Teeth and their care – Bearhill’s approach
In recent years, the condition of sled dogs’ teeth has become a point of interest for veterinary authorities — and with good reason. Sled dogs live a life primarily outdoors, eat varied diets, and work hard. While their feeding routines have improved greatly over the years, dental issues remain a reality we must address.
Why teeth matter for working dogs
Most modern sled dogs are fed high-quality dry kibble with meat, fish, or chicken added. In some kennels the food is soaked before feeding; in others, it is fed dry. This seemingly small difference can have a big impact on dental health.
When kibble is soaked, the abrasive cleaning effect of crunching is lost. Over time, plaque can build up, leading to tartar, gum infections, and decay. Left untreated, these problems can cause pain, tooth loss, and even systemic illness.
It’s worth remembering that all wild canines eventually develop dental disease. In the wild, this often becomes a limiting factor for lifespan: Broken or infected teeth can prevent them from eating enough, ultimately leading to starvation. We cannot change that reality for wolves, but for the dogs in our care, we have both a moral and legal obligation to act.
Why veterinary authorities check teeth
When veterinary inspectors visit a kennel, they will often check a sample of dogs’ teeth. This isn’t just about oral health – it’s a bellwether for overall animal care.
If the dogs’ teeth are clean and well-maintained, authorities can reasonably assume the rest of the care is also at a good standard. The logic is simple: good dental health requires regular individual checks, which means you’re handling and assessing each dog closely.
Teeth are also increasingly being checked at race vet inspections. In some events, a dog may be refused participation if its dental health is poor. This is becoming a more common standard across the sport.
Pet dogs, on the other hand, are rarely subject to such inspections. Their dental health depends almost entirely on whether the owner takes them to the vet and follows up on any advice given. In reality, there are many pet dogs with bad teeth. But in this case it’s a private matter between the owner and their veterinarian.
How we manage dental care at Bearhill
At Bearhill, we take a proactive approach. At least once a year, we have what we call a “Teeth Day”. Here’s how it works:
- We make a complete list of all of our dogs.
- We inspect and score each dog’s teeth using a standard veterinary grading system from 1–4:
- 1 = Perfectly clean teeth, no plaque or tartar.
- 2 = Light plaque build-up.
- 3 = Significant tartar or several affected teeth.
- 4 = Severe decay, rotting teeth, urgent intervention needed.
- We book a vet for the day to perform cleanings and any routine dental procedures needed.
We aim to do these inspections every four months, but once a year is our absolute minimum. If a dog develops an acute dental problem – a cracked tooth, infection, or obvious pain – we go to the vet immediately rather than waiting for Teeth Day.
Bearhill’s three-point prevention plan
We focus on three proven, kennel-friendly preventive measures:
- Step: Feed dry kibble, not soaked
- Method: Keeps the crunchiness intact
- Why it works: Crunching naturally scrapes off plaque before it hardens into tartar.
- Step: Offer bones or frozen fish heads
- Method: Encourages gnawing and chewing
- Why it works: The mechanical action cleans teeth and stimulates gums.
- Step: Add seaweed to the diet
- Method: Provides natural plaque-fighting enzymes
- Why it works: Seaweed enzymes help break down plaque at the chemical level.
Tip: Consistency matters more than occasional effort. These three steps work best when they are part of the daily routine.
Genetics and breeding decisions
Diet matters, but genetics play a huge role. Some bloodlines naturally have stronger, healthier teeth; others have weaker enamel or more crowded mouths. Where possible, we prefer breeding dogs with good dental health. It’s one more way to improve the next generation’s quality of life.
Older dogs and anesthesia risks
Dental procedures – especially extractions or deep cleanings – require sedation or general anesthesia. While these are generally safe for healthy adult dogs, the risk increases significantly with age. Older dogs often have reduced heart, lung, liver, or kidney function, which makes it harder for them to tolerate anesthesia.
This means every dental decision for a senior dog must balance the benefit of treatment against the risk of the procedure itself. Sometimes a mild dental issue in an old dog is best managed with diet changes and pain control, rather than putting the dog through surgery. At Bearhill, these decisions are made in close consultation with our vet, always prioritising the dog’s comfort and safety.
