From serious illnesses to simple situations that can get complicated, having a dog at home means constant care and vigilance. One of the most frequent problems to detect in these animals is the tartar that accumulates in the dental pieces.

Normally accompanied by stains on the teeth, tartar in dogs is one of the usual reasons for veterinary consultation, although many caregivers do not give due importance.

Tartar formation in dogs

In the same way as in humans, in dogs there are also bacterial formations generated by broken food debris and mineral salts derived from the products you consume.

All this generates a paste that usually accumulates between the gum and the tooth and that represents the bacterial plaque. This plaque, when calcified, undermines the tooth and can compromise the rest of the pieces to the point of generating infections and other diseases of the oral cavity.

Although tartar can be removed once it appears, it is best to work preventively; In this way, it is possible to avoid the annoying bad breath and, above all, protect the animal from the possibility of suffering from major evils that can result in the loss of the dental piece.

Tartar formation predisposition

All dogs are at risk of tartar at some point in their life; However, small breeds are more prone than others because their tooth enamel is of lower quality and the teeth are much smaller and closer together.

On the other hand, brachycephalic dogs have a particular skull and jaw shape, which makes their teeth much closer together and, of course, more prone to tartar formation.

Also, tartar is much more frequent without the respective care and prevention in dogs older than 5 years, regardless of the breed of the animal.

How to prevent tartar in dogs

A combination of daily cleaning of teeth, balanced feeding and the use of some commercial products, may be the solution to prevent the appearance of tartar in dogs.

Performing a daily cleaning of the animal’s teeth is a great help to prevent tartar. To do this, it is necessary to have accustomed to this routine the animal from a puppy. There are special toothbrushes and creams for dogs, recommended by veterinarians.

Some soft foods contribute to the development of bacterial plaque, so it is advisable to avoid a wet diet and replace it with dry feed that helps remove residues in the denture.

In the market there is a wide variety of products designed to be chewed by the dog and that include abrasive formulas for the plate, such as toys, cookies, bones and chews.

In the veterinary clinic, specialists use ultrasonic tartar cleaners that represent the most effective method for removing tartar in dogs. These teams release the tartar and clean the tooth in an integral and safe way.