Healthy teeth and gums are usually a sign of good overall health in your pet – so make sure you’re up to speed on the best dental care for dogs!

As well as brushing their teeth and regular checks with the vet, you can protect your furry friend’s oral hygiene in a number of ways, as we’ll explain below.

Why is dental care important for dogs?

Like with humans, dogs’ teeth and gums are vulnerable to decay and infections if they are not cared for properly.

Tooth loss can make it hard to eat, restricting dietary choices, while bacteria from infections can cause health problems in other parts of your dog’s body – such as the heart of kidneys –  if left untreated.

Pain caused by tooth or gum problems can also lead to behavioural issues.

What are the signs that your dog needs better dental care?

A vet will look for early indications of problems inside the mouth but you can also help your pet by keeping an eye out for the following conditions:

• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Broken teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Trouble eating
• Discoloured teeth

Six top tips for dental care for dogs

#1 Veterinary dentists will clean up your pup’s mouth but you can also maintain oral hygiene at home.

Regular use of a pet toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste (don’t use your own one – human toothpaste can be harmful to pets) is vital for effective dental care for dogs.

We recommend the Nylabone range of dental care products, which includes complete kits and separate finger brushes and toothpaste to give your dog the best dental care!

We also stock an excellent range of dental kits, teething gels, toothbrushes and breath fresheners by Tropiclean which provide comprehensive dental care for dogs.

#2 Hydrate and promote oral health at the same time with this two-in-one solution!

Aquadent Fr3SH Water Additive is a great way to fight bad breath and maintain teeth, especially for pets who don’t like toothbrushes. Just add it to their daily drinking water to help control plaque and prevent tartar buildup.

#3 Combine your pet’s play with good dental practices from a young age!

PetStages dental chews and teeth cooling sticks are great for small dogs and puppies – they not only relieve boredom but also encourage healthy chewing behaviour.

#4 Dental chews are ideal for maintaining your pet’s oral health at all stages of life.

Try the TastyBone dental range – made from 100% virgin nylon, the super durable Trio Bones, TastyBrush and Dental Bone are designed for maximum mouth hygiene!

#5 You can also try a natural alternative to keep your doggo chewing!

Platinum Ranch Deer Antler chews are sourced from the best of the best in NZ – they are long lasting, full of natural vitamins, easy on the digestive system and available in a range of sizes to best suit your furbaby’s dental needs.

Raw bones are another great way to naturally improve dental care for dogs – chewing on them clears away food particles and helps stop plaque buildup.

Biophive’s NZ Natural range has a wide variety of mouth-friendly chews that your doggo will adore – from bones and hooves to bully sticks, these are perfect for improving dental care for dogs.

Bonno’s Natural Manuka Wood Chews are softer than bone or antler but still long-lasting with splinter-free fragments for a safe and enjoyable gnawing experience!

#6 Feed your dog a special dental diet

Black Hawk’s Healthy Benefits Dental dry food features a unique teardrop kibble designed specifically to encourage maximum chewing activity, ‘crunching’, and tooth-surface contact.

If you need any more tips about dental care for dogs, then please talk to your vet or contact us for more product suggestions.