Senior Dog Dental Care: How to Protect an Older Dog's Teeth

Most small dogs are seniors from about 8 to 10 years old, and large dogs from about 6 to 8. Small breeds usually live longer, which also means more years for plaque and tartar to build up. That's why so many older Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese and Dachshunds have dental problems.

• Years of buildup: tartar that was never removed keeps growing and pushes the gums back.
• Gum recession: as gums pull away, bacteria get under the gum line and around the roots.
• A weaker immune response: older bodies fight off mouth bacteria less well.
• Softer diets: many seniors eat wet food, which sticks to teeth more than kibble.

• Bad breath that keeps getting worse
• Chewing on one side, or dropping food
• Leaving hard food or treats untouched
• Pawing at the face or rubbing the muzzle on the floor
• Drooling, sometimes with a little blood
• Red, swollen gums or yellow-brown crust on the teeth
• Being grumpy when the face is touched

Many owners think their dog is just "slowing down" when the real problem is a sore mouth. Dogs often seem younger and happier once a painful mouth is treated.

It's a common worry, and a fair question to ask your vet. A professional cleaning below the gum line needs anesthesia, and vets usually run blood work first to check the heart, kidneys and liver. For many healthy seniors the risk is low, but for dogs with heart or kidney disease it's a bigger decision. The best way to lower the need for cleanings is to keep plaque from turning into tartar in the first place, at home, every day. Our guide on dog teeth cleaning without anesthesia covers what is and isn't possible.

Most older dogs never learned to accept a toothbrush, and starting at 12 years old is hard on both of you. You don't need to brush:

1. Use a dental spray twice a day. With Furaqua Pet Dental Spray, gently lift the lip and give 3 sprays on each side, morning and night. It takes about 20 seconds, with no scrubbing on sore gums.
2. Can't get near the mouth? Add 6 sprays to their water instead.
3. Wipe gently a few times a week. A soft dental finger wipe clears plaque without the bristles of a brush.

Be careful. Hard chews, antlers and bones can crack old, worn teeth, and seniors with missing teeth may swallow chunks whole. If you give chews, pick soft ones sized for your dog and watch them eat. Never rely on chews alone: most dogs chew with the back teeth, so the front and side teeth stay dirty.

Feed what your dog can eat comfortably. If they struggle with kibble, soften it with warm water or switch to a wet food your vet recommends. Wet food sticks to teeth more, so a daily spray and wipe matter even more on a soft diet.

At least once a year, and every 6 months for dogs over about 10 or dogs with known dental disease. Ask your vet to look at the teeth and gums at every visit. Go sooner if you see bleeding, swelling on the face, loose teeth, or your dog stops eating.