When it comes to your beloved pet’s health and well-being, it is important to remember that good dental health is just as important as good physical health. Poor dental health can significantly impact their overall wellness, leading to other health problems. As a pet owner, you must pay attention to your dog’s oral health and provide appropriate preventative care.
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In this article, we will explore the importance of canine dental health, how to care for your dog's teeth at home, signs and symptoms of dental disease, common dental diseases in dogs, the importance of early detection and diagnosis, how often to have your vet check your dog’s teeth, and what a professional dental cleaning for a dog is like. At Harvey Memorial Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners, and we are here to help you ensure that your dog’s teeth and gums remain healthy and happy. If you live in or near Detroit, MI and would like to schedule an appointment for your canine companion, please call (313) 882-3026.
How Does Dental Health Impact My Dog’s Overall Health?
Periodontal disease is common in dogs, affecting at least 80% by age three. It begins with plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar. Tartar below the gum line is particularly harmful, causing infections and damaging the jawbone and connective tissues between the teeth and jaw.
Advanced periodontal disease causes severe pain and may lead to other health problems like kidney, liver, and heart damage. Poor dental care can also lead to tooth loss due to infections and damaged teeth and gums. Dental problems also cause bad breath (halitosis), affecting their quality of life and interaction with their owners.
Severe dental diseases can also make eating and drinking difficult. Chewing on hard objects can result in broken teeth, exposing the nerve and causing pain. The exposed nerve can also become infected, leading to more severe dental problems.
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How can I provide the best dental care for my dog’s teeth at home?
Thank you for taking the time to learn about continued oral health care for your pet!
Oral health is extremely important to your pet's overall health. Dental disease can cause significant oral discomfort, and dental disease doesn't just affect the mouth. It can lead to more serious health problems, including sinus and eye infections, as well as heart, lung, and kidney disease. It is recommended to have an anesthetized dental exam performed ANNUALLY by your veterinarian to perform a complete scale and polish of the teeth, take full mouth dental x-rays, examine the full oral cavity, and assess the level of dental disease.
Brushing the teeth is the best and most effective way to prevent dental decay. Brushing your pet’s teeth a minimum of once daily helps to remove bacteria-filled plaque from the teeth and prevent gingivitis (gum inflammation) and tartar buildup. This may delay the need for yearly dental prophylaxis to every 18 months. Make sure to choose a pet-safe toothpaste if you decide to start brushing your pet’s teeth at home! Here is the toothpaste and toothbrush kit we recommend (we have them available at our clinic for purchase as well!):
- C.E.T.® Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs - includes enzymatic paste + 2 brushes
- C.E.T.® Oral Hygiene Kit for Cats - includes enzymatic paste + 2 brushes
We understand that daily teeth brushing is not always accepted by all pets or possible for all owners. Below are some VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) accepted products that we recommend. These can help keep your pet's mouth healthy and clean in place of teeth brushing or along with teeth brushing:
- OraVet Dental Hygiene chews for Dogs. These treats are given once daily. Do not be alarmed if these treats turn your dog’s poop green or slightly softer when first offered!
- C.E.T. Veggiedent Chews for Dogs. These are a great hypoallergenic dental treat option for dogs. You can also put a bit of the C.E.T. enzymatic toothpaste onto the treat before offering it for added benefits!
- Purina ProPlan Crunchy Dental Bites for Cats. Give 17 treats daily to cats weighing over 5 pounds for maximum benefits.
- Hill's® Oral Care (OTC) and Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d® Canine/Feline. Both the Oral care and t/d diets are clinically proven to reduce plaque & tartar buildup. They work by effectively brushing the dog or cat’s teeth while they chew their food!
- ESSENTIAL™ HealthyMouth® Anti-plaque water additive. This agent reduces plaque to maintain the dental health of both cats & dogs. It is, however, less effective than at-home products that provide mechanical scrubbing of the teeth/gums.
*More daily at-home dental care product options (including other chews, plaque reduction powders, dental sprays, etc.) can be found at: https://vohc.org/accepted-products/
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of dental disease in dogs is crucial when it comes to ensuring your pet’s health. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Discolored teeth (brown or yellow)
- Loose or missing teeth
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Bloody saliva
- Decreased appetite
- Favoring one side of the mouth when chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
- Decreased interest in eating dry food or hard treats
- Chewing more slowly than usual
- Dropping food from the mouth while chewing
- Pawing at the mouth
- New or worsening resistance to having the face/mouth touched
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and health problems.
What Are Some Common Dental Diseases in Dogs?
The most common dental diseases in dogs include cysts, tumors, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and proliferating dog gum disease. While not a disease, tooth fractures are also common.
Why Is Early Detection and Diagnosis of Dental Disease So Important?
Early detection and diagnosis of dental disease can prevent pain, preserve the teeth and supporting structures, protect vital organs from infection, and provide early intervention. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for detecting dental problems before they become more serious. Pet owners can also ensure their pet’s dental health by brushing their teeth regularly, providing them with dental chews or toys, and monitoring them for any signs of dental issues.
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How Often Should My Dog’s Teeth Be Checked?
Most veterinarians recommend having dogs’ teeth professionally examined at least once a year. Senior pets and smaller breeds tend to have more dental problems than healthy adult dogs and may require more frequent check-ups. Furthermore, if your dog shows signs of gum disease, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent cleanings and exams to prevent the condition from worsening.
What Is a Professional Dental Cleaning Like for a Dog?
Professional dental cleaning for dogs usually involves a thorough examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing. This is done under general anesthesia to ensure that the procedure is comprehensive and safe. During the cleaning, the veterinary team will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line and any other debris or evidence of infection. They will also examine the gums and jawbone for signs of periodontal disease. Afterward, they may polish the teeth with a special paste to give them a smooth surface to reduce future bacteria accumulation.
Conclusion
Dental health is an essential part of your dog’s overall well-being. Ensuring their teeth and gums remain healthy can help prevent more serious health problems. As a pet owner, you should watch for signs of dental disease and schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your veterinarian at least once a year. Home care, such as brushing regularly, providing dental chews or toys, and using oral rinses or water additives, can help maintain your pet’s dental health.
If you live in or near Detroit, MI, and are looking for quality pet care, come visit us at Harvey Memorial Animal Hospital where your pet is our priority. Contact us at (313) 882-3026 to set an appointment, or email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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