You’re a pro when it comes to belly rubs and baby talk. But what about your knowledge of doggie dental care?
From dog teeth facts to dog saliva facts, here are 7 surprising “who knews” to wow your fellow dog owners and even help you take better care of your dog’s adorable smile!
1. You wouldn’t know it from all that drooling that happens when you roast a chicken, but dogs only have about 1,700 taste buds. Compare that to humans, who have about 9,000!
2. Contrary to popular belief, pet fur or dander isn’t the cause of most allergic reactions to dogs … it’s their saliva. When a dog licks itself and the saliva dries on the fur, the proteins in the saliva become airborne. Achoo!
3. Even though the tooth fairy doesn’t pay them a visit, dogs do lose their baby teeth just like humans! By 6 months of age, most puppies have a full set of adult teeth, with 20 on the top and 22 on the bottom. That’s 10 more teeth than their humans!
4. Familiar with buying those little white towels in bulk to mop up doggie slobber on your floors? Then this dog saliva fact shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to you: a medium-sized dog is capable of producing 2-4 cups of saliva a day!
5. By age 3, 80% of dogs have some form of gum disease. Gum disease is more common in smaller dogs because of teeth crowding, making it harder to remove plaque. The best way to help your dog avoid gum disease? Regular at-home dog dental care!
6. Dog saliva is antibacterial. But overzealous or too much licking can cause injury or actually make a wound worse (hence the dreaded “cone” pets often have to wear after injuries). We humans know the meaning of “everything in moderation,” but dogs can’t quite grasp the concept!
7. Of all the dog teeth facts, this one is a game changer: Taking care of your dog’s teeth can add 2-5 years to its lifespan. When bacterium from gum disease gets into a dog’s bloodstream, it affects the vital organs, including the heart, kidneys and liver. That’s why dental health is linked to a longer lifespan.
Discover the Easy Way to Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth at Home
Not keen on the idea of dog tooth brushing?
Not a problem, thanks to vet-recommended Pet Dental Water Additive.
Just add 1 capful of this tasteless, odorless solution into your dog’s water bowl each day to fight plaque and freshen their breath. It’s the easiest, most convenient way to adopt a home dental routine for your dog … no toothbrush required!
