Plaque and Tartar on Your Dog’s Teeth and How to Remove It

Plaque on your dog’s teeth is never a healthy thing. If left unchecked, it can lead to tartar, which can cause everything from tooth loss to kidney shutdown. I’ve seen dogs with at least one lost tooth from time to time and wonder how they can eat without getting a little messy.

Is Plaque Bad for Dogs?

Yes. If the tartar/plaque buildup is left untreated, it can cause gum disease, tooth decay, periodontal disease, bad breath, root exposure and expensive veterinary bills for you. Root exposure is especially bad because since they’re no longer protected by the enamel and the gums, they’re exposed to sensitivities. This makes it painful for the dog.

Tartar is a smart bacteria. After it’s done its work on the teeth and mouth, the plaque then hitches a ride in your dog’s bloodstream. When it does, it can land in the vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. That not only leads to even more expensive veterinarian bills, it can also be very fatal to your dog.

Plaque and Tartar Buildup in Dogs

Tartar on dogs teeth builds up in the same way it does in humans. It builds up when food particles mix with saliva and the resulting bacteria is produced. If the plaque goes unchecked, it becomes tartar, which causes the myriad of health issues mentioned above.

Plaque is the initial off-white sticky substance that forms on the outside of the dog’s teeth. It takes between three and five days for it to turn into tartar. It forms when the existing plaque mixes with minerals from additional food on your dog’s teeth.

Fortunately, tartar is noticeable because, unlike plaque, it’s the nasty-looking brown colour. Removing it as soon as you see it prolongs your dog’s life.

How do I get Plaque off my Dog’s Teeth?

The most popular way is to brush your dog’s teeth in the same way you brush your own. Also, be sure to get the gum lines as you never know what kind of bacteria may have landed there. Be sure you have a dog-friendly toothpaste as human toothpaste contains too many ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

One disadvantage to that, however, is getting your dog used to have its teeth brushed. You can introduce them to brushing by using a finger and then graduating to a brush. Be sure that you let them get used to it at their own pace.

There are also dog tooth wipes but those can’t get in between the teeth or into other small spaces well. So it’s best to combine them with brushing. However, they are better than nothing.

Dog dental treats and chews can make halfway decent substitutes for brushing. They decrease the build-up of food particles and saliva on teeth and gums. They also help to keep their breath fresh.

Be wary of those that claim to reduce plaque by up to 70% as there’s not enough clinical evidence of that. Instead, look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval seal or ask your local veterinarian for a recommendation.

What is the Best Tartar Remover for Dogs?

We recommend The Healthy Dog Co’s Plaque Remover for Dogs. It is made in the U.K. It doesn’t clean only on the surface, it also makes its way into the saliva and bloodstream. When it does, it dissolves tartar and removes plaque-like nothing at all.

Since this all natural plaque remover for dogs works in the saliva and bloodstream, it also helps stop bad breath. It goes even further than that and promotes gut health. It’s natural iodine especially helps to knock out the gases that contribute to bad breath and poor gut health.

Our plaque remover for dogs is made of natural marine and floral herbs that make for a deep cleaning combination. These ingredients include seaweed, peppermint and fennel.

Another thing that makes it stand out is that you don’t have to treat it like a toothpaste or a foam. You simply add a single scoop once daily to your dog’s food.
Results usually take between three and eight weights.

When to See Your Veterinarian about Your Dog’s Teeth

If the plaque or tartar is being stubborn, that’s when it’s time to see your local veterinarian. He or she will like to prescribe a special diet and oral treatment. If needed, he or she will provide ultrasonic descaling, teeth polishing and/or surgical intervention.

Final Thoughts

The next time you spot a sticky white or brown substance on your dog’s teeth, know that getting it taken care of ASAP means the difference as to whether your dog lives to old age. If you can’t get it removed no matter what you try, please cheque in with your local veterinarian ASAP.

Featured Products