Table of Contents
- What is tartar in dogs and how does it develop?
- Consequences of tartar in dogs
- Removing canine tartar: methods and tips
- Preventing tartar in dogs
- Veterinary dental cleaning: Anesthesia and alternatives
- Product recommendation for tartar in dogs: BugBell Functional dog treat DentalShine
What is tartar in dogs and how does it develop?
Tartar in dogs is more than just a cosmetic problem – it can lead to serious health consequences. While many dog owners know they need to care for their dogs' dental health, some lesser-known details are crucial for successful prevention and treatment.
Tartar in dogs develops through the mineralization of plaque, which hardens due to mineral-rich saliva. What many don't know: The composition of saliva plays a significant role in tartar formation in dogs. Dogs with higher calcium and phosphate content in their saliva develop tartar faster.
Another often overlooked detail: Tartar usually forms at the junction of the gum and the tooth. Bacteria accumulate in these "gingival pockets," which are difficult to spot, leading to tartar often being noticed late.
Consequences of tartar in dogs
Untreated tartar in dogs can have severe consequences. What many dog owners don't know: Dental diseases not only affect the mouth. The bacteria that thrive in the gingival pockets and on tartar can enter the bloodstream, causing systemic diseases. Chronic inflammation of the oral mucosa is associated with an increased risk of heart and kidney diseases in dogs.
Even mild signs of tartar in dogs, such as bad breath or bleeding gums, should therefore be taken seriously. Studies show that dogs with untreated periodontitis have a higher risk of heart failure and kidney problems in old age.
Removing canine tartar: methods and tips
The removal of tartar in dogs can be done in various ways:
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Professional dental cleaning for dogs at the vet:
Professional dental cleaning is often performed under anesthesia and effectively done with ultrasound devices.
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Ultrasonic toothbrushes for dogs:
These special toothbrushes work with vibrations that can loosen plaque without damaging tooth enamel.
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Laser treatments:
Lasers offer a minimally invasive way to remove tartar in dogs, often even without anesthesia.
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Plaque-breaking gels and sprays:
These products soften plaque and, in combination with chew products, can significantly reduce tartar in dogs.
Preventing tartar in dogs
Nutrition plays a crucial role in tartar formation in dogs. Many Dry dog food brands advertise that their products mechanically clean dogs' teeth due to their firm consistency. However, this can only have a minimal effect on actual plaque removal. Soft wet dog food and certain ingredients, on the other hand, promote plaque formation more if dental care is not sufficiently maintained.
What is often overlooked: The addition of special food supplements can also positively influence dental health. Seaweed extract or brown algae are natural ingredients that can help reduce plaque formation and thus prevent tartar formation in dogs.
Another little-known detail is the importance of chewing activity for dental health. Dogs that regularly chew on hard chew items (such as special dental care chew bones or raw bones) develop less tartar, as chewing mechanically scrapes off plaque.
Supplements with natural ingredients like seaweed extract, brown algae, or sodium hexametaphosphate can help reduce plaque formation. Hard chew products also contribute to the mechanical cleaning of teeth.
Veterinary dental cleaning: Anesthesia and alternatives
Many dog owners are reluctant to have their dog undergo professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. But here too, there have been advances: There are now gentler anesthetic procedures that are less stressful for the dog's circulatory system, especially for older or ailing animals. A thorough examination before dental cleaning in dogs can also help minimize the anesthetic risk.
Alternatively, some veterinarians perform dental cleaning without anesthesia, especially when there is little tartar or the dog is particularly cooperative.
Product recommendation for tartar in dogs: BugBell Functional dog treat DentalShine
Your dog's dental health should be just as important as coat care or exercise. Tartar can not only impair your four-legged friend's quality of life but also cause serious health problems that extend far beyond the mouth.
To support your dog's dental health, BugBell DentalShine can be a valuable addition. This snack contains ingredients specifically developed to combat tartar and bad breath:
- Amaranth flour (35%) and potato flakes (29%): Easily digestible and a healthy base for the snack.
- Parsley (3%) and peppermint herb (3%): These herbs effectively help reduce bad breath.
- Sodium hexametaphosphate (1.5%): This ingredient helps prevent tartar.
- Eggshell powder (1.5%) and brown algae: These ingredients promote healthy teeth and gums.
- Green tea (0.5%): Rich in antioxidants that contribute to overall oral health.
BugBell DentalShine is the ideal solution to prevent tartar formation in dogs and promote oral health – without extensive dental cleanings!
