Tooth decay and other oral diseases are as troublesome for dogs as they are for humans. Making dog dental care a critical part of your dog's overall health. The vets at Affordable Pet Vet Clinic in Tracy share some tips on how to keep your dog's mouth healthy and teeth clean.
The Importance of Dog Dental Care
Oral health is just as important and essential for your dog's health as it is for your's. The majority of dogs start displaying symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease) by the time they are 3 years old. When a dental disease starts this early it can produce serious consequences in your pup's wellbeing and physical health.
Studies have proven a direct relation between heart disease and periodontal disease in people and the same thing can also be true for dogs.
The link between heart disease and periodontal disease in dogs occurs because the bacteria gets into the bloodstream from the mouth, this damages heart function, creating problems with the other organs as well. These complications come along with more visible issues like pain from eroded gums, and damaged or missing teeth.
Implementing oral health care routines at home with dental treats can do a-lot to assist your dog in cleaning their teeth, as well as help to control plaque and tartar buildup. Although, taking your pup to the vet for an annual hygiene cleaning and dental exam is the best way to make sure your dog’s mouth stays healthy and clean.
Skipping your dog's annual professional cleaning puts them at risk of developing bad breath, periodontal disease , gingivitis and in severe situations tooth decay, pain and tooth loss.
What Happen During Your Dog's Dental Appointment?
In order to help prevent your dog from getting periodontal disease and tooth decay, our vets at Affordable Pet Vet Clinic in Tracy suggest having your dog come in for a dental appointment a minimum of once a year, or more often if they are experiencing recurring or sever dental problems.
Once you bring your dog to Affordable Pet Vet Clinic for a dental checkup the vets will do a complete oral examination to see if your pup is showing the following symptoms of dental issues :
- Bad breath
- Plaque or tartar buildup on teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Swelling or pain in or around the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Loose or Broken teeth
- Bleeding around the mouth
If you suspect your dog is showing symptoms of periodontal disease, like drooling, abnormal chewing, reduced appetite (which might indicate tooth pain), dropping food from the mouth, bad breath or other signs you must contact your vet immediately to book your pup in for a dental appointment. Oral health problems can get severe if left untreated and can put your furry friend in a lot of discomfort and pain.
Our vets examine all animals to make sure they are healthy enough to undergo anaesthesia, and perform further diagnostics if needed, to make sure your pet is safe to go through a dental exam while they are sedated. Once your pet is sedated safely, the vets will conduct a complete oral examination (one tooth at a time) complete with charting, (same as what your dentist does during your exams).
While your dog is comfortable and safe under anaesthesia, our vets will efficiently polish and clean your dog's teeth, below and above the gum line. Next we X-ray and probe the teeth, to help protect and prevent damage and decay from happening in the future. We use a dental sealant and a fluoride treatment to prevent plaque buildup.
If your dog is experiencing advanced periodontal disease, we will develop a treatment plan with you to help get your dog's mouth back to a healthy and pain-free state.
Should I Brush My Dog's Teeth ?
You as a pet owner have a crucial part in assisting your dog fight dental diseases. This is a list of how you can clean your dogs mouth and keep it healthy:
- Use a child's tooth brush or a finger brush from your vet to brush your dog’s teeth daily to get rid of any debris or plaque.
- Apply a plaque prevention product to your pup's gums and teeth to act as a plaque buildup barrier. Your vet can recommend the best product for your pet.
- Give your pooch treats designed for oral health like dental chews or other foods that can help keep tartar and plaque at bay.
Dental care is essential to your furry companions overall health. Make sure to book your pet's annual dental appointment today!
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
