How To Clean Dogs Teeth? | Healthy Dog teeth maintaining

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is an important part of their overall health, since dental disease can cause significant issues such as difficulty eating and even eventual tooth loss. As owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our fur babies have healthy mouths and are free from poor oral hygiene. In this blog post I will be discussing how to clean dogs teeth in order to keep them in optimal condition – because after all, every pet deserves a happy and healthy life.

Is dog teeth care really necessary?

Ensuring proper dental care for your dog is crucial. Neglecting it can result in plaque accumulation and dental issues.

Why need to clean dog’s teeth?

Regular dental care for dogs is crucial to prevent plaque build-up and dental issues. Dental disease is prevalent among dogs and can cause significant discomfort. Just like humans, dogs’ oral health matters too.

What does a healthy dog’s teeth look like?

A healthy dog’s teeth should appear white and clean, with minimal plaque buildup. They should be solid and strong, without any cracks, chips, or broken areas.

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Techniques for keeping dog’s teeth clean

The main techniques for maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene and keeping their teeth clean include brushing, using dental treats, and having your veterinarian perform dental cleanings as needed. Additional options for supplemental teeth cleaning are also available, such as tooth wipes, chew toys, dental bones, and water additives.

Investing in preventative dental care for your dog is highly cost-effective compared to treating tooth-related diseases. This realization has led to an increase in pet owners’ spending on dental care. Considering that 8 out of 10 dogs show signs of oral disease by their third birthday, it is wise to prioritize upfront effort in maintaining your dog’s oral health.

Should you brush my dog’s teeth?

Brushing your dog’s teeth at least twice a day is recommended. Once brushing becomes a part of their routine, many dogs will begin to expect and enjoy it. The minimum recommendation is brushing three times a week to help prevent tartar accumulation and remove plaque.

How to clean dogs teeth?

More watching video “how to clean dogs teeth at home” here:

Professional brush dog’s teeth with delicious toothpaste

Please brush your dog’s teeth with Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste, which is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. This toothpaste contains Calprox, an ingredient scientifically proven to safely prevent plaque, combat bacteria, and freshen breath. It is recommended to use this dog toothpaste two to three times per week, and no toothbrush is required. Simply apply the paste to your finger and gently rub it onto your dog’s teeth.

Cleaning dog teeth by nibble chews

Many pet owners express concern about the condition of their dog’s teeth. In addition to being visually unappealing, poor dental health can lead to various issues, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and infection. Fortunately, dental chews are specifically designed to remove plaque and tartar from teeth while also massaging the gums and reducing inflammation. Thus, consistent usage of dental chews can promote optimal dental health for your dog, preventing future health complications. Additionally, these chews serve the added benefit of freshening your pup’s breath.

Spritz dog teeth spray

Dog dental sprays are an excellent solution for dealing with your dog’s stinky breath. These sprays effectively kill plaque-causing bacteria, providing a fresh-smelling breath. Moreover, they help eliminate and prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Using dental sprays is quick and easy: simply spritz the teeth and gums. In cases where dogs are restless during oral cleaning, you can also apply the spray to dog toys, allowing them to lick it off for instant fresh breath with minimal effort. Remember, for optimal results, it is recommended not to let dogs eat for 30 minutes before and after applying the dental spray.

Gnaw on chew toys to clean dogs teeth

Chewing on chew toys helps clean dogs’ teeth, satisfying their natural instincts and preventing boredom. It is recommended to rotate different types of boredom-busting chew toys to keep dogs interested. Chew toys are available in various materials, such as plastic, rubber, nylon, and rawhide. This provides dogs of all ages with mental stimulation and soothing for teething pain. Additionally, constant gnawing on chew toys helps scrape off plaque from teeth, contributing to improved oral health.

Attend professional veterinarian cleaning

Regular professional cleanings with a veterinarian are an essential way to protect your furry friend’s oral health. Veterinarians are skilled at identifying, preventing, and treating dental problems that may otherwise go unnoticed. Most dogs require oral exams and cleanings at least once a year to check for early warning signs of serious issues. Some breeds, such as Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds, are more susceptible to periodontal disease and may need cleanings every six months. Veterinarians can remove plaque below the gum line and take x-rays to evaluate jawline and tooth root health.

