Dog Steals False Teeth, Cracks Up The Internet

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), by age three most dogs have some degree of dental disease. Good oral hygiene and early detection of canine dental disease is essential for your dog’s health and quality of life. Symptoms of canine dental disease include: visible tartar on your dog’s teeth and swollen, red gums, as well as bad breath. Not only is dental disease painful for dogs, if left untreated canine tooth disease can have serious health impacts for your dog, including heart disease. Some dogs, particularly toy breeds, are especially prone to dental disease.

Tooth Brushing

Regular weekly teeth brushing at home can help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and reduce tartar buildup. For brushing your dog’s teeth, you want to use a dog-specific, soft bristled toothbrush, and only use canine toothpaste. Dog toothpaste is flavored in a dog attracting way like bacon or chicken. Human toothpastes generally contain added ingredients that can be toxic to dogs so should not be used. In addition to dog toothpaste and toothbrushes, there are also dog dental wipes available. These dental wipes work similarly to brushing your dog’s teeth in terms of removing plaque but don’t allow you to get as detailed between the teeth. However, many dogs prefer dental wipes to brushing so they can be easier to use. With a tooth brushing routine, it’s all about regularity, so set yourself up for success.

Dental Chews

There are a variety of dental chews available on the market that are formulated to support canine dental health. These chews help to break down tartar on dogs’ teeth. Some dental chews are treats intended to be eaten, and others are durable chews that should not be consumed by dogs.

Training/Grooming Routine: 

If possible, it’s always best to begin to accustom your dog to tooth brushing when he ot she is a puppy. Making tooth brushing a regular part of your weekly grooming routine like nail clipping and fur brushing will help your puppy to grow into a dog that is comfortable and confident with regular grooming. If you have an older dog whose teeth haven’t been brushed before, you’ll want to start slowly and not overwhelm your dog. The goal is to keep the experience positive. If your dog is uncomfortable with tooth brushing talk, with your vet who may refer you to a positive reinforcement trainer to support you in developing a grooming routine.

Dental Screenings/Cleanings

Talk with your vet about the health and condition of your dog’s teeth. Dental screenings are an important part of regular vet exams, and your vet will be able to talk to you about your dog’s oral health and if and when they need professional cleanings.

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Sassafras Lowrey is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and author of “Tricks In The City,” “Healing/Heeling,” “Bedtime Stories For Rescue Dogs,” and the activity book “Chew This Journal” forthcoming in Summer 2020. Follow Sassafras and her canine adventures on Twitter/Instagram and at SassafrasLowrey.com