Dog breath – everyone knows the smell! We have all had the unpleasant experience of taking a big whiff of our pet’s breath. It’s common, but is it healthy? Is there anything you can do about it? The answers may surprise you.
Just like humans, all animals have a normal population of bacteria in their mouths. Many of these bacteria produce a stinky odor – and left unchecked, contribute to dental plaque and tartar accumulation over time. Unlike humans, pets cannot brush their own teeth every day. This is where pet owners and veterinarians come in!
Daily brushing is recommended as the most effective home care treatment available for our pets. A soft, nylon-bristled human toothbrush is recommended. Human toothpaste is AVOIDED because it may contain fluoride and detergents that are harmful if swallowed. Toothbrush and water is best for dogs as you get better brushing action when they are not trying to chew the brush. Develop a routine in a comfortable area of your house for you and your pet. Gently lift the lips and handle the mouth to allow your pet to become comfortable.
To introduce brushing:
1. For the first week, just brush one or two teeth; immediately follow with a dental treat and
praise.
2. In the second week, increase the number of teeth brushed until you get the entire mouth;
immediately follow with a dental treat and praise.
Do not force while brushing. The toothbrush is placed at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and, using a circular motion, the outside surfaces of the teeth are brushed, then the insides of the teeth.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) authorizes the use of the VOHC Registered Seal on products intended to help retard plaque and tartar on the teeth of animals. VOHC exists to recognize products that meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) retardation in
dogs and cats. Products are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance following review of data from trials conducted according to VOHC protocols. The VOHC does not test products itself. The VOHC Seal is displayed on products that have been awarded the Seal and a current list of
products that bear the seal can be found at http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm
Products designed to be chewed by animals may occasionally cause intestinal problems or injury if not appropriate for the animal, if not used as intended by the manufacturer, or as the result of some other cause, so we recommend that animals be observed while they are chewing
a dental treat or chew. Additionally, chew treats often come in different sizes. Please be sure that you feed the right size product to your dog, and observe the dog the first few time that she or he is given the chew – do not continue to give the chew if the dog takes one bite and
swallows it – chews work best when the dog obtains at least a couple of minutes of chewing time. The chewing action is more important than the total time spent chewing. An example being that Greenies treats are typically consumed rapidly while providing plaque removal benefits;
giving a larger than recommended chew will not increase the benefit and could increase the risk of a complication by the pet swallowing a piece of the chew that is too large.
Even with the best daily brushing at home, bad breath and plaque can still persist. This is where the veterinarian comes in. Just as human dentists recommend regular dental “cleanings”, so do we! In the veterinary world we call this a COHAT – or Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. This is a procedure that must be completed under anesthesia. Please talk to your veterinarian about whether or not this is recommended for your pet. Aside from helping with that all-too-familiar dog breath smell, regular dental care can add years of comfort and health to your pet’s life.