Ask the Vet: Dental Care

At YuMOVE, we’re passionate about helping pets live active, happy lives. That’s why we’re excited to bring you the latest instalment of our Ask the Vet series, where our in-house vet, Dr Fran Blake BA VetMB PgC (EMS) MRCVS, answers your questions about keeping your dog happy and healthy.

This time, we’re talking all things dental care. From bad breath to brushing, here’s what you need to know about looking after your dog’s teeth.

"Why does my pet have smelly breath?"

This is a great place to start because ‘smelly breath’ is a general term that can have lots of different causes.

One of the most common reasons dogs develop smelly breath is plaque and tartar build-up affecting their oral health. However, it’s important to remember this isn’t the only possible cause. Bad breath can also be linked to things like a lump in the mouth, something stuck between the teeth or gums, or certain underlying health conditions.

If you’ve noticed your dog has persistent bad breath, it’s always worth booking a check-up with your vet.

"What causes poor oral health?"

Poor oral health usually develops gradually.

A sticky film of bacteria called plaque naturally forms where the teeth meet the gums. If it isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar – a tough brown deposit that sticks to the teeth. Tartar traps even more bacteria, making it harder to keep the teeth and gums clean. Over time, this can lead to smelly breath and other oral health concerns.

Just like us, dogs naturally have bacteria in their mouths. Without regular dental care, plaque and tartar can build up over time.

"Can I brush my dog’s teeth alongside using YuMOVE Dental Support products?"

Yes.

YuMOVE Dental Support Dental Powder, Daily Dental Sticks and Advanced Dental Sticks are all designed to support your dog’s teeth between brushing, making them a great addition to their daily dental care routine.

The spiral shape of Daily Dental Sticks and Advanced Dental Sticks helps maximise contact with the teeth to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, including in areas that can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Dental Powder is simply sprinkled onto your dog’s food each day, making it an easy way to support their oral health.

"What’s the best way to keep my dog’s teeth clean?"

Just like with us, regular brushing is one of the best ways to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. That said, we know brushing isn’t always easy, especially if your dog isn’t used to it.

To get the most from brushing, aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week. If that’s difficult, products designed to support your dog’s teeth between brushing can help make it easier to maintain their oral health as part of their everyday routine.

"How do Dental Support products fit into a healthy, balanced diet?"

Our Dental Support products are designed to fit easily into your dog's everyday routine. As with any treats or supplements, it's a good idea to adjust your dog's food accordingly to help maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Daily Dental Sticks are designed to be fed every day alongside regular brushing to help support ongoing oral health. Advanced Dental Sticks are fed daily for the first four weeks, then every other day for ongoing support. Dental Powder is simply sprinkled onto your dog's food each day, making it an easy option for everyday oral care.

Whichever product you choose, each has been developed to support your dog's oral health as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

"Can I whiten my dog’s teeth?"

The colour of your dog’s teeth is usually a cosmetic concern rather than a sign of good oral health. Healthy teeth don’t need to be perfectly white.

If you’re worried about discolouration, it’s worth speaking to your vet, as plaque and tartar build-up can sometimes affect the appearance of your dog’s teeth. Otherwise, it’s best to focus on keeping your dog’s teeth and gums clean and healthy.

If you’re looking for an easy way to support your dog’s oral health between brushing, take a look at our YuMOVE Dental Support range. And if you’d like more expert advice, don’t forget to read our previous Ask the Vet blogs on itchy skin, senior dogs and dog weight.