How to Keep Your Dog Mouth Clean? A Comprehensive Guide

Dogs are our loyal companions and best friends, but do you know how clean their mouths are? Many people believe dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans, but is this true? And what can you do to keep your dog mouth clean?

Let`s find out the answers.

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Table of Contents

Is Your Dog Mouth Cleaner Than Yours?

The simple answer is NO. Dogs and humans have mouths teeming with billions of bacteria from around 700 species. While we both have bacteria, the types found in a dog’s mouth are primarily distinct from those in a human’s mouth.

Nonetheless, there are similarities in the oral health of dogs and humans. One such example is the bacterial family known as Porphyromonas, which is responsible for causing periodontal disease in both species.

Can Humans Get Dog Germs?

Dogs have the potential to transmit bacterial and viral infections through their saliva. However, the risk of pathogens being transferred from a dog’s saliva to a person is generally relatively low. The primary transmission mode would be through direct contact with the skin in the event of a dog bite.

In addition, if a dog’s saliva came into contact with a person’s nose, mouth, or eyes, these body parts could absorb the saliva and any pathogens it may contain.

Bacterial Infections

The most prevalent bacteria in a dog’s mouth is Pasteurella canis. It is also the most commonly detected organism in the skin of individuals who a dog has bitten. Additionally, dogs can transmit a bacterium called Capnocytophaga canimorsus through a bite wound, potentially leading to a severe bacterial infection in humans.

Rabies (Viral Infection)

The most dangerous disease that dogs can spread through their saliva is rabies. Viral rabies kills by attacking the nervous system of mammals. It results in death, a fever, a headache, anxiety, and paralysis.

Regular dog vaccinations and avoiding contact with potentially infected strays or wild animals are two ways to protect your dog from contracting rabies. If you suspect your dog has been exposed to rabies or has bitten someone who may have rabies, contact your veterinarian.

Also Read: Signs of a Dog Ear Infection? Types, Causes & Treatment

Can Dog Saliva Heal Wounds?

While we’re on the subject of dog mouths, there is another folk belief that dog saliva helps heal wounds. It gets more complicated.

The act of licking alone offers some benefits to wound healing. It removes dirt and debris from the wound. It also stimulates blood flow and tissue regeneration and provides moisture and warmth to the wound.

However, dog saliva is not a miracle cure. It also contains harmful bacteria that can cause infections, especially in deep or large wounds. Dog saliva can also irritate the skin and cause inflammation, itching, and allergic reactions.

Therefore, it is not advisable to let your dog lick your wounds or your dog’s wounds. Instead, clean the wound with sterile water or saline solution, apply an antibiotic ointment or cream, and cover it with a bandage.

Is Dog Saliva Bad for Your Skin?

Dog saliva is not necessarily harmful to your skin unless you have an allergy or a wound. Some people may experience mild irritation or itching from dog saliva. But it is usually temporary and harmless.

However, some people may have a more severe allergic reaction to dog saliva, which can cause hives, rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you have a known allergy to dogs or experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Dog saliva can also harm your skin if you have a wound or a break in the skin barrier. As mentioned, dog saliva can introduce bacteria into the wound and cause infections. It can also delay the healing process by keeping the wound moist.

Therefore, avoiding letting your dog lick your skin if you have cuts, scrapes, burns, or other injuries is best.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is the best way to clean your dog’s mouth. It means brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, providing dental chews or toys to help remove plaque and tartar, and visiting your veterinarian for dental check-ups and cleanings.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental problems and keep your dog’s mouth healthy.

Here are some steps to follow:

Choose a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste as it may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol or fluoride.
Start by letting your dog sniff and lick the toothbrush and toothpaste. Praise and reward your dog for being curious and cooperative.
Gently lift your dog’s lips and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in a circular motion. Focus on the areas where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate, such as the back teeth and the gum line.
Gradually increase the duration and frequency of brushing. You should brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least 2-3 times a week.
Stop and consult your veterinarian if your dog resists brushing or shows discomfort or pain. Your dog may have dental issues that need professional attention.

Dental Chews and Toys

Dental chews and toys are another way to help keep your dog’s mouth clean. These products are designed to scrape off plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth as they chew on them.

However, not all dental chews and toys are created equal. Some may be too hard or too soft for your dog’s teeth or contain unhealthy or unsafe ingredients for your dog.

Therefore, you should choose dental chews and toys that are:

Appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and chewing style
Made of natural or edible materials that are easily digestible
Free of artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or sweeteners
Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) or other reputable organizations
Supervised by you when your dog uses them

Veterinary Dental Care

Even with regular brushing and chewing, your dog may need professional dental care occasionally. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough oral examination and cleaning under anaesthesia to remove any plaque and tartar.

You should take your dog to the veterinarian for dental check-ups at least once a year.

Some signs that indicate that your dog may need dental care include the following:

Bad breath
Drooling
Difficulty eating
Pawing at the mouth
Bleeding gums

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How to Keep Your Dog’s Mouth Clean?

Keeping your dog’s mouth clean is not only good for his oral health but also for his overall well-being. A clean mouth can prevent bad breath, dental problems, and infections affecting other organs in your dog’s body.

Here are some ways to keep your dog’s mouth clean and eliminate bad breath:

Brush your dog’s teeth 2-3 days a week or more using dog toothpaste¹. Choose a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs.
Sprinkle dog dental powder on your dog’s food at every meal. Dog dental powder is a supplement that can help reduce plaque and tartar formation on your dog’s teeth.
Try a dental water additive made for dogs. Dental water additives are liquids you can add to your dog’s drinking water to help prevent plaque and tartar.
Ask your veterinarian about prescription dental diets for dogs. Prescription dental diets are specially formulated foods that help clean your dog’s teeth and prevent dental problems.
Provide dental treats from a pet supply store or grocery store. Dental treats help keep your dog’s mouth clean while satisfying his natural cravings for a tasty treat.
Give your dog lots of water to rinse debris away. Water is essential for your dog’s hydration and health and helps keep his mouth clean.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?

You should brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent dental problems and keep his mouth healthy. Brushing your dog’s teeth can remove plaque and tartar, the leading causes of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, pain, infection, and damage to other organs in your dog’s body.

Should You Let Your Dog Kiss You?

This personal choice depends on your comfort level and your dog’s health. Some enjoy kissing their dogs and don’t mind their saliva, while others find it gross or unhygienic. There is no right or wrong answer to this question as long as you know the risks and benefits of letting your dog kiss you.

The benefits of letting your dog kiss you include the following:

Strengthening the bond between you and your dog
Showing affection and appreciation for your dog
Receiving some health benefits from your dog’s saliva, such as lysozyme and lactoferrin

The risks of letting your dog kiss you include the following:

Getting infected by bacteria or viruses that your dog may carry in his salivae
Having an allergic reaction to your dog’s saliva, which can cause hives and rashes
Getting irritated or inflamed by your dog’s saliva, which can cause itching

Conclusion

Keeping your dog’s mouth clean is essential for his oral health and well-being. A clean mouth can prevent bad breath, dental problems, and infections.

You can keep your dog’s mouth clean by brushing his teeth regularly, giving him dental chews or toys, and taking him for professional dental care. By following these tips, you can help your dog have a healthy and happy smile for life.