Owning a pug is a great experience, but they’re very different to many other breeds. From their cheeky personalities to their unique health issues, pugs need a lot of care.
Being flat-faced dogs, pugs face several health issues, including dental problems. It’s not the first thing you think of, but because their heads are smaller and their jaws are squashed, dental issues can be common among pugs.
If they do get tooth problems, then your poor pug might face a lot of pain and other health issues, such as weight loss and anxiety.
So, prevention is an important part of pug care. Whether you’re an experienced pug parent who’s only just becoming aware of the importance of dental care for your dog- don’t worry, you’re not alone- or you’re a new owner, here are some top tips for keeping your pug’s teeth clean and healthy.
Learn To Brush Your Pug’s Teeth Properly
Brushing your pug’s teeth is as important as brushing your own. You might not realise it, but pugs need their teeth cleaned to ensure that they don’t get tartar build-up that causes tooth decay and other issues.
The first step is to find the right toothbrush for your pug. You need a brush that’s sturdy and the perfect size, so it’s big enough to pick up all the tartar but small enough to be comfy in your pug’s mouth.
Then, get some tasty toothpaste that’s dog-safe, and start building a routine. Over time, you’ll get more confident brushing your pug’s teeth and start to notice an improvement in their breath and overall oral health.
Feed Them The Right Diet
The food you give your dog can have a major influence on every aspect of their health, including their oral hygiene. Dogs need natural food that’s designed to give them all the nutrients they need and encourage their gnawing instincts.
One diet that’s as close to their natural eating habits as possible is raw food. The raw dog food range from Southend Dog Training offers you the chance to create a delicious meal plan for your pug that will naturally allow them to gnaw and stimulate their gums. Raw dog food is also made with natural ingredients with enzymes that can help keep teeth clean and healthy.
Choose The Right Treats And Toys
As well as your pug’s main diet, you also need to consider their treats and toys. While many pug owners give their pets nylon dog chews, as these are often considered indestructible and less likely to break into small pieces, they can be too hard for your pug’s teeth. As such, they can cause tooth damage or even breakage.
To avoid this, choose treats and chew toys made from natural materials, such as antlers or raw bone. These materials won’t splinter like cooked bone, but are the perfect texture for your dog to chew on without harming their gnashers.
Try Doggy Dental Water Additives
For humans, mouthwash is a convenient addition to our dental hygiene routine. Unfortunately, getting a pug to spit after giving them a tasty drink is impossible- as any pug parent knows! Instead, try a dog-safe dental water additive.
These liquids, which come in tasty flavours, are designed to be poured into your pet’s water bowl and can freshen their breath and reduce bad bacteria in their mouths.
There’s no need for your pug to spit them out: your dog can safely drink the liquid as usual, and it will pass through their digestive system with no bad side effects. Just check the ingredients list to make sure they’re natural and don’t have any extra sweeteners, such as Xylitol, which can be poisonous to dogs.
Book A Trip To The Dog Dentist
Just like humans, pugs also need to visit the dentist every now and then. It doesn’t matter how diligent you are with home care, professional teeth cleanings by your vet are still essential for all dogs, pugs included.
Most vets recommend cleanings at least once a year to remove hardened tartar and check for issues, but as your dog has a greater risk of developing dental problems than many other breeds, you might want to consider taking them every 6 months.
By desensitising your pug to dental care at home, you’ll make it easier for a professional to clean their teeth and descale them. You will see the difference immediately, and you can take advantage of the opportunity to talk to your vet about your pug’s current dental health and grab some handy tips to use when you get home.
Be Aware Of The Signs Of Dental Issues In Pugs
As part of your doggy dental care regime, you need to be on the lookout for tooth pain and problems. Since dogs can’t talk, it can be tough to notice signs of dental distress, but you need to be aware of the common symptoms, such as red, swollen or bleeding gums, excessive brownish tartar buildup, smelly breath, drooling, and changes in eating habits.
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, then it could indicate that your pug is suffering from dental health issues. As soon as you see these symptoms, you need to book an appointment with your vet.
Understand The Symptoms Of Tooth Crowding
One of the most common pug dental issues is tooth crowding. All dogs naturally have 42 teeth to begin with, but small brachycephalic breeds like pugs have to fit them into a much smaller space than dogs with larger heads and longer noses, such as German Shepherds or Labradors.
Therefore, many pugs develop crowding and rotation of the teeth. To make sure that you’re ahead of this issue, it’s useful to take pictures of your pet’s mouth regularly so you can see any signs of changes. You should compare them, and if you see changes, make a note and monitor it.
If you notice that your pet’s teeth are growing close together or appear painful, take your pug to the vet for a dental check-up. They may say that the issue is harmless or recommend intercepting certain problem teeth before they cause bigger orthodontic issues.
Use Tooth Care As A Bonding Excercise
With their unique facial structure, it’s no surprise that pugs need a little extra TLC when it comes to their dental care. It might take longer, but caring for your pug’s teeth can be a great way to bond with them.
Follow these tips to help keep your pug’s mouth in tip-top shape for efficient breathing, eating, and, of course, giving you those classic pug kisses we all know and love!
