If your dog’s stinky breath is able to clear a room, it could be a red flag. A healthy mouth for dogs can impact everything from their appetite to their heart health.
I’m sure you’ve heard a million times that the mouth and teeth are the gateway to good health. I’ve definitely heard this one a lot. As humans need to be mindful of good mouth health, we need to do the same kind of care for our dogs. Regular mouth care can keep problems like gum disease, tooth loss, tooth decay, tumors, cancer, and infections at bay. Shocking, isn’t it?
Since I adopted my dog, Henry, I’ve been on top of his mouth health. It not only keeps him healthy, but it can also keep vet bills lower. So, today, let’s dig in and discover how to spot the signs of a healthy (or not-so-healthy) dog mouth and simple yet affordable ways to keep your pup’s mouth in tip-top shape. These tips are also great for small pets and even large animals.
Budget tip:
By being vigilant in keeping your pets teeth clean with a healthy mouth, you can avoid bills for teeth extraction, disease, and infection. It doesn’t take much effort, time, or money. But the pay off is huge for your pup and your wallet. That’s a big win-win in my book for you and your healthy furry animal friend.
Products we love:
Dental care spray
Dental chews treats
Lick mat for all pets
Dog chewing toy (if your pup loves toys)
Water fountain
What Does a Healthy Dog Mouth Look Like?
You may think that drooling is a mouth issue. While it can be, it may also be due to breed. For example some breeds such as Bulldogs, St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, and Great Dane are natural droolers.
Also, keep in mind that some food, treats, or supplements can create odor in your dog’s mouth. This might not be an issue. But you may want to discuss it with your vet if it’s bothersome to you.
It’s good to know what’s normal for your dog so you know what is abnormal. Some signs that your dog’s mouth is healthy include:
Bright, clean teeth that aren’t sensitive to touch or eating
Healthy dog gums that are pink, but not red or pale. Also, the gums should be firm, not swollen, and not sensitive to touch which can indicate pain.
No foul odor or excessive drooling. A foul smelling mouth can be the first indication of a mouth that isn’t healthy.
No broken or missing teeth. Henry broke a tooth a few years ago. I’m still not sure how. I had the vet look at him and he pronounced him healthy but a complete nut job. So, he is now missing a front tooth. I know this is normal for him, though, which is good to know.
No lumps or bumps in the mouth, which could indicate an infection or tumor.
Note: If your dog has an under or overbite they might tend to drool. For example Henry has an underbite. He doesn’t drool, but he does smile. Which I don’t mind at all!
Signs Your Dog Might Have Mouth Trouble
There are a few red flags you might see to tell you that your dog may have a mouth issue. These include:
- Bad breath, or a change in breath odor
- Red, bleeding, swollen, or sensitive gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Reluctance to eat (even a favorite cookie)
- Not willing to gnaw on a loved chew toy
- An unwillingness to drink water
- Refusal to be petted on the face or near the mouth
- Pawing at the face
- Agression
- Crying
Note: Again, it’s a good idea to know what’s normal for your dog so that you can easily spot when there is an issue.
Easy Ways to Encourage a Healthy Mouth for Dogs
There are a few easy things to do to help your dog’s dental health and mouth health in top-notch condition. These include:
Daily home dental care – I clean Henry’s teeth daily. This is the dental spray I use for him. It’s easy, cost-effective, and he has not needed a vet teeth cleaning or any veterinary dentistry yet. Although brushing your pup’s teeth with a dog friendly toothpaste, using teeth cleaning gels, or dental powder can also be effective.
Dental chews that help reduce plaque. Dental chews like these can really reduce any odor issue. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach like Henry, talk to your vet first. I only give Henry one of these chews occasionally.
Dog chew toys can also help reduce plaque. This is a great chew toy that is perfect for the heavy chewer.
Water additives. This water additive may even get your pup to drink more water, which generally isn’t a bad idea.
Regular water drinking with clean and fresh water bowls. Sometimes a water fountain like this one encourages regular drinking. Henry LOVES his water fountain and definitely drinks more from it.
Lick mat to encourage natural behavior of licking and salvia production to break down plaque. Henry loves his lick mats. He gets pumpkin on his daily with breakfast and dinner.
A good diet can go a long way in keeping your dog’s mouth healthy. Think if you were eating candy every day and never ate a vegetable, or brushed your teeth. Your teeth would start to rot. The same is true for your pup.
Don’t Skip the Vet – Regular Dental Checkups Matter
When you take your pup in for a check-up, discuss your buddy’s mouth health. Your vet can tell you how healthy your dog’s mouth is and give you tips to improve health specific to your fur kid.
I’m a big advocate for preventative care. Getting ahead of an issue is always better than playing catch-up. Preventative care means avoiding a much steeper bill. So, don’t bury your head in the sand and ignore things like:
- Vet checkup
- Dental examines
- Mouth examines
What Are Affordable At-Home Habits to Protect My Dog’s Mouth
There are a few things you can easily do to help keep your pup’s mouth healthy. These include:
DIY mouth and gum checks during cuddle time. I’m always shocked at what I find lingering between Henry’s gums and cheek. I don’t know how he gets weeds, stickers, and food caught there. But I’m always glad I find it before it becomes an issue.
