At Dogs In My Bed, we believe our furry friends deserve the very best. Whether they are snoozing at the foot of your bed or hogging the pillows, having a dog close by is one of life’s greatest joys. But let’s be honest: those early morning "puppy kisses" aren’t always as sweet-smelling as we’d like.
When we talk about dog care, we often focus on the fun stuff: the best toys, the fluffiest beds, and the healthiest kibble. But there is one area that often gets overlooked until it becomes a painful (and expensive) problem: dental health.
According to veterinary experts, dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen in adult dogs. By the age of three, most dogs already show some signs of periodontal disease. The good news? It is almost entirely preventable.
If you’ve been a little relaxed about your pup’s pearly whites, don’t worry: you’re not alone. Here are the seven most common mistakes dog owners make with dental health and exactly how you can fix them to keep your pup healthy and happy.
1. Assuming "Doggy Breath" is Just Normal
We’ve all heard the phrase "breath like a dog." For a long time, we just accepted that dogs are supposed to have stinky breath. This is probably the biggest mistake a pet parent can make.
The Mistake: Thinking that foul breath is just a natural part of being a dog.
The Fix: While a dog’s breath might not smell like peppermint, it shouldn't make you want to plug your nose. If your dog has a persistent, foul odor coming from their mouth, it is a major red flag. This "halitosis" is usually the first sign of periodontal disease or an underlying infection.
Instead of ignoring it, take a peek inside. Are the gums red? Is there brown gunk on the teeth? If the smell is strong, it’s time to chat with your vet. Catching it early can save your dog from pain and save you from a massive vet bill down the road.
2. Relying Only on the Groomer
Many of us opt for the "teeth brushing" add-on when we take our pups to the groomer. It feels like we’re checking a box off the list, right? Unfortunately, it’s not quite enough.
The Mistake: Thinking that a professional tooth brushing once every month (or two) is sufficient.
The Fix: Think about it this way: would your dentist say it’s okay if you only brushed your teeth once every six weeks? Probably not! Plaque starts to turn into hard tartar (calculus) within just 48 to 72 hours.
The fix is simple but requires a bit of routine: you need to brush your dog’s teeth at home. Ideally, you should aim for every day, but even 2-3 times a week makes a world of difference. At Dogs In My Bed, we’re all about making life easier for you and your pet. Check out our About Us page to see how we prioritize pet wellness in everything we do.
3. Thinking Dental Chews are a Magic Wand
We love dental chews! They are convenient, dogs love them, and they do help. However, they aren't a "get out of brushing free" card.
The Mistake: Using dental treats as the only form of oral care.
The Fix: Dental chews work through mechanical action: the scraping of the treat against the tooth helps rub off plaque. But chews often miss the gumline, which is where the real trouble starts.
To fix this, use a multi-pronged approach. Think of dental chews as the "snack" version of health, but keep the "exercise" (brushing) and "checkups" (vet visits) in the mix. Combining chews with water additives or specialized dental diets can create a much stronger defense against decay.
4. Giving Treats That Are Way Too Hard
It’s a common scene: a dog happily gnawing on a giant cow bone or a hard elk antler. It seems natural, and many people think it helps "scrape" the teeth clean.
The Mistake: Giving dogs extremely hard items like antlers, hooves, or real bones.
The Fix: If you can’t indent the treat with your thumbnail, it’s probably too hard for your dog’s teeth. These items are notorious for causing "slab fractures": where a large piece of the tooth breaks off, often exposing the nerve. This is incredibly painful and usually requires surgery to fix.
Stick to safer alternatives. Look for rubber chew toys or dental-specific treats that have some "give" to them. You want something that challenges their jaw but won't snap a premolar. If you’re unsure what’s safe, feel free to Contact Us for recommendations on what we carry!
5. Ignoring the "Quiet" Warning Signs
Dogs are experts at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness is dangerous, so our domestic dogs have kept that instinct. Just because your dog is still eating doesn't mean their mouth doesn't hurt.
The Mistake: Waiting for your dog to stop eating before assuming there’s a dental problem.
The Fix: Be a detective. You need to look for the subtle signs that something is wrong. These include:
- Pawing at the mouth or face.
- Drooling more than usual.
- Only chewing on one side of the mouth.
- Dropping food while eating.
- Sneezing or nasal discharge (this can actually be caused by a tooth root infection!).
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
If you notice any of these, don't wait for your annual checkup. A quick visit to the vet now can prevent a lot of suffering later.
6. Skipping the Professional Vet Cleaning
We get it: the word "anesthesia" is scary for any pet parent. Because of this fear, many owners skip the professional cleanings recommended by their vets.
The Mistake: Avoiding professional cleanings because of fear or cost.
The Fix: While at-home care is vital, it can’t reach the bacteria hiding deep under the gumline. A professional veterinary cleaning is the only way to truly "reset" your dog’s oral health. Under anesthesia, vets can take X-rays to see if roots are rotting and perform a deep clean that isn't possible while a dog is wiggling around.
Talk to your vet about your concerns. Modern anesthesia is very safe, and the benefits of a clean, pain-free mouth far outweigh the risks for most dogs. You can learn more about how we view pet health and our community standards on our main site.
7. Underestimating the "Mouth-Body" Connection
This is perhaps the most dangerous mistake of all. Many people see dental care as a "cosmetic" issue: something to keep teeth white and breath fresh.
The Mistake: Thinking that bad teeth only affect the mouth.
The Fix: Oral health is a whole-body issue. When a dog has periodontal disease, their gums become a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Every time they chew, bacteria are pumped through their body. This has been directly linked to:
- Heart Disease: Bacteria can attach to the valves of the heart.
- Kidney and Liver Damage: These organs act as filters and can become infected or inflamed by chronic bacteria from the mouth.
- Diabetes Complications: Dental infections can make it much harder to regulate blood sugar.
Maintaining your dog’s teeth isn't just about a pretty smile; it’s about making sure they are around for many more years of snuggles in your bed.
How to Start a Dental Routine Today
It’s never too late to start! If your dog isn’t used to having their mouth touched, take it slow.
- The Finger Test: Start by just rubbing your finger along their gums for a few seconds a day. Give them a treat afterward so they associate it with something good.
- Introduce Paste: Use a dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as it contains xylitol which is toxic to dogs!). Let them lick it off your finger. Most dog pastes taste like chicken or beef!
- The Brush: Gradually move to a finger brush or a soft doggy toothbrush. Focus on the outsides of the teeth where the most plaque builds up.
- Consistency is Key: Make it a part of your nightly routine, just like when you brush your own teeth.
At Dogs In My Bed, we are passionate about the bond between you and your pup. Keeping them healthy means more time for play, more time for walks, and more time for those cozy naps.
For more tips on keeping your dog happy and healthy, check out our blog or browse our latest products like this favorite.
Your dog might not be able to thank you in words for taking care of their teeth, but their wagging tail and healthy "puppy kisses" will say it all!
