How Do I Look After My Spaniel’s Dental Heath?

Many owners overlook their dog’s teeth, but dental disease is a common health problem. Left untreated, it can cause pain and tooth loss, and affect your spaniel's heart, kidneys and liver too. With a simple routine, you can keep your spaniel’s teeth and gums healthy.

What does dental disease in spaniels look like?

Dental disease develops gradually, which is why it's so easy to miss. It begins with plaque – a soft, sticky film of bacteria – building up on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which irritates the gums and leads to gingivitis and eventually periodontal disease, where the structures supporting the teeth begin to break down.

By the age of three, many dogs show some signs of dental disease. Spaniels are particularly prone because their smaller, more crowded mouths – especially in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and cocker spaniels – give plaque more opportunity to accumulate.

Signs to watch for:

• Bad breath (this is not normal and usually the first sign something is wrong)

• Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, particularly near the gum line

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums

• Dropping food, chewing on one side or reluctance to eat

• Pawing at the mouth or excess drooling

• Loose or missing teeth

Why do dogs develop dental problems?

Unlike wolves and wild dogs, domestic dogs don't have a diet that naturally cleans their teeth. Soft or wet food in particular leaves residue that builds up quickly, and most dogs will never voluntarily do anything that removes plaque effectively.

Genetics also plays a role – some spaniels are simply more prone to tartar buildup than others. Depending on a rescue dog’s history, they may also have years of neglected dental care, meaning problems may already be established by the time they come to you. And because dogs are very good at hiding discomfort, dental pain often goes unnoticed by owners for a long time.

A common misconception is that dental chews alone are sufficient. They can help, but they're not a substitute for brushing, in the same way that chewing gum doesn't replace cleaning your own teeth.

How do I look after my spaniel's teeth?

Step 1: Start toothbrushing – ideally once per day. 

Use a dog-specific toothbrush (a finger brush or long-handled brush both work well) and always use dog toothpaste. Never human toothpaste, which contains ingredients including xylitol and is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts, and fluoride, which can cause harm if swallowed regularly.

If your spaniel isn't used to it, introduce brushing gradually. Start by letting them lick toothpaste from your finger, then gently touch the teeth, before introducing the brush over several days. Focus on the outer surfaces of the back teeth, where tartar builds up fastest, using small circular movements.

Step 2: Add dental chews or water additives as a supplement. 

Dental chews give your spaniel something to work against, which helps reduce plaque mechanically. Look for products carrying the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval – this indicates they've been assessed against independent standards and shown to reduce plaque and/or tartar in clinical trials. Water additives (added to the drinking bowl daily) can also help reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Step 3: Feed an appropriate diet. 

Dry kibble creates more mechanical abrasion than wet food and is generally better for dental health, though it's not a complete solution on its own. Avoid regularly feeding sugary treats, which accelerate plaque formation.

Step 4: Book annual dental checks with your vet. 

Your vet will assess your spaniel's teeth at routine appointments and let you know if a professional scale and polish under general anaesthetic is needed.

Why should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Chronic dental disease allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where it can travel to and damage the heart valves, kidneys and liver over time. For spaniels already predisposed to heart conditions, this makes good dental care even more important.

Advanced periodontal disease also causes significant pain, bone loss around the teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. Many dogs mask this pain so effectively that owners are usually surprised to discover the extent of the problem at a vet check.

Good dental care is core to keeping your spaniel healthy and comfortable throughout their life. A daily two-minute brush, the right chews and a yearly vet check are all it takes to stay on top of it.