Dental problems are one of the frequent visits to veterinary clinics but this can be prevented with good routine care right at home. Regular dog teeth cleaning sessions are important for your dog’s overall health and quality of life. Cleaning your dog’s teeth at home can be one of the best ways to prevent dental as well as overall health problems in their dogs as they age.
Routine dog teeth cleaning can be done either at home or at your vet’s clinic. Many owners are unaware of the various ways to maintain their dog’s oral hygiene. This is where we want to help, with the basics of dog dental care. We will also include information about different dog teeth cleaning products and the cost of dog teeth cleaning at the vet.
Is cleaning your dog’s teeth necessary?
Dental disease can lead to numerous local and systemic problems in canines. These problems can be easily avoided by good dog dental care practices.
Poor dental hygiene in dogs can result in the following problems:
- Formation of tartar and plaque on the teeth
- Inflammation and swelling of the gums
- Oral infections
- Bad Smelling breath
If left untreated, dog dental disease can lead to toxins being released into the bloodstream. This can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and may result in organ failure. Dental disease is often very painful for dogs and makes them reluctant to eat and drink, thus decreasing their health and quality of life.
So is cleaning dog’s teeth truly necessary? The answer is a big YES! By cleaning your dog’s teeth at an early age and before dental problems develop, you ensure good health for the future. By taking small steps today, you can avoid costly veterinary bills and possible illness. You can use different dog teeth cleaning products available as dog toys, dog treats, dog food supplements, and veterinary products.
What’s the average time required for dog teeth cleaning?
Depending on how you choose to get your dog’s teeth cleaned, there will be variances in the time and frequency. But either way, it is very important to begin training your dog to accept teeth cleaning as a puppy. This will make the process much easier as your dog gets older.
If you choose to clean your dog’s teeth yourself with a dog toothbrush and special toothpaste, the process should ideally take only a few minutes. But for skeptic dogs, this can take a little longer. Be patient though, and do not rush your dog into the process.
Having your dog’s tartar cleaned by the vet is typically an all-day process. The doctor has to prepare your dog for the dental procedure, clean the teeth, and monitor your dog while he recovers from the sedation. The actual teeth cleaning time can vary depending on the severity of your dog’s tartar accumulation.
How often should you clean your dog’s teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a daily task. Other options, like water additives, are usually only used a few times a week. Dog teeth cleaning toys and treats can be given daily. It’s recommended to consult a veterinarian before setting up any oral care routine for your dog. Different dogs have different needs depending on their dental health.
Preventing dog’s dental problems
The best way to stop dental problems is to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar in the first place. Cleaning your dog’s teeth from an early age is the best thing you can do for him. At around six months of age, puppies lose almost all of their puppy teeth and their permanent set of teeth start growing in. This is a very similar process to humans. These adult dog teeth need to be well maintained throughout their entire life.
There are several methods to clean a dog’s teeth. Some require a very hands-on approach, such as brushing the dogs’ teeth with a dog toothbrush. This is a process that you will need to teach your dog or puppy to accept. It requires patience and training.
Other approaches are special cleaning products that do not require you to physically clean the teeth. Rather the product itself will work to prevent or remove plaque. It is never too late to start cleaning your dog’s teeth, but it is best to begin before a problem arises.
Tartar Cleaning – Vet Procedure
Most veterinarians choose to do the tartar cleaning with anesthesia. Make sure to discuss your options with your veterinarian before committing to the procedure. Getting their teeth cleaned is an invasive and uncomfortable process for the dogs. Anesthetizing prevents them from struggling during the procedure, being fearful of the equipment, or feeling pain. It’s also easier for the vets to do their job when the dog is steady and eliminates the risk of being aggressive. Your dog should be healthy enough to undergo the procedure, especially if anesthesia is being used. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s health condition prior to the cleaning with a physical examination and routine blood work.
Risks Associated with Dog Teeth Cleaning Procedure
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved in cleaning a dog’s teeth. Dog dental cleaning with anesthesia can present a slight risk due to the chemical and gas sedatives used. Though rare, some dogs can have a reaction to the drugs and respond negatively. This is why veterinarians take special precautions prior to performing the procedure. Blood work and fasting are almost always necessary. Do not fret though, veterinarians are well prepared to deal with any side effects of the procedure. Your veterinarian and veterinary technician will be monitoring your dog’s vital signs during the entire procedure. Much like human medicine, your dog’s heart rate and oxygen levels will be monitored from the moment anesthesia is administered.
Whenever there are teeth pulled or modified, there is a risk for infection. Oral surgeries or procedures typically heal very well without much intervention. If your dog requires teeth to be pulled, drilled, or if there is an infection already present, your dog will most likely be sent home with an antibiotic. It is important to follow the directions on this medication and give the prescribed amount until completely finished.
Conclusion
Dog teeth cleaning is a great way to ensure the health and longevity of our furry best friend. By taking preventative measures and investing in routine dental care we can also avoid unexpected and expensive veterinary bills.
Dog teeth cleaning doesn’t have to be a painful experience for your dog. Use the teeth cleaning tips above and set your own routine with your pet. Try from the different types of dog teeth cleaning products so you can discover what your dog likes best.
When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are an endless wealth of knowledge, especially when it comes to dog teeth cleaning. You can always request them to demonstrate how to brush your dog’s teeth and ask them what dog teeth cleaning products they recommend. By working together, you will be able to ensure that your dog is healthy, happy, and has a great set of pearly whites!
More on Dog Teeth Cleaning Products:
- You Need to know All about Dog Teeth Cleaning Products
- Also, you can see our top 5 dog toothbrush reviews here!
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