Why Teeth Cleaning is Important For Dogs
Your dog's oral health, like yours, is an important component of their overall well-being. By the age of three years, dogs frequently show signs of periodontal disease (gum disease). This early onset of dental disease can have serious long-term consequences for their health.
Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease in humans, and this appears to be true for our canine companions as well.
The link between heart disease and periodontal disease in dogs is caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth, causing heart function to suffer and other organs to malfunction. These health concerns are in addition to the more visible issue of pain caused by eroded gums and missing or damaged teeth.
At-home oral health care routines combined with dental treats can help your dog keep their teeth clean and control plaque and tartar buildup. However, the best way to keep your dog's mouth clean and healthy is to take him to the vet for an annual dental exam and hygiene cleaning.
Gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and, in severe cases, pain, tooth decay, and tooth loss may occur if your dog does not receive an annual professional cleaning.
Our Windsor vets at New England Veterinary Center & Cancer Care recommend bringing your dog in for a dental appointment at least once a year, or more frequently if they are suffering from more severe or recurring dental problems, to help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
When you bring your dog to New England Veterinary Center & Cancer Care for a dental checkup, our veterinarians will perform a full oral examination and look for signs of dental problems, such as:
Our veterinarians examine all pets to ensure that they are healthy enough to handle anesthesia and, if necessary, perform additional diagnostics to ensure that a dental exam while anesthetized is safe for your pet. We will perform a full tooth-by-tooth examination, complete with charting after your pet has been safely sedated (just like your dentist does during your examinations).
We will thoroughly clean and polish your dog's teeth, both above and below the gum line, while he is safely and comfortably sedated. We probe and x-ray the teeth, then use a fluoride treatment to help protect against future decay and damage before applying a dental sealant to prevent plaque buildup.
If your dog has advanced periodontal disease, we will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that will help restore your dog's mouth to a pain-free and healthy state.
How To Prepare Your Dog For Teeth Cleaning
1. Visit Your Vet for a Physical
Your dog will be examined by a veterinarian to ensure that she is healthy enough for the procedure. The doctor will examine her heart for murmurs or other abnormalities. If your dog has any cardiac concerns, the veterinarian may recommend chest radiographs or a cardiology consult. The veterinarian will also look for signs of anemia on the mucous membranes.
2. Get Bloodwork Done
Drawing blood from your dog to check her liver and kidney functions is the safest way to determine if she is fit to be sedated. Blood tests are especially important in older dogs because they can detect early kidney or liver disease. A dog who is experiencing these symptoms should not be put under anesthesia.
3. Start Antibiotics
Dogs with severe dental infections or gingivitis are frequently given antibiotics a few days before the procedure to prevent complications and to try to clear the infection.
4. Fast The Night Before
Dog Teeth Cleaning VancouverIf your dog is having a dental cleaning, you should keep food and water away from them for about 12 hours before the procedure. The fast is necessary to prevent your dog from vomiting while under sedation, which can lead to serious complications. Fast your dog the night before the dental procedure, or get specific instructions from your veterinarian.
There are lots of ways to help keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy. You can get specially formulated dry foods, additives for their water and chew toys that can help clean teeth if used frequently. But often the best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean is by brushing.
The basics
When should you start brushing your dog's teeth?
It's a good idea to introduce your dog to having their teeth brushed when they’re a puppy. For dogs of any age, toothbrushing needs to be introduced in a gradual and positive way
Ideally, brush your dog's teeth daily
If your dog pulls away or is uncomfortable at any point, stop what you’re doing and take a break
If your dog pulls away or is uncomfortable at any point, stop what you’re doing and take a break
During your next session, go back a stage to when your dog was comfortable and practise that step slowly and gradually before progressing again
If you're struggling to brush your dog's teeth or they show any signs of being worried, speak to your vet or seek support from a qualified behaviourist.
What should you use to brush your dog's teeth?
You can buy enzymatic dog toothpaste and a brush or rubber thimble from your vet/pet shop. Enzymatic toothpaste helps break down plaque and reduces bad breath. They also come in enticing flavours like chicken or liver.
Never use human toothpaste as it can be toxic for dogs.
Do you need to brush your dog's teeth?
It’s important to look after your dog's teeth. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems experienced by dogs and can result in significant pain from sore teeth and gums.
Daily teeth brushing can help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar which can lead to gingivitis and dental disease.
Possible signs of dental problems