During dental cleanings, veterinarians will scale and polish teeth, and if needed, safely fill or extract them. Though attending professional veterinarian cleanings for your dog’s teeth is the most expensive and time-consuming option, it is highly recommended. Your dog’s teeth will thank you for prioritizing their oral health.

What will happen during dog’s dental cleaning appointment?

During your dog’s dental cleaning appointment, a comprehensive examination of the mouth will be conducted. Tooth scaling will then be performed using both hand and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, with particular attention given to tartar below the gum line as it contributes significantly to periodontal disease. Following scaling, the teeth will be polished to eliminate microscopic scratches and reduce the rate of plaque buildup. Depending on the situation, sealer application may be suggested to minimize plaque accumulation.

Risks when cleaning dog teeth

There are potential risks associated with cleaning a dog’s teeth, although they are extremely rare. Just like with any living being that undergoes general anesthesia, including humans, there is always a risk of organ failure or even death. It is important to note that the pre-procedure blood work and examination are in place to minimize these risks, but there can still be unpredictable reactions.

If your pet has an underlying health condition, it does not necessarily mean they cannot undergo anesthesia for dental cleaning. A knowledgeable veterinarian can adjust the anesthesia accordingly.

In our personal experience, our oldest dog, Kali, had a heart condition for years and underwent anesthesia twice for unavoidable procedures. Our vet collaborated with our cardiologist in advance to develop a specific protocol, which ensured Kali’s safety during surgery. Thanks to the effective communication, diligence, and expertise of her medical team, both procedures were successful.

How much does dog’s teeth cleaning cost?

The cost of dog teeth cleaning usually ranges from $300 to $700, excluding additional expenses for periodontal disease treatment or tooth extractions. These supplementary procedures can increase the overall cost of a veterinary visit by several hundred dollars.

How long to a dog to recover from teeth cleaning?

The recovery time for dogs after teeth cleaning can vary, but most dogs are able to go home on the same day as the procedure. It is common for dogs to feel sleepy for the rest of the day, and this should typically last less than 24 hours. Your vet will monitor them after the exam to ensure they are warm, comfortable, and recovering well.

How often should dog’s teeth be cleaned?

Veterinary dentists generally recommend annual professional teeth cleanings for most breeds of dogs. However, some individuals, particularly smaller breeds, may require two visits per year to prevent tooth loss. Following a cleaning, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate interval for cleaning your pet’s teeth.

Tips on maintaining healthy dog teeth

To maintain healthy teeth for your dog, follow these tips:

• Choose the right food: While both wet and dry dog food have their benefits, dry food can help exercise the chewing muscles and have a cleaning effect on the teeth.
• Tailor the diet to your dog: Every dog is unique, so consult with a vet or reputable pet shop for specific advice on the best diet for your furry friend.
• Regularly brush your dog’s teeth.
• Use dental chews and treats to promote teeth cleaning.
• Be cautious when feeding bones: While raw, meaty bones can be tasty and aid in teeth cleaning, they can also pose risks such as dental fractures and constipation. Consult your vet before giving your dog bones and supervise their consumption if you decide to offer them.

Signs dog has teeth disease

Signs that a dog may have teeth disease include:

• Bleeding or inflamed gums.
• Discolored teeth (brown or yellow).
• Loose or missing teeth.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Irritability.
• Weight loss.
• Bloody or “ropey” saliva.
• Decreased appetite.
• Chewing on one side of the mouth.
• Excessive drooling.
• Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys.

When advanced periodontitis signs manifest, dogs can experience significant chronic pain, often leading them to instinctively self-isolate to conceal weakness from predators.

Regrettably, the impacts of periodontal disease are not limited to the mouth; it can also affect vital organs and contribute to heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and accumulate around the heart.

Dog teeth disease treatment

Treatment options for gum disease in dogs include:

• Scaling the teeth above and below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar.
• Polishing the teeth.
• Taking full mouth x-rays.
• Probing around each tooth to check for abnormal pocketing.