A third of dog owners ignore dog dental health signs, new study says
For any dog parent, your pup’s health is going to be a concern. But dental health can sometimes be overlooked, meaning that our dogs might be suffering in silence.
You might brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis or give them the best dental chews for a healthy mouth, but a new study from Purina Dentalife has found that almost a third of dog parents (30%) ignore bad breath, assuming that it’s normal for dogs despite 42% of all respondents saying their dog has it, while a quarter can’t tell if their dogs’ teeth and gums are in good shape.
Almost one quarter have noticed their pup struggling to eat, while 23% have noticed inflamed gums, and 13% have seen their dog pawing at their mouth.
More than a third have even delayed a vet visit in the past, hoping that dental issues will “sort themselves out,” with only 41% saying they’d go straight to the vet, while just 25% link symptoms like drooling or behavioral changes to tooth and gum issues.
For 22%, the internet is the first place to seek out information, with 32% searching for information about their dog’s health and behavior online each week, but a whopping 74% find themselves more confused than when they started. Can you use regular toothpaste on dogs, for example?
Spokesperson Dr Paul Manktelow said: “Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over the age of three and often goes unnoticed. Early signs like bad breath, red or swollen gums, and tartar build-up can be easily missed, but the infection can progress and impact a dog’s overall health.
“That’s why daily dental care matters. Regular brushing is ideal, but many owners find it challenging.”
He added: “If your dog has persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, stops eating, or seems in pain, it’s time to call your vet. These can all be signs of dental disease that needs treatment. For general advice on prevention, like how to start a dental care routine – stick to trusted sources, but if you’re ever unsure, always speak to a vet.”
More than 60% of dog parents give their pet chews or sticks to help, while 43% take them to the vet for professional cleaning, and 40% brush their teeth at home. Of those pet parents who don’t brush their dog’s teeth, a third (34%) said their dog won’t let them, while 14% say it isn’t necessary – here’s how to clean a dog’s teeth without brushing.
If you’d like to know how to better care for your pup’s mouth, here’s how to keep dog teeth clean with tips from a vet. Take a look at our list of dog gum diseases and five vet-approved ways to prevent them, too.
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