Puppy Teeth and Dental Care: Starting Good Habits Early
Puppies go through significant dental changes during their first year, from teething to the arrival of adult teeth. This makes early dental care an important part of overall wellbeing and something worth thinking about sooner rather than later.
Getting puppies comfortable with gentle mouth handling helps make dental care easier as they grow. Calmly lifting lips, briefly checking teeth, or touching the mouth in a relaxed way helps puppies learn that this kind of handling isn’t something to worry about.
Diet and chewing habits can play a useful role in supporting dental health. Many owners encourage puppies to chew on appropriate raw meaty bones once they are old enough and supervised. Chewing helps exercise the jaw and may support natural teeth cleaning by gently scraping the tooth surface. Bones should always be suitable for your puppy’s size and age, and supervision is important.
Natural treats can also support dental routines. Fish skin treats are a popular option, as their rough outer texture and natural scales may help gently remove plaque as puppies chew. Many dogs also find them very appealing, making them a useful option alongside training or enrichment.
Some owners choose to support dental care through daily additions to food rather than relying on brushing alone. Adding a natural dental supplement such as Tartar X to meals is one option used to help reduce plaque build-up over time as part of a broader dental routine.
Seaweed-based supplements are sometimes chosen not only for dental support but also for skin and coat health, making them a practical addition for overall wellbeing.
Starting dental care early doesn’t need to be complicated. Gentle routines, appropriate chewing opportunities, and consistent habits help puppies accept dental care as part of everyday life, setting them up well for the future.
