Ensuring your puppy’s dental health is crucial for their overall well-being. Proper dental care can prevent a range of issues from bad breath to more serious conditions like periodontal disease.
At the Ark Veterinary Hospital, we believe that with the right information and care, you can maintain your puppy’s oral health effectively.
Here are some practical tips to help you keep your puppy’s teeth and gums in top shape.
Understanding Puppy Dental Development
Teething Timeline
Puppies go through a teething phase just like human babies:
- 2-4 weeks: Baby teeth start to come in.
- 5-8 weeks: Most puppies will have a full set of baby teeth.
- 12-16 weeks: Baby teeth begin to fall out as adult teeth start to emerge.
- 6-8 months: By this age, most puppies will have all their adult teeth.
Recognising Teething Symptoms
Common signs that your puppy is teething include:
- Chewing on objects more than usual
- Drooling
- Red, swollen gums
- Mild irritability
- Small spots of blood on chew toys
Essential Puppy Dental Care Tips
Start Early
It’s important to start dental care early in your puppy’s life. This helps them get accustomed to the process and prevents dental problems from developing.
Brush Regularly
Regular brushing is the cornerstone of good dental hygiene. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste: Use a toothbrush designed for dogs, such as a flexible finger brush, and toothpaste that is designed for pets. Never use human toothpaste as many brands contain xylitol, a sugar toxic to dogs.
- Introduce brushing early but gradually: Start by letting your puppy taste the toothpaste. Get them used to you handling their face and lips while demonstrating to your pup there is nothing to fear. Positive associations, such as praise or a treat, can make it quite a pleasant experience. Then, gently rub your puppy’s gums with your finger before introducing the toothbrush.
- Brush in small circles: Focus on brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth. Be gentle and patient.
Provide Chew Toys
Chew toys are essential for dental health. They help clean your puppy’s teeth and soothe their gums during teething. When selecting chew toys:
- Opt for durability: Choose toys that are strong enough to withstand chewing but not so hard that they could damage your puppy’s teeth.
- Variety is key: Offer different textures to keep your puppy engaged and promote thorough cleaning.
Feed a Balanced Diet
A nutritious diet of high-quality puppy food can help maintain strong teeth and gums by providing essential minerals and nutrients for appropriate development. Avoid giving your puppy sugary treats which – like in humans – can lead to tooth decay.
Recognising Dental Problems
Common Dental Issues in Puppies
Even with proper care, puppies can develop dental issues. Here are some common problems to watch for:
- 口臭: Persistent bad breath can indicate the presence of bacteria or even something stuck in the teeth, which can lead to dental disease.
- Red, swollen gums: One of the early signs of gingivitis.
- Discoloured teeth: Yellow or brown teeth indicate plaque buildup or tartar (calcified plaque).
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth: This can signal discomfort or pain.
When to See the Vet
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for detecting and treating dental issues early. The Ark offers complimentary dental checks for all our patients, conducted by our knowledgeable nurses.
Call the Ark to disucss a dental check if you notice:
- Changes in eating habits
- Reluctance to chew or play with toys that they normally enjoy
- Visible tartar buildup (seen trough colour change)
- Loose or missing teeth
- Multiple of the same teeth – these are called retained deciduous (baby) teeth)
Advanced Dental Care
Professional Cleaning
Just like with us, while regular brushing at home is vital, professional cleanings by a veterinarian are also necessary later in life. Using similar equipment to that of a human dentist, your Ark veterinary team can carefully examine the mouth and clean below the gumline where plaque and tartar often accumulate. This procedure is done under general anaesthetic, with care taken to monitor all patients before, during and after anaesthetic.
Dental X-Rays
Sometimes, dental issues aren’t visible to the naked eye. Radiographs of the mouth including teeth and the surrounding jaw bones, can help detect problems beneath the surface that may cause pain and affect the integrity of the tooth.
Making Dental Care Fun
Positive Reinforcement
Make dental care a positive experience for your puppy. Use treats and praise to reward good behaviour during brushing and dental check-ups. Incorporate dental care into playtime with interactive toys designed to clean teeth as your puppy chews and plays.
Summary of Puppy Dental Care Tips
To keep your puppy’s teeth healthy and strong, remember to:
- Start dental care early and brush regularly.
- Provide a variety of gentle chew toys.
- Feed a balanced diet suitable for your puppy’s age and development stage.
- Ask for help if you are unsure!
At the Ark Veterinary Hospital, we place great emphasis on the importance of doggy dental care throughout their life. With a good understanding of your puppy’s dental needs early on, we can set you up in good stead to maintain your pup’s teeth and gums well into adulthood.
Book a dental check-up for your puppy today and give them the best start to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Call us at 02 9416 1300 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
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