Has your vet told you that your dog needs a “dental” and then they tell you it’s $500? Did you know there are ways to prevent pesky plaque & tartar buildup?

Plaque builds up daily so a good dental routine is necessary to prevent tartar formation. Of course if the tartar is really bad, we recommend a professional cleaning followed by a new dental routine to prevent buildup again.

Here’s our top tips for keeping those teefers clean:

Feeding a Raw Diet         

Raw is always best! The enzymes in raw meat break down plaque and tartar. If you make your own raw formulas, please make sure you are covering all your nutrient bases. We recommend reading the book Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs by Dr. Lew Olson. If you’re looking to buy pre-made raw, we have a ton of options!

Chewing on Raw Bones

Raw bones are nature’s best dental chew and paws down just the best dental chew in general! Not only do dogs go crazy for them, they also contain the enzymes that help break down plaque and tartar. Plus, the dog chews on the bones which further cleans the teeth. Tip: Never give your dog cooked bones as they can splinter. We have several different raw bone choices at Odyssey Pets that are safe for dogs & cats.

Brushing

Regular brushing can prevent plaque buildup. Use a safe enzymatic pet toothpaste and brush. Getting a puppy used to it at an early age will help in this process. Beware of human toothpaste as some contain xylitol which is lethal to dogs.

Dental Water Additives & Gels

There are several enzymatic water additives and gels that help breakdown plaque formation. It is best to also brush your pet’s teeth or offer chews in addition to this tactic.

Regular Chews

Offering your dog something to chew on daily is the easiest thing you can do to prevent tartar buildup! Not only will a bully stick or tendon chew help your pet’s dental hygiene, they love it! Chewing releases endorphins and helps dogs with anxiety and stress.

Dental Chews

Some dental pet chews contain anti-plaque agents and certain ingredients that usually help breath. Be sure the ingredients are safe and healthy.