Are you really what you eat?

We sure hope not when it comes to pups as they put some of the strangest things in their mouths!

What we do know is that there are a lot of things that contribute to a dog’s oral health and diet is definitely one of them.

So, let’s explore how you can ensure your dog maintains healthy teeth, gums and mouth.

Common Oral Problems For Pups

Pups can be susceptible to some common oral health issues. The main ones to watch for are:

• Tartar and Plaque: Just like us humans, doggos can experience tartar and plaque build-up on their teeth. Without tending to it, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum irritation and tooth decay.
• Bad Breath: Pups tend to have some rather ‘fragrant’ breath, shall we say. While it’s normal to have some amount of stinkiness, particularly bad smelling breath can be a sign of oral health issues.
• Tooth Fractures: Unfortunately, doggos can sometimes chew on things that they shouldn’t. Chewing hard objects like rocks, bones, or even toys can create tooth fractures or broken teeth. This can lead to pain or potential infection in the mouth.
• Gingivitis: This is early stage gum disease and can be recognised by a few key symptoms. Usually characterised by red, swollen gums that may bleed, Gingivitis is reversible with the right dental care.
• Periodontal Disease: One of the biggest dental issues for our furry friends is periodontal disease. It often begins with plaque and tartar build-up, progressing to gingivitis. If that is not noticed or treated, it can progress to periodontitis where the structures that support your pup’s teeth are damaged.

What Can You Do To Encourage Good Oral Health?

Right, so now we know what can potentially happen in your pup’s mouth, what can you do to prevent these dental issues from occurring?

It is all about encouraging good oral health. Here’s how you can do that:

Be Aware

One of the best ways to stay on top of dental issues is to be aware of what is healthy for your dog and what habits they have that could threaten their ‘normal’.

As a responsible pet owner, you should regularly check your dog’s mouth. Be on the lookout for particularly bad breath, red or swollen gums, broken teeth or anything else that looks unusual. If you find anything that concerns you, then a trip to the vet can always rule out major problems or provide solutions for minor issues.

Along with regularly checking your dog’s mouth, pay attention to their chewing habits. Make sure they have access to safe chew toys and avoid things that could potentially damage their teeth. Check on your pup as they eat to ensure they aren’t favouring any area of their mouth, this could point to potential pain or dental issues.

Hydration

Staying well hydrated is a big part of overall dog health, and dental health is no different. Appropriate water intake means that your dog will have the hydration it needs to remain in good health. Water also plays the simple, yet effective role of washing away food particles or bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup over time.

So, ensure your doggo has access to plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day and night.

Brush, Brush, Brush

Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is an effective way to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues. Not only will it help to minimise the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, but it can improve their overall health and stop you from having to put up with dog breath!

Brushing helps to minimise bacteria in the mouth, leading to sweeter smelling breath. It also clears away food particles and removes plaque before it hardens into tartar. Regular brushing at home can also reduce the need for professional dental cleanings which often require anesthesia and a big bill!

When you start brushing your dog’s teeth, you need to have the right tools for the job. That includes a dog specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Human toothpaste can be harmful to dogs, but dog toothpaste is safe for them to swallow.

Start slow, especially if your pup isn’t used to having their teeth brushed. Once they are used to the taste of the toothpaste and the brushing sensation, brush each of their teeth, paying special attention to the gumline where plaque likes to accumulate.

How Diet Can Impact Oral Health

Remember when Nana used to nag at you for eating lollies, telling you that the sugar would rot your teeth? Well, the same applies to dogs!

What your pup eats can significantly impact its oral and dental health. So, it is important to be mindful of this when choosing what to feed them.

Selecting a natural food with high quality, premium ingredients is the first step. By choosing a kibble like Real Dog Food, you can ensure that your pup is getting all the nutrients it needs to promote strong teeth and healthy gums.

Certain dog food ingredients are really good for maintaining excellent oral health. Which is why our pet nutrition experts have included them in all of our dog food formulations.

Some of these ingredients are:

• Calcium: A crucial mineral for strong teeth and bones, calcium can help maintain tooth integrity, making them more resistant to damage.
• Vitamins C & E: These antioxidants support healthy gums by reducing the chance of inflammation and promoting healing.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids are found in fish oil and flaxseed, and they also help promote good gum health.
• Probiotics: The beneficial bacteria in probiotics can help to balance any nasty bacteria present in your dog’s mouth.
• Fibre: Whole grains and brown rice contain plenty of fibre, which is great for cleaning the teeth as your pup chews.

Choose The Right Dog Food

The right dog food can do wonders for preventing tooth decay and other dental issues. Real Dog Food is the ultimate choice for your pup as it has been carefully formulated by dog lovers, pet nutritionists and professors of animal nutrition to support excellent dog health.

With the inclusion of key factors like calcium, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, your pup will have all the good stuff it needs to maintain healthy teeth.

Browse our range of kibbles now to choose the right option for your doggo!