Rotate chewing options. You may want to have a reserve of various chew toys you can switch around or even freeze.
Use a lick mat. Henry doesn’t like toys, but he loves his lick mat. It encourages licking and produces more salvia, which helps to keep plaque at bay. Also, it is a great mental game he gets to play as he has to work to get all the yummy stuff off his mat.
Daily dental care is a must. While I use a dental spray for Henry daily, you may find a brush and doggie toothpaste easier. It really doesn’t matter as long as the teeth are cleaned daily. Also, dental chews can be a great idea depending on your pup’s gut health.
Note: If you have a mouthy dog or one who is sensitive to his mouth being touched in any way, then schedule a vet check more often. Always think safety first.
What Is The Cost Savings of My Dog’s Mouth Being Healthy?
This could surprise you to learn how much you can save simply by keeping your dog’s mouth healthy. Consider the following for a moment.
| Issue | Estimated Cost |
| Veterinary dental cleaning | $900 – 2,900 |
| Veterinary dentistry, root canal, mouth surgery, dental disease | $1000 – 4000 |
| Tooth extraction | $200 – 1000 |
| Mouth infection or tooth abscess | $200 – 500 |
| Mouth tumor | $500 – 3000 |
| Mouth cancer | $5000 – 20,000 |
| A happy and healthy dog | PRICELESS!!! |
Related articles:
- Quality Dog Food Benefits: Health and Costs
- Pawsitively Perfect: Dog Lick Mat Benefits
- 15 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immunity
- Easy And Effective Low-Cost Dog Dental Care
Drools Away for Healthy Dog Mouths and Dental Health
As a pet owner, you may not have considered how important it is to keep your dog’s mouth healthy, including using good daily dental care. But it truly can be the difference between a healthy pup and a very sick buddy. It doesn’t take me long each day to clean Henry’s teeth or check his mouth.
It’s quick, easy, and I’m always glad to know his mouth is healthy. It’s good for him and his immune system. Also, it means he hasn’t needed a professional dental cleaning yet, which is a huge savings! I never overlook his vet checkups to ensure that what I’m doing and seeing is correct. Although I know bad breath is a red flag, it can also be due to salmon oil, treats, or dog food. Now, it’s time to check your pup’s mouth.
I remember a vet once saying ‘know your pet’s NORMAL’ know what is every day and real and what happens each day. Any deviation from that is NOT normal and you monitor for that, then you use your essential tips to keep a dog well, happy and healthy.
Well said and every pet owner needs to KNOW this!!!
Exactly! Knowing what is normal for your fur kid(s) makes it so much easier to know when something is out of whack. You nailed it, Marjorie! Thanks!
Oh, Henry, I love your smile!!! Terri, as always, a great post! It’s so important to keep an eye on our dogs’ mouths. When my Bandit girl was 12, she developed a very strange growth in her mouth, almost hidden up top….and she did require surgery to remove it. It was quite a growth and hidden right under the folds in the mouth. They sent it off and while they said she was technically “fine” for her age, they did tell me cancer could return. She passed 8 months later from hemangiosarcoma, but I have no idea if those growths were an early sign of cancer in her body, or not. Either way, it’s so important to always check their mouths as you said…and she did really well after the surgery.
I love the idea of lick mats. That only started becoming a thing when my FiveSibes were in their senior years…and I did get one for Wolfie who had anxiety and it surely helped!
As always, your budget chart is an eye opener! Sharing this great info with all of my readers!
Hugs to dear Henry with the handsome smile! xo
Aww, thanks, Dorothy! Lick mats really are a great invention. Henry truly loves his. Wow, poor Bandit! Those hidden mouth lumps are scary. I’m glad Wolfie enjoyed his lick mat. I love Henry’s smile as well. Thanks for the kind share and continued support. I really appreciate it.
A dental was the only way we discovered one of our pups had cancer. We are now extra conscientious to check the roof of their mouths all the way to the back. They don’t love it, but we’d rather them be uncomfortable for a few seconds every other week than not catch it in time!
Oh my! I agree best to be uncomfortable for a few seconds and safe. Pets to your pack.
It’s unbelievable how vital oral health is to dogs! Dental disease can cause so many health problems. This is really important information.
Thanks, Cathy! It really is important and can often go overlooked.
When I rescued Nili, like Layla before the first thing I checked was her teeth and gums. I use water additive in her water, teeth gel in her mouth and at night she gets a greenie also for the final clean and thank goodness it is working well. It is so so important oral health for our pets as dental problems can cause so many other issues. Great post and cookie for Henry from Nili
Nili has a great dental routine. It really is important. Henry says thank you for the cookie and that Nili needs one as well.