Puppies get their first milk teeth at four to five weeks. But just three months later, these are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. The change of teeth is usually complete at six to seven months. At this point, most young dogs have 42 teeth - which must last their entire lives. To avoid dental problems, dog owners should take care of their furry friend's dental health from an early age. We'll tell you how to take the best care of your four-legged friend's teeth.

Why is it important to clean your dog's teeth?

If the dog's teeth are not cleaned, dental problems can arise. It often starts with plaque, a soft dental plaque. This is formed when food remains stick to the teeth and bacteria accumulate there. Plaque can often be removed with a good dental care routine. However, the minerals in the dog's saliva can quickly turn plaque into tartar. This can only be removed by a veterinarian with a dental cleaning. Unlike humans, dogs are anesthetized during a dental cleaning. So in order not to expose your loyal companion to any unnecessary risk, you should take care of his dental care early on.

Natural dental care with suitable dog food & chews

Dental care for dogs begins with the choice of food. Chewing cleans the teeth naturally. Since dogs don't have to chew as much when eating wet food, we recommend a high-quality dry food like that from VEGDOG.

Chewing items can also help to clean teeth. They satisfy the dog's natural chewing instinct, strengthen its chewing muscles and remove plaque. In addition to the classic chewing bones, there are also special dental care sticks. Your four-legged friend will have a lot of fun chewing with VEGDOG DENTALS , among other things. These dental sticks for dogs were developed together with veterinarians and, thanks to their sponge structure, have a cleaning effect on the teeth. They can help to reduce plaque and massage the gums. Chewing sticks made from grapevines, olives and coffee wood are also suitable for fighting plaque.

Dental care products for your furry friend

It has become common knowledge that dogs' teeth need care. After all, there are a variety of dental care products on the market that have been specially developed for dogs. Below we will tell you which products can help you with your pet's dental care.

Dog Toothbrushes, Finger Cots & Toothpaste

If you want to brush your dog's teeth, you are spoiled for choice between numerous products. There are dog toothbrushes that are designed like our own manual toothbrushes. However, there are also models made of silicone, as well as ultra-modern ultrasonic toothbrushes. For dogs that don't like having a "foreign object" in their mouth, there are so-called finger cots. These are small covers made of fabric or silicone that are pulled over the first joint of the finger. This allows you to gently brush your furry friend's teeth with your finger.

However, a toothbrush alone is less helpful - you also need a suitable dog toothpaste. Please note that you should never use toothpaste for humans, as this can be toxic for dogs. Therefore, buy a special toothpaste for dogs. This can also have a delicious taste, so that your furry friend will happily put up with having his teeth brushed.

Toothbrush Flakes & Dental Spray for Dogs

To support the dental hygiene of dogs, there are so-called toothbrush flakes on the market. These have antibacterial ingredients and are given to the four-legged friend after feeding to prevent the bacteria from multiplying in the mouth and plaque from forming. Dental or tooth care sprays have a similar effect. Depending on the manufacturer, they are sprayed onto the food, into the water or directly into the dog's mouth after feeding. The sprays are intended to minimize mouth odor and reduce plaque. These dental care products are a good alternative for dogs who do not like brushing their teeth.

dog toys for dental care

Toys have now even been developed that help with dental care while playing. Among other things, there are dental care balls that are rubberized and have knobs that work like a toothbrush when you bite into them. The knobs penetrate into the spaces between the teeth and rub off surface plaque. Many of these dental care toys can also be used in combination with dog toothpaste.

Brushing your dog’s teeth: How it works!

You can't brush your furry friend's teeth overnight. Brushing your dog's teeth takes a lot of time and patience. You have to get your darling used to it slowly. The best way to start is to show him in a playful way that it's OK to open his mouth and touch his teeth. If that works well, you can gradually introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste and then start with small sequences of brushing your teeth. Always be gentle when brushing and don't apply too much pressure. To get your dog used to the new dental care routine, you should practice brushing your teeth every day.

Conclusion: Does dental care make sense for dogs?

Overall, dental care for dogs is definitely a good idea and should be taken seriously by dog ​​owners. Regular dental care not only contributes to the dog's oral health, but also has a positive effect on its general well-being. Daily dental care is highly recommended and can look different due to the numerous options. We at VEGDOG rely on our VEGDOG DENTALS , daily tooth brushing and regular check-ups at the vet.