DOG TEETH CLEANING – WHY IT MATTERS

Just like humans, a dog’s dental health is linked with his overall physical health. Unfortunately, periodontal disease starts to impact many dogs within their first few years. This can result in grave negative consequences for their physical health and wellbeing.

The team of Veterinarians at Cumberland Animal Hospital would like to share how dog teeth cleaning works and where to start in this preventative health option.

WHY DOG TEETH CLEANING IS IMPORTANT

Many pet owners tend to neglect their dog’s dental care until a problem like periodontal disease arises. However, cleaning dog teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent this very problem. As humans, we understand that brushing our teeth is a necessary step to protect our gums and teeth. Unfortunately, many of us don’t realize that dog dental health isn’t much different — dogs can experience gum disease just as humans do.

Some dogs are good at hiding mouth pain, which is why we do not realize there’s a problem until the pain becomes extremely uncomfortable for them. This is why regular checkups at the veterinarian are important to make sure you stop any problems in their tracks. Dog teeth cleaning can help prevent serious dental diseases, and even organ damage and blood infections that can occur if bacteria from infected gums enters the bloodstream.

HOW TO CLEAN DOG TEETH
Here are some tips for getting started with dog teeth cleaning:

  • Brush Daily!
    Though it might seem intimidating at first, the more often you brush your dog’s teeth, the better. There are toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for dog teeth cleaning, and you can try out different options to figure out what suits your dog best. Try out longer toothbrushes with soft bristles, finger brushes, and flavored toothpaste. Veterinarians recommend that you brush once a day, but if you can’t brush that frequently, try to at least brush every three days, as it takes 72 hours for plaque to turn into tartar.
  • Chew Toys
    Chewing is a natural way to promote dog teeth cleaning, as gnawing scrapes off plaque from their teeth.
  • Dog Dental Chews
    Dental chews (like Greenies, for example) help your dog clean their own teeth, as they’re made with tasty ingredients that minimize build-up of plaque. It’s best if your dog chews on a dental treat for 5-10 minutes to clean their gums thoroughly.
  • Call Your Vet
    Most veterinarians offer professional dog teeth cleanings to identify and treat any dental problems. A dental checkup is recommended once or twice a year for most dogs.

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

 If your dog requires professional dental cleaning, your veterinarian will let you know and schedule a cleaning for your dog. During your dog’s dental procedure, your vet will likely run blood work to determine if your dog’s health is safe for anesthesia. During the dental procedure, the vet will also take dental x-rays of your dog’s mouth to determine whether they need any further dental treatments. During a professional cleaning, veterinarians use special tools that remove plaque and tartar buildup in places that may go undetected by regular brushing, including below the gum line.

CONTACT US TODAY

Dental health is key to helping your pup live a happy and healthy life and a key element in a preventative health plan. When it comes to your dog’s dental health, developing a regular teeth cleaning routine is the best way to prevent dental disease and keep their tail wagging.

The Cumberland Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina understands how important it is to keep our pets safe year-round.  If your pet has any issues, please contact us at 910-822-3337.  Cumberland Animal Hospital’s veterinarians in Fayetteville, NC are always available to assist you. Call us to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.