Essential Dental Care for Hairless Dogs

Taking care of your dog’s teeth is needed to prevent the animal from suffering pain and having trouble eating.  Just as you would take care of your child’s teeth to prevent toothaches and cavities, you need to care for your dog’s teeth.  Unlike a child, your dog cannot tell you when his/her teeth are hurting.  Dogs may sit for months, years, or a lifetime in pain without dental care.  Regular veterinarian tooth exams are required to keep your pet pain free, but the responsibility for day-to-day dental care falls to the owner. In this article we will discuss daily care that you provide at home.

Taking care of hairless dog’s teeth is especially important because three of the four recognized American Kennel Club (AKC) breeds of hairless dogs, Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintle, and Peruvian Inca Orchid all have a mutation in the FOXI3 gene which causes hairlessness.  The same gene mutation also causes issues with teeth development.  These dogs often have missing and/or crooked teeth due to genetics.  Protecting the teeth they do have becomes even more essential.

Daily Brushing

Let’s face it, getting a dog to allow you to brush its teeth is a challenge. There are several products available that you can try to make it easier.  The first is the traditional toothbrush combined with a toothpaste that the dog likes. Try getting into a routine so that you brush the dog’s teeth at the same time daily. Don’t overdo it at first.  Each day, as your dog gets used to the process, you can do more brushing.  Try to keep the experience positive and make it into a game.  Below are some examples of dog toothbrushes. Scroll down to continue reading about dental care.

Alternatives to toothbrushes include dental wipes and fingerbrushes that are worn over the finger.  It may be easier to get your pooch to accept you putting your finger into his/her mouth rather than a scary-looking toothbrush. Gently raise the dog’s upper lip with one hand and scrub the teeth with the other.  If the dog winces or displays distress when you are working on certain teeth, a vet visit is needed to determine the source of the pain. 

If brushing is too stressful for your dog, try a dental spray.  Apply the spray to the dog’s teeth daily.  These sprays are designed to remove dental plaque and prevent buildup.  For some dogs using a spray causes less stress, but keep in mind that rough treatment and anger from you will cause your dog to dread dental care.  Keep a positive attitude and sense of humor.  Your dog is very good at reading your emotions.

Food and Water Additives 

The wide range of dental products available for dogs indicates the level of difficulty some owners experience with brushing.  For those who have tried brushing unsuccessfully there are food and water additives designed to dissolve dental plaque.  Just mix into food or water and you’re all set. It’s OK to combine dental additives with a brushing routine.

Dental Chews

Giving your dog a daily dental chew is good dental therapy, and most dogs love them too.  These should be used in addition to brushing, not as a replacement for it.  They also serve as a treat and help alleviate boredom. You can give chews just after brushing as a reward and to finish the job. If you notice that your dog is reluctant to chew, a vet visit is needed to see if the dog is avoiding pain from a bad tooth. In this way dental chews serve as an early warning system for greater problems.

Takeaway: Hairless dogs require dental care, and it is very important due to genetic factors that affect tooth development in these breeds. There are a variety of options for keeping plaque from building up on your dog’s teeth.  Monitor your dog’s behavior for signs of tooth pain and see a vet if needed to prevent unnecessary suffering.

More From the Care Guide:

• The Hairless Dogs Care and Keeping Guide
  • Skin Types
  • Bathing
  • Moisturizing
  • Dog Acne
  • Sun Protection
  • Essential Wardrobe
  • Essential Dental Care