Puppies get their first milk teeth at four to five weeks old. But just three months later, these are gradually replaced by the permanent teeth. As a rule, the change of teeth is completed 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 dog's dental health from an early age. We'll tell you how to take optimum care of your four-legged friend's teeth.

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

If your dog's teeth are not cleaned, this can lead to dental problems. It often starts with plaque, a soft coating on the teeth. This occurs when leftover food sticks 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 vet with a dental cleaning. Unlike humans, dogs are anaesthetized during a dental cleaning. To avoid exposing your faithful companion to unnecessary risk, you should take care of their dental care at an early stage.

Natural dental care with suitable dog food & chew articles

Dog dental care starts with the choice of food. Chewing naturally cleans the teeth. As dogs tend to chew less when eating wet food, we recommend high-quality dry food such as VEGDOG.

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

Dental care products for your furry friend

It is now 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. In the following, we'll tell you which products can help you care for your pet's teeth.

Dog toothbrushes, finger cots & Toothpaste

If you want to brush your dog's teeth, you are spoilt for choice between numerous products. There are dog toothbrushes that are similar in design to 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 phalanx of the finger. This allows you to gently brush your furry friend's teeth with your finger.

However, a toothbrush alone is less helpful - a suitable dog toothpaste is also required. Please note that you should never use toothpaste for humans, as this can be toxic to dogs. Therefore, buy a special toothpaste for dogs. It also has a delicious taste so that your furry friend will enjoy brushing their teeth.

toothbrush flakes & Dentalsspray for dogs

To support dogs' dental hygiene, 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 bacteria from multiplying in the mouth and plaque from forming. Dental sprays have a similar effect. Depending on the manufacturer, they are sprayed onto the food, into the water or directly into the mouth of the furry friend after feeding. The sprays are intended to minimize mouth odour and reduce dental plaque. These dental care products are a good alternative for dogs that don't like having their teeth brushed.

Dog toys for dental care

Today, toys have even been developed that contribute to dental care while playing. Among other things, there are dental care balls that are rubberized and studded and work like a toothbrush when bitten on. The nubs penetrate the spaces between the teeth and rub off superficial plaque. Many of these dental care toys can also be used in combination with a 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 need to get your pet used to it slowly. It's best to start by playfully showing him that it's okay to open his mouth and touch his teeth. If this works well, you can gradually establish the toothbrush and toothpaste and then start with small sequences of brushing. 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 train them to brush their teeth every day.

Conclusion: Is dental care for dogs a good idea?

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