Dog Dental Care
Dental care is essential for your dog's overall health, and prevention is key. Without proper dental care, your dog may experience dental disease and pain. Dogs are known to hide their dental pain, which is why it is crucial to establish a dental health routine at home and visit your veterinarian annually. This article will discuss everything you need to know about dog dental care, including the signs and symptoms of dental disease in dogs, proper dental hygiene, and how often to clean your dog's teeth.
Dental Care at Home
Daily brushing is a crucial part of proper dental care for dogs. Dogs require the removal of plaque and biofilm from their teeth to avoid dental disease, just like humans. At our pet hospital, we can teach you how to brush your dog's teeth and provide you with the best brush and dental paste according to your dog's size and flavor preference. If your dog does not tolerate brushing, we can work with you to find the best solution for home care. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) lists many dog diets and treats that can supplement dental care.
Dental Hygiene
There are several ways to ensure proper dental care for your dog, including establishing a teeth cleaning routine when your dog is young, scheduling annual exams, watching for signs of possible dental issues, and providing good nutrition. Early prevention is crucial in avoiding or treating serious dental issues. Our pet hospital provides oral exams to properly diagnose any dental disease that may be present, as most dental disease in dogs is under the gum line. Other dental issues may require medication and/or dental work.
Is it time?
Bad breath is a sign of progressive dental disease and is generally caused by bacteria living in infected gum and dental tissue in your dog's mouth. Other signs and symptoms of dental disease in dogs include plaque build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, mouth sores and ulcers, and, like in humans, kidney, liver, and heart disease. Your dog may have dental issues that require attention and not show any symptoms, which is why annual veterinary checkups are essential.
Dental Disease
How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Teeth?
The recommended frequency of cleaning your dog's teeth depends upon several factors such as age, genetics, diet, lifestyle, and existence of other health conditions. Regardless of signs or symptoms, your dog should have a dental checkup annually at a minimum. It is significantly easier to address and resolve dental issues that are spotted early, compared to dental issues that go unnoticed and are allowed to further develop. Many dogs will allow you to brush their teeth, and our technicians are trained to provide instructions on how to brush your dog's teeth at home. Let us work with you to ensure the best possible dental health for your dog.
Essential Dental Care
Proper dental care is essential for your dog's overall health and well-being. With proper dental care at home and annual veterinary checkups, you can help prevent dental disease and pain in your furry friend. Signs and symptoms of dental disease in dogs include bad breath, plaque build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, mouth sores and ulcers, and can lead to kidney, liver, and heart disease. Contact our pet hospital for a dental checkup today, and let us work with you to ensure the best possible dental health for your dog.
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