Do I need to clean my dog's teeth?

🦷 Don’t Overlook Your Dog’s Dental Health

As a dog groomer, I often meet #dogs who resist having their snout touched—and that can be a sign of mouth pain. Dental issues in pets don’t always present the way we expect. A dog may yawn and cry, scratch at their ears, smack their lips, lick their nose, sneeze, chatter their teeth, or drool excessively. These subtle signs can point to underlying #dental problems.

🪥 Common Signs of Dental Disease

Watch for these symptoms:

• 🦴 Yellow or brown stains near the gums (dental plaque)

• 🦷 Bad breath

• 😖 Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• 🐶 Difficulty chewing or sudden weight loss

• 🐾 Dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or resisting face contact

• 🩸 Bloody or ropey saliva

• 🍽️ Loss of appetite or interest in dry food and hard treats

• 😠 Irritability or behavioral changes

If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action.

🧠 Why Dental Care Matters

#Periodontal disease is one of the most common—and preventable—health issues in dogs. Left untreated, it can shorten a pet’s life by up to two years. It starts with tartar buildup and gum inflammation, and can progress to bone loss, loose teeth, and serious infections.

Small #dogs are especially prone to dental disease, but larger breeds like Boxers, Great Danes, and Mastiffs can also suffer from gum disorders.

🐾 How to Protect Your Dog’s Teeth

• 🩺 Schedule annual oral exams and professional cleanings

• 🥗 Feed high-quality #food

• 🚫 Avoid hard bones as chew toys

• 🪥 Brush your dog’s #teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste

• 🧸 Offer chew toys that promote dental health

• 👀 Perform regular at-home oral checks

Even #senior dogs can—and should—have their teeth cleaned. Age is not a disease, and no dog is “too old” for proper dental care.

🍎 Dog-Friendly Foods That Help

Some human foods can help naturally clean your dog’s teeth:

• Apple slices

• Carrot sticks

• Uncooked pumpkin

• Sweet potato

• Squash

These tasty treats help scrape plaque and buildup while offering nutritional benefits.

💬 Final Reminder

Whatever you do, please don’t neglect your dog’s oral health. Prevention is always better than cure. Book a dental check at least once a year—and help your dog live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Cleaning dogs teeth brushing teeth

#prevention is better than cure...