Nutrition & WELLNESS
Dental Treats & Care
For Your Finnish Lapphund
Keeping your Finnish Lapphund’s teeth healthy is essential for their quality of life and wellbeing. Dental health affects not only your Lappy's mouth but their heart, kidneys, and overall vitality. Healthy chewing is an important part of your Finnish Lapphund's wellness activities and the key is to get them chewing the right things (and not your favourite pair of slippers!)
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. It can lead to gingivitis, tooth pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems. Regular dental care can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promote fresh breath, and keep your Lappy smiling. By establishing a good dental regime, it also helps to prevent these issues and save on costly veterinary bills down the line.
In this guide, we'll explore some great dental treats and other methods to keep your Finnish Lapphund's teeth sparkling clean, while also being tasty & fun!
Dental Treats
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Dental treats designed specifically for dogs can aid oral hygiene. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These treats are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup while also being palatable for your Lapphund. Ingredients such as sodium tripolyphosphate which can soften plaque, and added enzymes that help break down plaque during chewing can also be beneficial.
Be cautious about relying only on processed dental treats for dental care, as alone they may have a limited impact on existing plaque in adult dogs, and may contribute to high levels of salt and preservatives when given frequently or in high quantities.
A really great natural dental treat is shark cartilage - which is safe for puppies and seniors! It's a low sodium, preservative free & completely natural way to trigger your Lappy's instincts to chew. You can usually find these in bulk bags at a specialty pet food store and they will go down a treat!
Be cautious about relying only on processed dental treats for dental care, as alone they may have a limited impact on existing plaque in adult dogs, and may contribute to high levels of salt and preservatives when given frequently or in high quantities.
A really great natural dental treat is shark cartilage - which is safe for puppies and seniors! It's a low sodium, preservative free & completely natural way to trigger your Lappy's instincts to chew. You can usually find these in bulk bags at a specialty pet food store and they will go down a treat!
Dental Chews
A long-lasting chew is one of the most effective ways to clean your Lappy's teeth and promote dental health. The act of consistent chewing can help to mechanically remove plaque and tartar from teeth, providing an effective line of defense against dental disease. Not only is it a natural behavior for dogs, it helps to remove existing plaque can be very effective for adult and older dogs. Hard chews are the most effective options, while soft chews are ideal for puppies and seniors.
Deer Antlers
Antler chews are made from naturally shed antlers, typically from deer or elk at the end of each season. They are very effective, durable and very long-lasting, making them ideal for enthusiastic chewers like Finnish Lapphunds.
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Benefits
Hard Texture: The tough nature of antlers helps to scrape off tartar and plaque as your dog chews. Nutrient-Rich: Antlers contain essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Safe: Antlers get smoother as they're chewed, eliminating the issues that can occur with rawhide. |
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Tips
Antlers are one of the best hard chews available and Lappies love them! Select a size appropriate for your Lappy and if your dog is new to antlers, supervise them to avoid any hazards (whole antlers are safer than split antlers). Avoid for very young puppies or senior dogs with loose teeth to prevent any dental damage.
Antlers are one of the best hard chews available and Lappies love them! Select a size appropriate for your Lappy and if your dog is new to antlers, supervise them to avoid any hazards (whole antlers are safer than split antlers). Avoid for very young puppies or senior dogs with loose teeth to prevent any dental damage.
Raw Bones
Raw bone chews are a highly effective, long-lasting, hard mechanical chew for your Finnish Lapphund. They can be sourced from various meats, such as beef, lamb, pork or kangaroo. It can be so effective that any visible plaque can be removed after gnawing on a good bone!
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Benefits
Natural Tooth Cleaner: Chewing on raw bones naturally scrapes plaque off teeth and is highly effective. Nutritional Value: Bones provide essential nutrients, including marrow and collagen. Enrichment: Lappy's enjoy raw bones and it's a great activity for their mental wellbeing. This is one of the longest lasting chews available & will keep your Lappy occupied for hours! |
Tips
Perfect as an enrichment and dental health activity when your Lapphund needs to be occupied for a couple of hours! Always supervise your Lappy while they chew if you have any concerns, and avoid very large weight-bearing bones, which can be too hard for your dog’s teeth. Again this hard chew is best avoided in young puppies or very senior Lappies, who may be at risk of tooth fractures.
Perfect as an enrichment and dental health activity when your Lapphund needs to be occupied for a couple of hours! Always supervise your Lappy while they chew if you have any concerns, and avoid very large weight-bearing bones, which can be too hard for your dog’s teeth. Again this hard chew is best avoided in young puppies or very senior Lappies, who may be at risk of tooth fractures.
