Oral Health for Dogs

Healthy Mouths Start at Home: 5 Ways to Promote Oral Health

1. Brush 2-3 times a week. Brushing a dog’s teeth is the most effective method of keeping teeth and gums healthy. Brushing teeth will help control plaque build up, which needs to be removed from a dog’s teeth before it mineralizes into tartar.

It’s best to introduce a dental hygiene regimen slowly, ensuring a comfortable and happy experience for all. For more information, refer to our How to Brush a Dog's Teeth page.

 

2. Provide Chews, Treats and Toys. For dogs, chewing helps to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Safe chews and toys can keep plaque from building up on the teeth and prevent bad breath.
Many treats are available that aid in dental health. Some include ingredients to promote digestion and fight plaque, but things as simple as treat size and shape can help promote healthy teeth and gums.

For more information on chews and treats, stop by the nearest Mud Bay and talk to one of our staff members, pick up a copy of our brochure, Chewing Basics. Our Dogs Need to Chew page has helpful tips on finding the best chew for your dog.  To ensure safety, always supervise a dog when giving them new toys or treats.

 

3. Introduce Supplements for Oral Health. Intended to promote proper digestion and fight plaque and tartar, there are a number of supplements that help to keep teeth clean. Made with ingredients such as seaweed and cheese enzymes, dental supplements are available in a handful of forms including powders and liquids. Stop by one of our store locations to learn more about dental health solutions through supplements with our brochure, A Short Guide to Digestive Supplements, or simply ask one of our knowledgeable staff members for more information.
 

4. Feed Foods that Promote a Healthy Mouth Environment.

Dental Formulas. A few dry dog foods are formulated specifically to support dental health. The larger kibble size encourages chewing, which may create a gentle scrubbing action on the teeth. Most dental formulas also include ingredients that promote a healthy mouth environment.

Raw Foods. Raw foods often improve the mouth and dental health by delivering nutrition in its most natural, digestible forms. Raw bones are especially effective chews for keeping dogs’ teeth clean. Visit our Raw Food Basics page for more information.

 

5. Schedule routine check-ups with a veterinarian. Regular professional care and dental check-ups from veterinarians are essential to maintaining the health and happiness of dogs.

 

Please visit any of our stores and we’ll be happy to help you help your dog or cat.

We’re not veterinarians. Mud Bay staff are well educated, and our writing is well-researched, but neither the advice of a Mud Bay staff member nor reading Mud Bay's written materials can substitute for visiting a veterinarian. We offer carefully chosen, natural solutions, but we believe that veterinary conditions should be diagnosed and treated by professionals.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age three, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression.

Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and over time, damage the heart, liver and kidneys.

Regular professional care from a veterinarian and daily home care are the best ways to attain healthy mouths in dogs.

For more information on dogs and dental health, stop by one of our stores to talk to one of our knowledgeable store staff members and pick up a free copy of our brochure, "Oral Health for Dogs and Cats."We have a wide selection of toys and treats, suitable for nearly any dog.