Have you ever shared a tender moment with your fur baby and their smelly breath almost knocked the wind out of you? Most pet parents can relate.
Sometimes, that pungent smell could be a sign of an underlying issue. If untreated, dental disease can spread beyond your pup’s bad breath, veterinarian Dr Angie Krause tells Women’s Health.
The infection can find its way into your doggy’s bloodstream, affecting major organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Dental health is as important as your dog’s overall health and well-being.
A buildup of plaque results in all sorts of nasties.
Thankfully, by incorporating a good oral hygiene plan into your pup’s diet, you can avoid stinky dog breath and other dental issues.
In this article, we’ll discuss what pet owners should know about dental health and dog food.
Signs of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal disease (dental disease) is the most common oral disease in dogs.
Signs of dental disease include:
- Bad breath
- Broken teeth
- Discolored teeth covered in tartar
- Reduced appetite
- Pain or swelling around the mouth
Pets three years or younger may have already developed the disease, starting with plaque that hardens into tartar which can be treated if it’s above the gumline.
Once it reaches below the jawline, that’s when infection sets in.
Veterinary dentists grade periodontal disease from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).
Depending on where your pooch sits on the scale, your vet may recommend treatment in the form of a dental cleaning or more serious case, extraction.
The Connection Between Diet and Dental Health
A well-balanced diet supports optimal health in your furry friend but also promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Scenthound suggests dog food packed with quality protein and essential nutrients.
Additives and preservatives and not your puppy’s friends. Avoid them as they’re one of the biggest contributors to dental problems.
Excessive sugar can play havoc and promote bacterial growth, so always check the dog food label for the sugar count.
Choosing the right dog food that encourages chewing will aid in removing plaque and tartar from their teeth.
Oral Care Treats
The world of healthy dog treats has expanded to include everything from biscuits to dried jerky treats to soft treats. The pet food industry has taken note of the rise of periodontal disease, says Frontiers.
Daily brushing is the most recommended course of action to avoid the disease, but it can prove difficult, especially when faced with an overexcited or anxious puppy.
Dental experts believe dog treats like jerky strips can reduce plaque, calculus, and halitosis. Even a diet including black soldier fly larvae can positively impact canine oral health.
The study showed how natural dog treats rich in black soldier flies reflected positive dental health outcomes and a drop in halitosis.
For a healthy dog treat, try chewy jerky strips or training treats filled with non-GMO fruits and grains, advises Open Farm.
Specially Formulated Kibble
Wet food is often the recommended choice of pet food, but sometimes it can stay in your dog’s mouth longer, hiding in hard-to-reach spots. The accumulation leads to infection and causes teeth to rot.
Many dog food brands have formulated kibble to help keep your doggy’s teeth clean. Acting as a toothbrush, the abrasive texture keeps away plaque and tartar.
And if your pet is getting a balanced diet from their dry food, there’s no need to supplement it with wet dog food.
Doncaster Veterinary Hospital advises pet parents who want to continue with wet food, to include dry food with or after to scrape away leftover food.
Kibble size makes a huge difference as well. If they are too small, your fur baby will chew too fast for the benefits to take effect. A bigger kibble size is best.
If your pup struggles with plaque or bad breath, most vets don’t recommend “grain-free” kibble as they have a higher concentration of carbohydrates and starch.
Ruckersville Animal Hospital says adding probiotics and prebiotics to your doggy’s diet supports dental and gastrointestinal health. But before changing your dog food brand, always consult your veterinarian.
Your canine friend should have their teeth cleaned once a year. Depending on the breed and if your dog has preexisting health conditions, vet visits can be more frequent.
Emancipet recommends taking your puppy for their first teeth cleaning when they are two or older. It can be expensive, but the onset of dental disease will cost you more in the long run. View it as an investment in your pet’s overall health.
As long as Bruno is on a well-balanced diet that promotes good oral health and goes for regular dental check-ups, he’ll be a happy little pup.