Your dog's teeth

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Tartar also forms between your dog's teeth and gums. This can lead to bad breath (unpleasant for him and you), receding gums and even infections. To prevent such problems, you should establish a regular oral care routine for your dog and visit your veterinarian yearly.

Brushing your dog's teeth

The most effective solution against tartar is to brush your dog's teeth twice weekly for about a minute. Starting early on, when your dog is eight months old, will make it almost a game for him.

The first few times, touch his lips and front teeth with your finger. Dip your finger in a broth or other flavour he likes or use a fingerstall.

Next, when your dog has gotten used to your fingers in his mouth, brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Go slowly, starting with his front teeth. Remember to give him a treat after each brushing.

As your dog gets used to brushing, you can then begin brushing his back teeth. For his front teeth, move the brush vertically from the gum line towards the points of the teeth. For his back teeth, you can use a back-and-forth motion.

Dry food

The texture of your dog's food plays a role in tartar build-up. Contrary to soft food, dry food can help your dog get rid of dental plaque. It is slightly abrasive and the fibre content has a brushing effect.

Chew treats

In addition to brushing and dry food, chew treats help get rid of tartar as your dog chews. They also increase saliva production, which acts an a natural antiseptic, limiting bacteria growth. There are many different types of chew treats, such as pig ears, rawhide bones, or bully sticks in tasty flavours.

Sprays and patches

Sprays can be used to limit bacteria growth in your dog's mouth by using it on his teeth and gums. There are also patches you can stick on his gums that release an antiseptic that fights plaque formation.

Teeth cleaning at the veterinarian's

This procedure, which is done under anaesthesia, uses a similar tool as that used on people at the dentist's and is completely painless. How often you should have it done depends on your dog and his regular oral care. Keep in mind that general anaesthesia is not without side effects. You should avoid putting your dog through it as much as possible by keeping a regular oral care routine, which is much easier on him