Ears
(pig, beef, lamb, kangaroo or veggie)
(pig, beef, lamb, kangaroo or veggie)
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Benefits
Natural Cleaning Action: A great soft to semi-hard mechanical chew which scrapes against their teeth, helping to reduce plaque buildup. High in Protein: These chews are often high in protein, providing additional nutrition and fibre. |
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Tips
Look for preservative-free options that are lower in fat to avoid unwanted additives and calories (particularly pig ears). Air dried is best and beef, lamb and kangaroo are the leanest varieties. Veggie ears are a great option for owners not wanting an animal-based ear.
Look for preservative-free options that are lower in fat to avoid unwanted additives and calories (particularly pig ears). Air dried is best and beef, lamb and kangaroo are the leanest varieties. Veggie ears are a great option for owners not wanting an animal-based ear.
Sweet Potato Chews
Sweet potato chews are a popular, chewy treat made from dehydrated sweet potatoes, offering a healthy alternative to traditional chews
Sweet potato chews are a popular, chewy treat made from dehydrated sweet potatoes, offering a healthy alternative to traditional chews
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Benefits
Natural and Nutritious: High in vitamins A, C, and fiber, sweet potatoes contribute to a healthy diet while supporting dental health. Gentle on Teeth: Their softer texture makes them easier on your dog’s teeth, reducing the risk of dental fractures for susceptible dogs. |
Tips
These are perfect for young puppies and senior dogs as they are very gentle on teeth and gums. Look for single-ingredient treats without additives. These can also be made at home by slicing and dehydrating sweet potatoes - check out the recipe!
These are perfect for young puppies and senior dogs as they are very gentle on teeth and gums. Look for single-ingredient treats without additives. These can also be made at home by slicing and dehydrating sweet potatoes - check out the recipe!
Water additives
Water additives can be an excellent option to passively enhance your dog's dental hygiene. These additives typically contain ingredients such as sodium hexametaphosphate, which helps inhibit plaque formation and freshens breath in small amounts. When selecting a dental water additive, ensure it is safe for dogs and approved by veterinary professionals. Adding this to your Finnish Lapphund’s water bowl daily can be a simple yet effective way to support oral health & fresh breath.
Food additives
Dental food powder as an additive can also contribute to your Lapphund’s dental health. There are specific veterinarian approved powder formulations that can be scooped on top of your pup's regular food and are designed to slowly reduce plaque build-up over time. Some formulations are absorbed systemically and may soften plaque after 3 to 8 weeks of use. Look to combine it with kibble that is designed to mechanically reduce plaque & tartar buildup. These diets often have a larger kibble size or special textures that promote chewing.
While perfect for young puppies or senior dogs who cannot tolerate hard long-lasting chews, the various food or water additives can take longer to see results and can be less effective on existing plaque for adult dogs.
While perfect for young puppies or senior dogs who cannot tolerate hard long-lasting chews, the various food or water additives can take longer to see results and can be less effective on existing plaque for adult dogs.
additional tips
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule dental check-ups with your veterinarian at least once a year. They can perform professional cleanings and monitor for any early signs of dental disease. Consider a dental scale and clean by a dental veterinarian once your Lappy reaches 6-7 years of age as a single prevention measure.
- Hydration: Ensure your Lapphund has access to fresh water at all times. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
- Watch for Signs of Dental Issues: Be vigilant for signs of dental problems, such as bad breath, difficulty eating, swollen gums, loose or fragmented teeth or excessive drooling. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.
Teeth Brushing
Brushing your Finnish Lapphund’s teeth is a very effective way to maintain dental health. Given it's quite labour intensive, not every family is able to commit to this, but if its something you choose to do, it will be very effective. Start early by introducing your Finnish Lapphund to a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Begin by letting your Lappy taste the toothpaste to make the experience more enjoyable.
Technique
Once your Lappy is comfortable, gently lift their lips and brush the outer surfaces of their teeth in circular motions. Focus on the back teeth where plaque tends to accumulate the most. Aim to brush your Lapphund's teeth at least two to three times a week; daily brushing is ideal.
Choosing the Right Tools
Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand and a toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs. Human toothpaste can be harmful to dogs (especially if it contains xylitol!), so it’s crucial to use pet-safe products.
Technique
Once your Lappy is comfortable, gently lift their lips and brush the outer surfaces of their teeth in circular motions. Focus on the back teeth where plaque tends to accumulate the most. Aim to brush your Lapphund's teeth at least two to three times a week; daily brushing is ideal.
Choosing the Right Tools
Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand and a toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs. Human toothpaste can be harmful to dogs (especially if it contains xylitol!), so it’s crucial to use pet-safe products.
smile
Maintaining dental health for your Finnish Lapphund is an essential aspect of their overall care. By incorporating and choosing a combination of dental treats, long-lasting hard chews, water additives, food additives, and regular brushing, you can significantly reduce the risk of dental disease. Remember, a healthy mouth contributes to a happy, active life for your fluffball. Start implementing these practices today, and enjoy the benefits of a bright, healthy smile for your Finnish Lapphund!
