People often assume that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans, yet it would be inaccurate to compare dog and human mouths directly as both species contain approximately 600 different strains of bacteria in their mouths.
Although most bacteria present in a dog’s saliva is non-zoonotic (can’t make you sick), some such as salmonella and rabies could make you ill and this makes the answer to how clean a dogs mouth really depend on his/her dental hygiene practices.
Table of Contents
1. Daily Brushing
Brushing your pet’s fur is more than just an enjoyable activity; it also removes dead hair, dirt and tangles – especially important for dogs with long fur that needs regular brushing to remain healthy and free from mats. Brushing also allows you to perform a full body exam of them while doing this task, so you can check for cuts, lumps or parasites which may need treatment as you brush.
Most dogs with bad breath suffer from dental or gum disease, which can be prevented with daily brushing. Brushing will remove tartar and food debris from between their teeth and gums to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and avoid serious health complications.
After bathing or swimming, use a damp cloth to wipe the ears with care to help avoid infection. Wiping their ears afterward allows excess water to drain out while also giving you the opportunity to spot signs of redness, swelling, debris build-up or foul odor that could indicate an infection which requires immediate medical treatment from a veterinarian.
Brushing your dog should start early to help them adjust, though even older pets can learn to enjoy brushing if you go slow and use toothpaste specifically designed for canines (toothpaste meant for humans can lead to choking) so they’re less likely to swallow it. Also be sure to cover all surfaces of their teeth, where bacteria live.
While brushing, be sure to pay extra attention to grooming your dog’s ears, tail and legs as these areas often hide dirt, bugs and dandruff that could cause irritation if left untreated. In addition, this gives you an opportunity to spot fleas or ticks lurking in their coat – before they become an issue! If your pup has short fur consider investing in a slicker brush which will efficiently remove loose hair without harming its coat or creating knots in its coat.
2. Dental Chews
Dog dental chews and treats are an invaluable addition to any oral hygiene regime, helping reduce plaque and tartar accumulation that leads to gum disease and bad breath, making brushing easier, as well as making life simpler for their owners! They should not, however, replace daily brushing sessions or dental cleaning appointments.
Many dental chews feature unique shapes or textures designed to get into all corners of a dog’s teeth and gums, polish them, and freshen their breath. When selecting dental chews for your dog, please consult with their veterinarian as they can suggest which chews have the greatest cleaning power for their pet as well as which are more palatable for his taste buds.
If you’re new to selecting dental chews for your pet, start with one from a renowned brand like Purina Dentalife. Their heart-shaped designs with ridges target hard-to-reach areas of your dogs’ teeth while their blend of natural ingredients such as alfalfa, parsley and mint helps refresh breath odor. Perfect for most breeds and sizes available!
Bocce’s Bakery also offers chews with natural ingredients like fennel and mint to promote fresh breath, made right here in America and grain-free and low in fat content.
Keep in mind that dental chews don’t always remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth; oftentimes they just scrape it off to reduce build-up that could result in gum disease, bad breath or bad breath. If your pup exhibits signs of bad breath it is essential that they visit a veterinarian for professional teeth cleaning as well as oral examination to detect periodontal disease and provide treatment accordingly.
3. Mouthwash
Recently there has been an increasing emphasis on encouraging pet owners to brush their dogs’ and cats’ teeth regularly and remove plaque build-up. Brushing alone may not suffice – there are various products designed to enhance dental health for dogs and cats like toothpaste, toothbrushes and even doggy mouthwash that can aid with this task. These may include chlorinehexidine for fighting bad breath while xylitol has become popular over recent years for its low glycemic index index rating and ability to reduce plaque.
Mouthwash can be an effective addition to a dog’s oral care regime when combined with daily brushing and dental chews. It can help eliminate some of the bacteria responsible for bad breath while simultaneously supporting healthy gums and teeth – though remember, mouthwash cannot replace professional non-anesthetic dental cleaning services performed by veterinarians.
One effective way to ensure the oral hygiene of your dog is using chlorhexidine mouthwash on a daily basis. The product is easy to use and will be welcomed by your oral healthcare routine – simply mix according to instructions on the bottle and give your pup some to drink daily!
One way you can assist your dog’s oral health is by feeding them a diet rich in essential nutrients. A poor diet can cause gum problems that lead to foul breath odor, so seeking advice from a vet regarding which types of food would best meet their age, nutritional requirements and any health conditions they have should help make an impactful statement about what kind of care your pup receives from their vet.
Keep in mind that only specially-formulated dog mouthwash should be used. Any human-grade mouthwash will contain ingredients harmful to their health and likely contain alcohol which is dangerous for canines. When selecting the ideal mouthwash for your pup, look for something without alcohol as well as one without xylitol as the latter can trigger hypoglycemia in certain breeds of canine.
4. Regular Checkups
When we encounter our furry companions licking us, our instinct may be to question where that saliva-covered mouth has been and if its germs may have infiltrated their system. But is the popular belief that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than ours actually accurate?
Truth be told, comparing the bacteria present in dog and human mouths would be like comparing apples to oranges. Both species possess approximately 600 distinct kinds of bacteria which could potentially cause disease when present in large quantities.
Porphyromonas bacteria, for instance, which cause periodontal disease in both humans and dogs alike. This bacterium’s primary purpose is gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease), bad breath and tooth/bone loss – all symptoms which can be avoided through daily brushing and professional cleanings.
Dogs don’t always think before sticking their noses where it shouldn’t go, which can result in them inhaling various germs that accumulate on the teeth to form dental plaque that accumulates over time causing gum disease, bad breath and even tooth damage if not cleaned regularly by their veterinarian. Therefore it is very important for pets to receive regular dental cleaning from their vet.
Studies have demonstrated that dogs who receive regular professional dental cleanings experience significantly fewer dental issues. You can help ensure your pup maintains a healthy mouth by providing him or her with textured chew toys to combat stinky breath and build-up of tartar build-up.
Alongside excellent dental hygiene, proper diet and regular checkups with your veterinarian are also key elements to overall dog health. Connect with them today to discover more ways you can keep their teeth and mouth in tiptop condition!