Tips for Diabetic Dogs

Bad teeth can cause numerous health problems from infection to heart disease, so it is especially important to keep our dogs’ teeth clean. Diabetes can complicate oral health because we must be careful about ingredients. There are chews that we can no longer give them because they are high in carbohydrates. Water additives and toothpastes can have sugars added. Diabetes can also cause dry mouth and dry mouth causes tooth decay and oral diseases since saliva helps keep the mouth healthy. Yearly dental cleanings are important to help maintain dental health. Bacteria breeds infection and infection raises blood glucose levels. A painful tooth can elevate blood glucose or cause them to refuse to eat. So let’s take a look at procedures and products that can help keep our pups mouths healthy.

Dental cleanings – Most times a preanesthetic blood work is done to make sure kidney and liver functions are okay for anesthesia. They will also make sure that the heart is healthy. Once your vet determines all is acceptable, your vet will make an appointment for a dental cleaning. During a dental cleaning, a full dental exam is done, teeth are scraped and cleaned to remove tartar and plaque above and below the gumline, then the teeth are polished. Bad teeth will also be removed if necessary.

The day of the dental procedure your vet will give you instructions for food, water and insulin dosage the morning of the procedure. In the past it was common to withhold food, water and administer a lesser dose of insulin, but nowadays it is common for the vet to suggest normal water consumption, reduced meal and reduced insulin. Remember, they will be monitoring your dog’s blood glucose levels.

Ultrasonic dental cleanings – this procedure can be a good option for dogs with heart, liver, or kidney issues. They may be put under a light sedation and the teeth are scraped and cleaned to remove tartar buildup above the gumline, teeth are then polished. This is not a deep cleaning like when anesthesia is used, so it is recommended to have these types of cleanings done every three to six months.

Water and food additives can be used but you need to read active and inactive ingredients to ensure it will not raise blood glucose levels. The products below have been used by many without any ill effects on their dog’s blood glucose levels.

The following are products that I have used and members in our group have used:

• Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Liquid Tartar Remover Dog Breath Freshener Water Additive for Dogs
• Fresh Breath by TropiClean Advanced Whitening Oral Care Water Additive for Dogs
• ProDen PlaqueOff Powder

Dog toothpastes can be used as well, again just make sure you read the ingredients and inactive ingredients. Most canine toothpastes have dextrose added to them! You can also you a little bit of baking soda in water or bone broth to brush teeth.

Here are a couple brands that have no sugars listed in ingredients:

• Petsmile Professional London Broil Flavor Pet Toothpaste
• Vets Preferred Advanced Enzymatic Peanut Butter Flavored Dog Toothpaste
• Well & Good Peanut Butter Flavored Dog Toothpaste

Dental wipes have become popular as well. I used dental wipes after Lucy had her last dental, and while she was not a fan she did let me wipe her teeth daily. There are many different wipes available, here are a couple I have used and/or have safe ingredients:

• DechraTopical DentAcetic Dental Wipes
• MAXI/GUARD Oral Cleansing Wipes
• Project Paws Tartar & Plaque Control Dog Dental Wipes

Chewing crunchy treats also helps keep our dog’s teeth clean! Healthy, crunchy treats are always a hit. Lucy regularly got celery, cucumber and green beans. Turkey or beef tendons are healthy, fully digestible and take a while for them to chew. Himalayan Yak Chews are popular and are a healthy choice. Please click on this link for healthy and crunchy treats for your pup: https://shoppettest.com/blog/treats-treats-and-more-treats/

I hope this latest blog helps you are your sweet pup’s teeth. Do you have a dental product that you use but don’t see on the list? Do you have a question or comment? Please start a conversation below or send an email to  info@pharmasupply.com.

If you are looking for a Facebook community to join for support, I have been an admin in Diabetic Dog Owners for over four years. You can also join Canine Diabetes Support and Information on Facebook as well.

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