A Guide for Dental Care for Dogs

Dental Care for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs need regular dental care to stay healthy. The most common canine dental problem is something called periodontal disease. This disease begins with a buildup of plaque, which can harden into bacteria-loving tartar. If allowed to accumulate, tartar can cause bad breath, gum problems, tooth decay, and, in extreme cases, heart damage from the bacteria. Home brushing will remove some of the buildup, but plaque and tartar accumulate along and under the gum line. To remove this hard-to-reach plaque, a dog will need to visit a vet or canine dentist for a cleaning.

• Chew on This: Dental Problems for Dogs: Visiting the dentist is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for people. This article explains the risks of failing to care for a pet’s teeth and how to identify early signs of tooth decay.
• Prevalence of Dental Disorders in Pet Dogs (PDF): Dental issues for dogs are more common than you might think. A 2005 study revealed that 85% of pet dogs deal with issues like missing teeth, gum infection, and tartar buildup.
• Rescue Dog Illustrates the Need for Dental Care: As with the case of Lady Blue, a rescued greyhound, a lack of preventative dental care can result in infection, painful swelling, and even a deterioration of bone. Lady Blue had a happy ending, but good daily care is mandatory to prevent these conditions from ever developing.
• Tips to Make Sure Pets Get Good Dental Care: The first step is to bring a pet in for a dental checkup. After a professional cleaning, home care can be as simple as providing the right food and chew toys for your dog.
• AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: Almost two-thirds of pet owners fail to give their animals the dental care needed. Taking the family dog to a vet or dentist is the first step, and this article details what to expect during the examination.
• Marietta Dentistry: No matter the situation, a vet or dentist can usually be found right in your hometown. Finding them is as easy as opening up a Web search or phone book.
• Cosmetic Dentists: Marietta: Show dogs may have their teeth whitened for competitions, but cleaning should always be done with the dog’s oral health in mind. Keeping a dog’s teeth clean will result in a naturally white doggie grin.
• Marietta Dentists: A dog dental checkup isn’t much different from a human one. A vet or dentist will remove plaque buildup, clean around the gums, and repair any teeth that have suffered damage or cavities.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean

Most pet owners don’t know that dogs, like people, need to have their teeth brushed every day. Getting a dog used to this kind of mouth intrusion can take time, and while they’re getting adjusted, there are other ways to clean their teeth. Switching from soft to dry food can cut down on the opportunities for plaque to develop. Special chew toys provide a way for dogs to naturally scrub their teeth without interrupting playtime. Thanks to these small changes, dogs will be able to enjoy a longer, happier life.

• Dental Health for Pets (PDF): Daily maintenance is required to keep teeth and gums healthy. Learn how to brush a dog’s teeth with this step-by-step guide.
• The Effect of Dental Products on Canine Oral Bacteria: There are a variety of different products that claim to clean a dog’s teeth, but how effective are they? This study compares treatments like raw bones, at-home brushing, and dentistry chews.
• Daily Tooth Brushing? Absolutely! Did you know that dogs need their own special toothpaste? Introducing a dog to teeth-cleaning at an early age can help get them accustomed to a daily tooth-brushing routine.
• Bad Breath or Something Worse? Dogs are notorious for having bad breath, but if a dog’s breath is worse than usual, it may be an indication of dental problems. Fortunately, there are three easy steps that can prevent the development of an unpleasant odor.
• Anesthesia Optional? Its Use in Pet Dental Care: No matter how well-behaved a pet may be, they won’t be able to understand the importance of staying still during a dental cleaning. Learn more about the importance of anesthesia in this article from Colorado State.
• How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth: Dental disease in dogs can lead to serious ailments like heart or kidney disease. Regular checkups combined with good home care will help ensure a long, healthy life for pets.
• Dental Care for Dogs: Tips and Tricks: Not all dogs take well to tooth-brushing. By following these steps for a gradual introduction, even the pickiest dog can be trained to look forward to taking care of their teeth.
• Pet Dental Care: Nine Tips for Healthy Teeth: Dogs may not always indicate when their teeth hurt. This means that owners need to regularly check their pet’s mouth to make sure everything looks healthy. A vet or canine dentist can also perform this check.
• How to Properly Care for Your Dog’s Teeth: Like human children, a puppy’s teeth come in gradually as they age. However, if a puppy tooth fails to come out in time, a vet may need to remove the tooth to allow space for the dog’s adult teeth.
• A Dog Dental Care Guide for Lazy Pet Owners: Even if a busy lifestyle prevents a full daily cleaning, there are still ways to keep a dog’s mouth healthy. Dogs can even help clean their own teeth with chew toys!
• Six Painless Teeth-Cleaning Tips for Your Pet: Dogs can’t speak up to let their owners know when their teeth are feeling dirty, but there are ways to tell from the dog’s natural behavior. Learn how to distinguish between bad breath and a painful toothache in this article.
• The Bark: Dental Care Tips for Dogs: Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, have a greater risk of developing dental problems. All dogs need dental care, but if the dog is of a smaller breed, it may need more frequent vet checkups.