Every dog is unique, so there's never one diet that will suit all dogs. If you're unsure what works best for your dog, a vet or reputable pet shop will be able to give you more specific advice on the best diet.
Brush your dog's teeth regularly.
Dental chews and treats are also a good way of helping to keep your dog's teeth clean.
Feeding bones is controversial - although raw, meaty bones may be a tasty treat for your dog and do help clean teeth, they can be hazardous. Bones can cause dental fractures with dogs who eat 'energetically', and can cause constipation. Cooked bones are likely to fragment and cause internal damage. Ask your vet for advice first before feeding your dog bones, and supervise them if and when they do eat them.
How to clean your dog's teeth
You should keep brushing your dog's teeth as part of a regular grooming routine.
Ask your vet first - before you start cleaning your dog's teeth, it's always best to ask your vet to show you the best way to do this. Different breeds show varying jaw alignments and how the teeth meet. Flat-faced dogs, like Pugs and Chihuahuas, have poorly aligned jaws, with crowded or absent teeth, and are therefore more likely to suffer from dental disease.
Start teeth cleaning when they're a puppy and brush their teeth everyday to get them used to it. If you haven't done this before, gradually introduce it by having your finger near their mouth. Keep doing this and then slowly introduce brushing until this is natural.
Buy a dog toothpaste - human ones aren't suitable. You can use a special dog toothbrush that goes over your finger to brush their teeth, but if you don't have one then a child-sized toothbrush is fine.
Signs your dog has dental or gum disease
Dental disease can appear quite suddenly, or progress over time and take months.
dog dental treatment © RSPCAIf you find your dog has dental disease, only carry out treatment under the direction of your vet. Your dog will most likely need sedation or a general anaesthetic to properly examine their mouth. X-rays might also be taken to reveal any abnormalities of the tooth or bone.
If the affected teeth aren't too bad, they would be scaled and polished to remove mineral deposits. With more severe cases, such as fractured or loose teeth, they may need to be removed.
Your dog will likely need anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics after surgery. You'll then need ongoing commitment to regular dental care to prevent the disease from coming back.
Periodontal disease and tooth decay are as problematic for dogs as they are for people, and just as painful. That's why caring for your dog's teeth is an important element of caring for your dog's overall health. Today, our Windsor vets share some tips on how to prepare your dog for a dental cleaning.
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.
Dog Teeth Cleaning VancouverAt-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.
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
If 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.
