And we don't mean that a dog without teeth can't pluck out clumps of unbrushed fur where it's itchy. Healthy teeth equal a healthy organism, and you'll immediately notice that in the quality of the coat.
Liver as a reflection of the coat
When the liver in the body doesn't do what it should, it can lead to hormonal instability and toxin buildup in the body. This will manifest as a change in the dog's behavior – they become more lethargic, have less appetite, and with a liver shunt, for example, they vomit stomach acid more often – and also the quality of the coat will worsen. It will be more brittle, greasier, harder to comb, and dark spots may appear on the skin. At the same time, the dog's weight usually starts to change.
Tip: If you want to support liver function, we recommend crushed milk thistle seeds or Topvet milk thistle oil, which naturally supports liver regeneration and function.
When kidneys fail, the coat breaks
Even kidneys, due to their insufficient ability to remove toxins from the body, will show in poor coat quality. However, with kidneys, there will also be an increased urge to drink and urinate, and overall the disease has a faster course, so you'll probably notice it sooner than during regular bathing and brushing.
Bilberries or cranberries will support kidney function. You can find them, for example, in Topvet disinfectant oil, which generally stimulates the body.
How are teeth related to this?
A key question! A lot. Bacteria live on teeth, just like in humans. They happily multiply there and form plaque, which hardens into tartar. When swallowing and licking, bacteria successfully spread further into the dog's body and coat. If this happens long-term, it can impair heart function, contribute to liver and kidney damage, and as a result, the coat will worsen. All dog breeds are at risk, but especially small ones (because their teeth get clogged more easily).
What else do rotten teeth do to the coat?
- Inflammation and bacteria spreading through the body weaken the immune system. This is important as a protection against yeast and other skin infections.
- Tooth pain worsens food intake – the dog may start lacking some important nutrients, which will show in the quality of the coat.
How to brush your dog's teeth properly
What to do? Try getting enzymatic toothpaste for dogs (we swear by Enzymel) and a dog toothbrush (such as a medium-soft Curaprox) and brush their teeth regularly at least once a day (especially around the gum line, particularly on the canines and molars).
You can also try Venzymel gel, if you don't have time to brush teeth daily (just apply every other day) or dental oils. The one from Dokonalá láska even smells nice on your furry friend's breath and is available for dogs with healthy digestion and with some digestive problems. There are also chewing treats that help remove plaque/tartar from teeth, BARF enthusiasts swear by gnawing on raw bones (never give your dog cooked bones!).
There are even dental wipes, because wiping with gauze is the most effective way to remove loosened plaque without damaging the gums.
Dr. "Tooth"
If your pet has developed gingivitis (red gums, increased salivation, and suddenly avoids certain foods), consult your veterinarian. They can perform dental hygiene under anesthesia and clean the dog's entire mouth with an ultrasonic device. If the dog cooperates well and their teeth are not in a catastrophic state, the treatment can also be performed without anesthesia. This is done, for example, in first-class dog salons, where they can help with sensitivity and maximum care. For example, in Barber Tlapka.
Also try a home ultrasonic toothbrush for dogs, which will save you a lot of trouble with teeth!
Adjust your diet for healthy teeth
The food itself is also important. Kibbles and pieces of food should be larger to force the dog to chew. Bones should also be adapted to its size (a beef femur probably won't help a chihuahua much with tartar). Natural remedies can also help, such as kelp seaweed, spirulina, chlorella or collagen and fish oil for overall oral health.
And how do you take care of your pet's teeth? Write to us at info@groomo.cz!
