Feeding our dogs is a task that is enjoyable for many dog owners, and providing your dog with a healthy diet is an essential part of ensuring they live a long, happy life. But what do you do when your canine companion has missing teeth, or no teeth at all?
There are many reasons why your dog may be missing multiple teeth. Older dogs (and sometimes younger!) often suffer from tooth decay, but most dogs with missing teeth have occurred secondary to extraction therapy. Dogs of any age may need to have multiple teeth extracted due to periodontal disease or tooth resorption, depending on the genetics, breed tendency for periodontal disease, or inability to provide oral home care in conjunction with routine professional cleanings.
Dogs with missing teeth can live just as long as dogs with all of their teeth. In fact, your dog’s lifespan could be shortened if they don’t have a tooth removed when necessary. Diseased teeth cause pain when chewing, leading to food avoidance. Decayed teeth also risk spreading infection to the surrounding jawbone as well as other organs through the bloodstream. While tooth extraction may seem a bit extreme, it could be the best option for your dog in the long run.
What to Feed a Dog with Missing or No Teeth
Softened Kibble
An easy solution for feeding a dog with no teeth is to soften their kibble by adding liquid to soften the hard, crunchy pieces. Adding hot water, chicken broth, or beef broth to your dog’s favorite kibble and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes can enhance the flavor as well as make it easier to eat. Softened kibble may also be beneficial for dogs who are missing their main chewing teeth.
Canned (Wet) Food
Another great option is canned or wet food. There is a wide variety of canned dog food, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding something your dog will eat. Most dog food brands will have both a kibble and a canned version of the same food. Canned or wet food is available in a variety of flavor options, and you might want to try a few different brands or flavors to see which one your dog likes best.
Be sure to check and make sure there are no large chunks in the canned food. If you find any chunks, use a fork to mash them up before serving. It is also important to note that canned food has increased moisture compared to kibble, and it is also less calorie-dense due to the increased water content. You may notice your dog drinks less water on a canned diet.
Enrichment & Treats
Dogs with missing teeth can still enjoy treats and enrichment! We recommend feeding softer treats and food to make it easier on your canine companion. Offering treats such as partially cooked carrots, green beans, berries, or other soft-baked treats are all great options. There are many choices out there, explore and find what your dog likes best!
Lick mats are a great source of enrichment for your dog. You can add peanut butter, pureed fruit, yogurt, along with many other substances to the mat to keep your dog happy and entertained. Additionally, using a rolling treat dispenser with small, softened treats is a great way to keep your dog happy, as traditional play such as tug of war may be harder when they have no teeth.
Oral Hygiene For a Dog Without Teeth
Even if there are no teeth remaining, oral hygiene can help prevent infection in your dog’s mouth. The easiest way to accomplish this in a pet with no remaining teeth is by squirting a small amount of oral formulation of chlorhexidine solution into each side of your dog’s mouth once or twice daily after meals. If there are some teeth remaining, you should brush them before squirting the chlorhexidine solution into the mouth.
Whether your dog has teeth or not, you should be cleaning their mouth at least 3 times a week. However, daily oral hygiene is ideal for your pup.
Veterinary Dentist in Montana
If you have any concerns about your dog’s oral health, give us a call today to schedule a visit to Montana Pet Dentistry and Oral Surgery in Bozeman.