Dental disease is one of the most common problems veterinarians see in dogs, and it only gets worse when it’s ignored. In this interview, veterinarian Dr. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM sits down with Kate O’Connor to explain why dental care matters and how to keep your dog’s mouth healthy at home.
Why it matters
Dental disease is progressive. Plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to gingivitis, then periodontal disease, and eventually loose, painful teeth. The bacteria and inflammation don’t stay in the mouth, either — they can affect the rest of the body, including the heart.
Signs of a problem
Bad breath is usually the first thing owners notice. Also watch for less interest in chewing, changes in eating, or blood on a chew toy.
The at-home gold standard
Daily brushing with a veterinary enzymatic toothpaste is still the gold standard. Skip human toothpaste — dogs swallow it, and they don’t need the fluoride. The enzymes in a veterinary paste break down plaque before it hardens into tartar. Start young if you can, and build the habit slowly with rewards.
Where professional cleanings fit
Cleanings aren’t automatically a once-a-year event. Your veterinarian is the best judge of when the first one is needed and how often after that. One thing to keep in mind: a cleaning won’t hold if nothing changes at home. Without ongoing care, teeth tend to end up right back where they started within a year or so.
Products Dr. Fatcheric likes
She reaches for Virbac CET enzymatic paste and CET dental chews, and her newest favorite is Proden PlaqueOff, a dried-seaweed powder you add to food. Because seaweed is high in iodine, follow the dosing directions carefully.
The bottom line
Dental disease is expected to get worse, not better, so the time to act is now. If your dog has clean, healthy teeth, put in the effort to keep them that way. If tartar has already built up, don’t wait to get a cleaning and start a home care routine.
Dr. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM is a veterinarian and Whole Dog Journal contributor.
