Dental and eye care are two of the most underrated parts of dog grooming, but they have a huge impact on your dog's long-term health. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth loss, while ignored eye problems can quickly become serious. Our guides walk you through brushing your dog's teeth at home, choosing a vet-approved toothpaste, and picking dental chews that actually work. For eyes, we cover how to gently clean around the eye area, manage tear stains in light-coated breeds, and recognise warning signs like redness, cloudiness, or excessive tearing that need a vet visit. Whether you're starting a daily dental routine or just want fresher breath and clearer eyes, our practical guides help you stay on top of both.
Dental & Eye Care by Breed Type
| Breed Type | Common Concerns | Care Routine | Risk Level | Australian Owner Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-Faced (Brachycephalic) | Crowded teeth (more plaque buildup), tear staining, corneal ulcers, dry eye. Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers. | Daily teeth brushing with enzymatic toothpaste. Daily eye wipes with a vet-approved saline solution. Regular vet eye checks. | High | French Bulldogs are Australia's fastest-growing breed. Pet insurance with dental and eye cover is strongly recommended due to the high incidence of related issues. |
| Small / Toy Breeds | Severe dental disease often present by age three. Crowded jaws, retained baby teeth, early tooth loss. Chihuahuas, Maltese, Yorkies, Pomeranians. | Daily brushing from puppyhood. Professional dental scaling under anaesthetic every 1–2 years from a vet. | High | The majority of small dogs show signs of dental disease by age three. Don't wait for bad breath to act — start brushing the day you bring them home. |
| Long-Eared Breeds | Tear duct blockages, recurrent ear infections affecting the eye area, eye discharge. Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Basset Hounds. | Weekly eye area cleaning. Ear inspection and thorough drying after every swim or bath. Trim hair around ears if matting traps moisture. | Moderate | Humid Australian summers plus floppy ears equals yeast infection risk. Dry ears thoroughly after every bath or swim and never leave moisture trapped inside. |
| Light-Coated Breeds | Tear staining shows easily on white or cream fur, often a sign of underlying eye irritation. Maltese, Bichons, West Highland Whites, white Poodles. | Daily face wipes with a saline or vet-approved eye solution. Regular trims of the hair around the eyes to prevent irritation. | Moderate | Avoid antibiotic-based "tear stain removers" sold online — many contain tylosin, which isn't approved for cosmetic use in Australia and contributes to antibiotic resistance. |
| Large Breeds | Less general dental disease but higher risk of tooth fractures from inappropriate chews. Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds. | Teeth brushing three times weekly. Use VOHC-approved dental chews sized appropriately. Avoid antler chews and very hard bones. | Low | A slab fracture on a large breed's carnassial tooth can cost $1,500+ to extract under anaesthetic in Australia. Skip the antlers and stick to vet-approved chews. |
| Senior Dogs (Any Breed) | Cumulative dental disease, cataracts, dry eye, vision loss. Risk rises sharply after age eight regardless of breed. | Continue daily brushing and eye care. Add an annual vet dental and eye exam. Bloodwork before anaesthetic procedures. | High | Australian vets typically recommend dental scaling every 12–18 months for seniors. Always pair it with pre-anaesthetic bloodwork to assess organ function first. |