Coton de Tulear Dog Dental Care: Tips and Best Practices

Dog dental care plays such an important role in maintaining overall good health for your Coton de Tulear. Cotons are a generally healthy breed, but they are prone to dental issues.

Dental care is an important aspect of pet health that often gets overlooked. Cotons are small dogs known for their sweet personalities and long lifespans and are no exception. As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to understand the importance of dental hygiene for your dog.

Are you one of the many people who ignore dental care for your dog because you just weren’t aware how important it is? This is very common, but now that you know that dog dental hygiene actually impacts your dog’s health you can do something about it.

Imagine what it would be like if you didn’t brush your teeth? It’s not any different for your dog.

Their tiny white teeth are not just showing off their adorable smiles. Did you know that your dog’s teeth and gums play a vital role in the health of their heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver? Bacteria found on their teeth can produce toxins that can sneak into their bloodstream and harm their internal organs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), small dog breeds may have an increased risk for tartar formation, gum recession, and eventual loss of teeth.

Are you one of the many people who ignore dental care for your dog because you just weren’t aware of how important it is? This is very common, but now that you know how important proper dental hygiene is to your dog’s health, you can do something about it.

I've learned the hard way that the earlier you start dental care habits with your Coton, the easier it will be - for you and your dog. I didn't start brushing my first dog, Luc's teeth, until he was a few years old. He hated it, and I hate to admit that I had to chase him around the house more than once to get the job done. But if you start early there will be no chasing, no fighting. Easy!

Benefits of regular dental care for your Coton de Tulear

Improves Oral Health: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Regular dental care helps maintain healthy gums and teeth, preventing painful dental problems.

Prevents Dental Disease: Proper dental care can prevent common dental diseases in dogs, such as periodontal disease. This can extend your dog's lifespan by reducing the risk of infections that can affect vital organs.

Better Breath: Regular dental care includes brushing your dog's teeth and can significantly improve their breath, which makes all of us humans happier!

Pain Reduction: Caring for their teeth can alleviate pain and improve their overall quality of life.

Prevent Tooth Loss: Untreated dental issues can lead to tooth loss in dogs. Dental care can help preserve your dog's teeth, allowing them to eat comfortably.

Preventative Health Measures: Good oral hygiene can have a positive impact on your dog's overall health. It may reduce the risk of heart disease and other systemic health problems associated with oral infections.

Cost Savings: Preventing dental problems through regular care can save you money in the long run. Treating dental diseases and tooth extractions can be super expensive.

Improved Nutrition: Healthy teeth and gums enable your dog to eat their food more comfortably, ensuring they get the nutrition they need.

What is the best way to provide good dental care for your dog?

Regular Brushing: Brush your dog's teeth several times a week using a canine-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental cleaning is one of the most effective ways to prevent plaque buildup. Learn the best way to brush your dog's teeth and the right dental products to use here.

Dental Chews and Toys: Provide dental chews and toys designed to promote dental health. They can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Professional Dental Cleanings: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your veterinarian. They can identify and address any dental issues early.

Diet: Choose a high-quality dog food that promotes dental health or consider dental-specific diets recommended by your vet.

Water Additives: Some water additives can help control plaque and tartar.

At what age can you start brushing your Coton's teeth?

Coton de Tulear puppies: You can introduce your puppy to teeth brushing at an early age (8-10 weeks) by letting them sniff and lick the toothbrush and toothpaste. Getting them used to this practice as early as possible is ideal.

At this point, your goal is to just get the puppy used to the process. Lots of praise and rewards help a great deal in the beginning. Gently rub their teeth and gums with a soft cloth or a finger brush. You can also introduce them to a toothbrush designed for puppies.

Peanut butter can be a great way to encourage your Coton de Tulear to accept dental care. Just apply a small amount of peanut butter to your finger and allow your dog to lick it off while you gently rub their teeth and gums. This can help them become more comfortable with the sensation of dental care.

By 9 months, most Coton puppies have lost all their baby teeth and are ready for a toothbrush. You can switch from a fingerbrush to a toothbrush specifically made for dogs.

Adult Cotons: Daily brushing or brushing several times a week is good for an adult dog. If you’ve been doing this habit all along, it should be easy, fast, and effortless.

How does nutrition impact your dog's dental health?

Selecting High-Quality Dog Food: Choosing the right dog food is crucial for maintaining your Coton de Tulear's dental health. Look for dog food that contains high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives and fillers.

Supplements for Dental Health: In addition to high-quality dog food, supplements can also support your Coton de Tulear's dental health. Fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums. You can find these fatty acids in fish oil supplements or in dog food that contains fish or flaxseed.

Probiotics is another supplement that can support your dog's dental health. Probiotics can help promote good bacteria in your dog's mouth, which can reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent dental problems. You can find probiotic supplements specifically designed for dogs or look for dog food that contains probiotics.

What are the early signs of dental problems?

The Coton de Tulear is not like other breeds that have stinky breath, so when they do have bad breath, it can be an indicator of dental disease

Swollen or bleeding gums

Loose or missing teeth (after they've lost their baby teeth)

Difficulty eating and chewing

Drooling

Maintaining Oral Health into Adulthood

Lucy

As Coton de Tulear dogs grow into adulthood, it is important to continue their dental care routine. Brush their teeth at least twice a week or more often if recommended by your veterinarian. Regular dental checkups are also important to catch any potential problems early on.

In addition to brushing, provide your Coton with dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Avoid giving them hard treats or bones that can damage their teeth.

If you notice any signs of dental problems, such as bad breath, swollen gums, or loose teeth, contact your veterinarian right away.

As a Coton mom, I’ll do anything to keep Lucy smiling and happy. Good dental care is one way to keep that smile big and bright.