The Importance Of Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean

By Author: Powell Veterinary Service Inc.
Total Articles: 52
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Just like their owners, dogs need to have their teeth cleaned regularly. Healthy teeth allow them to grab, to bite and to chew easily. When you do not ensure that your dog’s teeth are clean and healthy, they quickly develop problems, not only with their teeth, but also in terms of which their general health may start to suffer.

Therefore, dog teeth cleaning in Greeley and other places should always receive the attention from dog owners that it deserves. Cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly will, indeed, offer them many more years of healthy living and being by your side.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN TEETH

Having clean teeth means good dental health, similar to what we humans experience. Clean teeth protect gums and teeth, which helps to prevent disease, also because regular cleaning helps to keep out bacteria that can cause gum disease and rotting teeth. Also, brushing and cleaning their teeth will help prevent ‘dog breath’, which can be unpleasant, especially if you often pet your dog, touch it or pick it up. Do not think this applies to smaller breeds only; it is also true for your large watchdog.

Regular ...
... cleaning can help prevent periodontal disease which is associated with pain, inflamed mouths, gums and membranes. Start when your animal is young, because waiting too long leads to great trauma for both the animal and their owner.

HOW REGULARLY SHOULD THE DOG’S TEETH BE CLEANED?

Even if there is no ‘correct’ answer to the question, a good rule of thumb is at least once a week if, which is preferable, you cannot do it every day. Smaller dogs such as yorkies with more crowded teeth in their small mouths, benefit from regular (daily or every second day) cleaning. Bigger dogs can still get away with fewer cleanings – but never less than weekly. It is also recommended to take your dog to the vet for a professional cleaning at least once a year, if not once every six months.

WARNING SIGNS

There are definite signs to be constantly looking out for that your dog’s teeth need your attention.

• The moment you become aware of bad breath, you know it may well be time to book a consultation with the veterinary service that you normally visit.

• Pull back their lips. Gently pull back the upper lip (also called the flew) and lower lip and perform your own check for issues such as discolored teeth, dark gums and inflammation.

• More warning signs that it is time to take your dog for a professional teeth cleaning at the vet include obvious signs such as the animal not wanting to touch its food, pain while chewing or chewing not on both sides of the mouth, but only on either side. These warning signs should be heeded lest one takes the risk that the dog may develop periodontal disease.

TIPS ON BRUSHING YOUR DOG’S TEETH

Make sure you use a dog toothbrush which you can buy at a pet shop, or from the vet you normally visit. They look slightly different to the brush humans use and are designed to also reach the back teeth. Do not use human toothpaste as it can be toxic for pets. Therefore, use only specially formulated dog toothpaste from the vet or pet shop.

Be gentle. Make sure the dog is calm before you pull back their lips to expose teeth and gums. For upper teeth pull the lip upwards and for the bottom teeth you pull back the lower downward. Be reassuring and calm so that your dog knows everything is okay. After a while they get used to it and you will not have any problems with most breeds.

THE ROLE OF THE VET

As has been mentioned above, you need to take the dog to a vet for a professional cleaning from time to time. It is still the best way to ensure your dog’s teeth stay as healthy as possible for the longest time.

About Us:

At Powell Veterinary Service we offer all pet owners almost 30 years of dedicated, unrivalled service to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy. We offer great experience and are proud of the services we offer regarding all aspects of animal care. We perform surgeries, we spay and neuter, we offer boarding facilities, and we provide puppies for different activities that appeal to our clients. At PVS we also offer a wellness service for pets to ensure any conditions are picked up early. We are Kersey, CO based and serve the surrounding areas. We are available by appointment, but also for emergency situations. Pets are our passion, and we ensure that your animal receives excellent treatment from our practice. For more about us please visit https://powellvets.com/.