How to Control Plaque & Tartar in Dogs

Doggy breath is no laughing matter. By age 3, about 80 percent of dogs have gum disease. The soft, sticky plaque hardens into tartar and forms pockets of bacteria along the dog's gum line, eventually loosening its teeth and causing severe pain. In the advanced stages of periodontal disease, the bacteria from the rotting teeth enter the bloodstream and can cause liver, kidney and heart damage. By controlling your dog's plaque and tartar, you can save its teeth and prevent bone and tissue decay.

Things You'll Need

  • Dry kibble
  • Dog toothbrush
  • Chicken flavored toothpaste
  • Plaque removal toys
  • Plaque removal treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your dog dry kibble and limit sticky, wet foods. The gelatinous, gummy consistency of soft canned foods and most "people food" leaves a thick layer of grime on your dog's pearly whites. Alternatively, the crisp, firm consistency of dry kibble chews clean, leaving less residue on the teeth and resulting in less plaque.

    • 2

      Brush your dog's teeth every day. You may get a few crazy looks from your family members, but brushing your dog's teeth is one of the most effective ways to rein in tartar and plaque. Think of how yucky your own teeth feel if you skip brushing for just one day. Your dog obviously won't spit and rinse, so use a meat flavored toothpaste formulated for dogs.

    • 3

      Give your dog dental health treats and toys. The material in certain dog toys cleans the teeth in a non-abrasive way. You can also give him anti-plaque fluoride tablets or dental bones sold at any pet store. These toys limit plaque buildup but are not substitutes for regular brushing and proper food.

    • 4

      Schedule a professional dental cleaning for your vet. During the procedure, the vet will put your dog under anesthesia and scale off the hardened tartar along your dog's gum line. She may need to extract rotten teeth in severe cases. The bill can easily cost several hundred dollars, especially for an older dog with more tooth damage. However, many owners find that their dog acts years younger after the surgery because his body is no longer fighting the bacteria and pain.