care are key to lifelong oral health.

By following these steps, you’ll help your dog maintain strong teeth and gums, reduce the risk of dental disease, and contribute to a longer, healthier, and happier life.