Puppy Dental Care: When to Start and What to Use
- Why Taking Care of a Puppy’s Gums Is a Must?
- Should Oral Hygiene Be Introduced?
- What to Use?
- Signs of Mouth Trouble Puppy Parents Should Watch for
Bringing a puppy home? Congrats on a new adorable family member! Getting a mutt is a wonderful experience that excites everyone in the house and…raises a lot of questions about how to take care of a furry buddy. In our blog, we cover various topics on canines’ health, from what products are the best for dog bad breath to how to keep healthy teeth and gums with your poochie. On the latter, we'll talk below.
Taking Care of a Puppy’s Gums Is a Must?
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According to the United States Department of Agriculture, over 80% of canines over the age of 2 have periodontal disease – inflammation of tissues and bone that surround and support the teeth because of bacteria. Just like us, they might have plaque, tartar, gum disease, tooth loss, and other issues if dental hygiene is poor or absent. However, it’s not the worst part. Lack of oral care doesn’t just end with dogs teeth yellow. Bacteria from the gums enter the bloodstream sooner or later and affect the kidneys, liver, and heart of the animal.
Should Oral Hygiene Be Introduced?
Based on the work “A Guide to Looking After Your Dog's Teeth” by the experts of the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, your new companion will have a full pack of 28 deciduous teeth by 12 weeks of age. At 16 weeks old, they get loose and fall out to provide space for permanent teeth. We at Healthywoof.com have been there, so here’s a little warning for you: don’t freak out if you see teeth on the floor or their bedding – it’s totally fine!
When the new family member is 6 weeks old, it’s time to make mouth hygiene part of your four-legged friend’s routine. Thus, your puppy will get used to the process faster than you know. The more comfortable the fluffy tail is with a brush, the easier it will be to use chews, green dental powder for dogs, or any other products for at-home care.
What to Use?
To keep your pup happy and their smile sparkling, use the stuff below:
- Puppy-friendly brush. Time-tested brush helps combat dog teeth yellow color problem and prevent plaque. Use a soft one designed for baby dogs. They’re small and gentle.
- Paste. The one you use to brush your teeth is taboo! Use products that contain a specific dental formula for dogs. Typically flavored with vanilla, poultry, and peanut butter, it makes the process more enjoyable for, well, both of you.
- Toys and chews. Chewing is the best natural fang cleaner! Pick Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved products. They’ll keep the pup’s mouth active and even massage the baby's delicate gums.
- Water additives. If in need of the best dental additive for dogs that is easy to use, pick the ones you can add to your good boy’s drinking water. Based on “A Water Additive with Pomegranate Can Reduce Dental Plaque and Calculus Accumulation in Dogs” in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2021), some antibacterial and enzymatic water additives reduce plaque and boost mouth health.
- Dental wipes. Your buddy isn’t ready to deal with a brush yet? No worries! A puppy and a dog with yellow teeth are going to love dental wipes that help get rid of plaque and get the baby dog used to having their mouth cleaned.
Professional teeth cleanings. Approach vets to clean that yellow and green stuff on dogs teeth when they’re between 1-2 years old. Keep in mind that smaller breeds are more prone to dental issues than their larger buddies. Get them to the professionals by age 2.
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When it comes to the frequency of the cleaning procedure, we recommend that you do it daily or 3-4 times per week. Just a couple of minutes to invest in your pet’s health and prevent a wide range of conditions.
Signs of Mouth Trouble Puppy Parents Should Watch for
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The bad news is that even with proper and regular care, dental problems can still occur. The good news – if you make sure to notice the symptoms given below, you’ll catch in time and easily prevent dangerous conditions.
So, here are the signs it’s time to have a vet visit:
- Stinky breath (no, it has nothing to do with the “puppy breath”!).
- Gums that are red, swollen, or even bleed.
- Loose fangs (or if some are already missing).
- Puppies are reluctant to chew or eat in general.
- They paw at their mouth nonstop.
Whatever it is that you notice, book a veterinary appointment ASAP. The reps of the American Animal Hospital Association recommend taking your little tail-wiggler for a checkup every year. At the same time, professional cleanings are OK starting at age 1.
So, good luck with your cuter-than-the-cutest puppy! You’re welcome to browse our online catalog for more special treats to get your puppy used to having their teeth and mouth touched at an early age.