What helps against tartar in dogs?
Many dogs suffer from tartar. The stubborn discolourations can occur, in principle, with all quadrupeds. However, small dogs with narrow jaws or teeth that are very close together are particularly frequently affected.
Why tartar is a serious problem in dogs and how it develops is explained below. We also give you tips on prevention and treatment.
How tartar develops in dogs
After each meal, a dog's teeth are covered with leftover food that mixes with saliva and bacteria. If this plaque is not removed promptly, mineral components of the saliva are increasingly deposited. This creates a solid layer and the dog gets tartar.
How to recognise tartar in dogs
Tartar can be easily detected in dogs by yellowish to brown discolouration of the teeth. Initially, only the tooth roots are affected. Over time, however, they spread further and further, so that the respective teeth of the dog are eventually completely affected by tartar.
Tartar usually forms on several teeth. Occasionally, it can even happen that a dog's entire set of teeth is affected by the characteristic discolouration.
Why tartar in dogs is a serious matter
At least, in the beginning, tartar is merely an optical flaw in the mouth of the dog. Over time, however, the discolouration spreads further and further and tartar can have serious consequences for the dog's dental health.
In the long run, tartar can cause the following symptoms, among others:
- Mouth Odour
- Gum Inflammation
- Suppurative teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth loss
Besides, problems with the teeth in dogs often lead to severe pain. As a result, animals with toothache often refuse to eat food, resulting in weight loss over time.
In addition, without proper treatment, dental disease in dogs can spread throughout the body and cause other problems such as kidney and liver damage and heart disease.
So, as you can see, tartar in dogs is a serious issue that dog owners should never ignore. To avoid serious consequences and to ensure a healthy dog's teeth in the long run, existing discolouration must always be removed promptly.
How tartar is removed in dogs
If tartar has formed on a dog's teeth, it is usually no longer possible to remove it by simply brushing with a toothbrush. Instead, professional teeth cleaning at the vet is usually necessary.
The veterinarian usually uses ultrasound for this. Occasionally, however, the dog's tartar is also removed mechanically. After cleaning the teeth, the veterinarian cleans the gum pockets and polishes the dog's teeth.
The entire treatment is carried out under general anaesthetic, which makes the removal of the tartar a burden on the dog's body that should not be underestimated.
How tartar can be avoided in dogs
Given the possible consequences and the time and effort involved in cleaning teeth at the vet, it is advisable to avoid the formation of tartar in dogs from the outset.
Daily care of the teeth is therefore an absolute must. Dog owners can use a suitable toothbrush and special toothpaste for dogs for this purpose. Also, chewing toys and dog chews can help to remove food residues and plaque promptly so that no tartar can form on the dog's teeth.
The right dog food against tartar in dogs
It is often recommended to counteract dental plaque by exclusively feeding dry dog food. However, this does not bring any significant advantages for dental health compared to feeding wet food.
The composition of dog food can make a big difference in terms of preventing tartar in dogs. By preferring dog food made from natural ingredients, without cereals or added sugar, you can provide your dog with the best possible nutrition and help prevent plaque build-up.
Nevertheless, you should continue to pay attention to dental care.
Counteract tartar in dogs with Bellfor
Healthy teeth are crucial for the well-being of your dog. To support you with their daily dental care, we have developed special care products for the gentle tooth cleaning of dogs.
Dental powder from Bellfor
Bellfor Dental Powder is a natural food additive that you can easily mix into the dog food. Bellfor Dental Powder contains special ingredients like diatomaceous earth and algae. These help to soften tartar that has already formed in dogs. This makes it easier to remove. Furthermore, our dental powder helps to prevent mouth odour and the formation of new plaque.
Dental Sticks from Bellfor
Dogs have a natural chewing instinct, which you can use for dental care. With Bellfor Dental Sticks you choose a natural chewing snack with algae and diatoms for this purpose. Thanks to their special composition, these tasty sticks support daily dental cleaning and the prevention of tartar in dogs.
Our conclusion about tartar in dogs
Normally it is hardly possible to miss tartar in dogs. However, many dog owners do not take notice of the discolouration on their dog’s teeth and consider it harmless. In the long run, however, this can have serious consequences for affected dogs, including pain and fallen teeth.
To avoid this, you should have tartar removed from your dog as soon as possible, or counteract its development in advance. With Dental Powder and Dental Sticks from Bellfor, you will find two natural products in our range that you can use for this purpose.
Leave your comment