The Importance of Dental Cleanings for Dogs

Most people consider their pets part of the family, and pet owners are becoming more aware of the importance of dental care for their furry friends. Good oral hygiene is essential for a dog’s overall health, just as it is for humans. Without regular dental cleanings, diseases can affect their teeth, gums, and other organs. The American Veterinary Medical Association has determined that a shocking 80 percent of canines will develop symptoms of canine periodontal disease by age three.

In the content below, we’ll explain why ensuring your pet has clean teeth is vital. Continue reading for more info.

Oral Discomfort

As a pet parent, you should always want your dog to feel comfortable. Keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy can prevent discomfort caused by trapped food in the mouth, plaque buildup, and toothaches. Plaque is the most common cause of gum disease in dogs, so taking them to get dental cleanings can help to prevent it from forming.

Signs of toothaches in dogs:

• a decrease in their interest in dry dog food
• a reduction in wanting hard dog treats
• bleeding gums 
• red or swollen gums
• licking their nose
• crying out while yawning
• sneezing more than usual
• pawing at their ears
• chewing their dog food slower than normal
• while chewing, they drop food from their mouth
• drooling more than their usual amount
• swiping their mouth with their paw
• upset when touching their face or mouth

If your pup exhibits any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of pain due to dental issues. But other indications such as foul breath, loose teeth, or swelling around the muzzle could also suggest underlying oral problems and possible discomfort. If you’re concerned about the well-being of your canine companion, always check for signs of potential dental disease!

Bad Breath

No one wants to deal with a pet with bad breath. Not only is it unpleasant, but it is also an indication of poor oral health in your pet. If your pup has terrible breath, it could signify that they need dental care. To avoid this and ensure that your dog has fresh breath, ensure they receive routine dental care.

Tooth Loss

Believe it or not, tooth loss is a common problem in dogs. Without proper dental care, serious gum diseases can form and damage the teeth, eventually causing your pup to lose its teeth.

Regular dental cleanings can help avoid this issue and ensure that your pet has a complete set of healthy teeth for years to come.

Organ Damage

Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems, such as organ damage. Bacteria in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body, such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. It can even get into your dog’s bloodstream.

The spread of bacteria in your pup’s body is known as bacteremia. This condition can cause infections in these organs that could result in severe consequences for your furry friend.

Oral Disease

There are several diseases that your pet can develop if they don’t receive regular dental care. Common oral diseases include gingivitis, periodontal disease, and stomatitis. These illnesses can cause pain and discomfort for your pup and make it difficult for them to eat. 

Not to mention, treating these diseases is more expensive than taking them for regular dental check-ups. Therefore, it’s best to take preventative measures and regularly check your pet’s teeth.

5 Ways to Keep Your Pups Teeth Clean

1. Pamper Your Pup with a Dental Delight – Delicious Toothpaste for Dogs!

Excellent oral health for humans and canines alike starts with brushing their teeth. Brushing daily is optimal, yet if that isn’t feasible for you, once a week should be sufficient—the more frequent, the better! Teach your pup to enjoy brushing their teeth with specially designed dog toothbrushes that feature angled handles and soft bristles for better reach in even the most challenging spots. Not only will this make it easier for you, but it will be quicker too! With multiple heads on these toothbrushes, cleaning your canine’s mouth is more efficient than ever before. Don’t be tempted to use your toothpaste on your pup; human toothpaste contains ingredients such as xylitol and fluoride that can cause serious harm. Instead, go for doggy-friendly toothpaste that comes in yummy flavors like peanut butter, beef, and chicken! Experiment with various toothpaste and toothbrush mixtures to determine the most suitable for you and your pup. Setting up a routine teeth cleaning regimen in your home will be faster than you think and significantly contribute to keeping your canine’s teeth sparkling clean.

2. Dental Chews for Dogs

Dog dental chews offer both a delicious treat and an effective way to keep your pup’s teeth clean. Not only do these treats reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but they also provide excellent tooth polishing – leaving behind a pearly white smile! In addition, while keeping their mouths busy with munching on the tasty chew stick, you can rest assured that Fido won’t find themselves in any troublesome situations. Dog dental chews make it easy to keep your pup’s choppers in stellar shape. With various sizes, conditions, and textures that target crevices between teeth while encouraging blood flow through the gums, these treats are ideal for cleaning plaque away. Not only do hollow spaces give dogs a better grip on chomping down their snack – they also promote even chewing motion. Take extra care by keeping an eye on them anytime you hand out a dental chew!

3. Dental Spray for Dogs

If your pup’s foul breath stops you from getting all the cuddles and kisses that your dog deserves, but you don’t have much time to fix it, then a dental spray for dogs is the perfect solution! These sprays are super convenient, quick to use, and can be used alone or alongside regular toothbrushings. So why not try it and let Fido enjoy fresh breath again? Not only do dental sprays eradicate bad breath and make your pup’s snout smell delightful, but they also help prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Applying them is incredibly simple; spritz some on your furry friend’s mouth or even onto their toys to get a quick freshness! To ensure optimal results, give Fido at least 30 minutes without food before and after each application.

4. Chewing on Toys

Chew toys are the perfect solution for any fun-loving pup and its parents. Not only do they keep your canine companion occupied, but they also help to ease boredom while protecting beloved shoes from potential destruction! Furthermore, these products satisfy a dog’s urge to chew and promote better oral hygiene. With so many benefits, it is no wonder why chew toys are one of the most popular items among owners everywhere. No matter what age, dogs always explore the world by gnawing on things. For puppies, it helps heal their teething pain, and for adult canines, chewing provides mental stimulation to keep them active. In addition, munching is an excellent way for puppies to clean their teeth—constant chomping scrapes off plaque from tooth surfaces. The items they chew on come in many shapes and sizes; think anything from rubber toys to real bones! We recommend regularly exchanging their chew toys for different styles to keep your pup entertained and engaged. With an array of sizes and shapes, you’re sure to find a toy that satisfies your dog’s inner playfulness!

5. Take them to the vet for cleanings

Maintaining your four-legged friend’s dental health is of utmost importance, and the easiest way to do so is through regular professional cleanings with a veterinarian. These skilled professionals have an eye for spotting any potential issues that may go undetected otherwise and preventing and treating them when needed. Most canine companions require at least one oral exam annually to identify early warning signs of serious problems before they become too severe. Certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds, are more susceptible to periodontal disease and may require bi-annual cleanings. A veterinary visit involves taking x-rays to assess the health of your pup’s jawline and tooth roots before they proceed with scaling plaque away that even a toothbrush can’t reach. During the cleaning process, your dog will be placed under general anesthesia, and their teeth polished and scaled to get rid of any tartar or plaque buildup. Veterinarians can also safely fill or remove teeth as needed. Although this is the most costly and prolonged option, we firmly suggest prioritizing veterinarian oral exams – because ultimately, it’ll benefit your and your pup’s dental health too!

By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog has healthy teeth and gums. As stated above, regular dental cleanings for your pup can help prevent complications from poor oral hygiene. After all, you want your pet to be as happy and healthy as possible, right? We sure hope so!

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