Happy National Pet Dental Health Month! Did you know that February is the month we celebrate the source of all those slobbery kisses we receive from our canine companions? And did you know that our dog’s dental health is just as important as our own? Just like you and I, our dog’s need routine dental care, exams and cleanings in order to maintain a clean bill of health! So what exactly does all of this mean?
Routine Dental Care
If you are one of the lucky few that are able to brush your dog’s teeth twice daily (let’s be honest, most of us are lucky to brush our dog’s teeth once a month), then pat yourselves on the back. Job well done. For the rest of us, don’t worry! It’s okay if you aren’t able to brush your dog’s teeth routinely. Just do the best you can and follow your vet’s at home instructions!
Routine Exams
The most important thing you can do is make sure that your dog’s teeth are checked by your veterinarian at least once if not twice a year. This will ensure that any abnormalities/problems are caught sooner rather than later, and you can discuss with your vet the proper course of treatment depending on what they find.
Routine Cleanings
As much as we love our dog’s and as wonderful as they are, I have yet to meet a dog that will lie still (without any sedation) and let me do a full oral exam, cleaning, polishing, take radiographs (x-rays), etc. Many humans don’t sit still in the dental chair, so how can we expect our dog’s to just sit there? Well, they don’t. The majority of dental treatments require deep sedation or general anesthesia. Therefore, it is imperative that you work with your vet to determine whether or not your dog is a candidate for sedation/anesthesia prior to pursuing any dental treatment.
Dental Disease
Of course, not everything will fall under the category of routine. Sometimes we will be dealing with dental disease (a very broad term that encompasses many of the issues our dog’s mouths can be afflicted with), growths or masses, and/or the need for extractions. My best recommendation? Make sure that you ask questions and understand what the vet is recommending. Remember: it is okay to get a second opinion, or (if available to you) pursue the services of a board certified dentist/surgeon (depending on the situation).
When it is all said and done, you will be happy to know that the slobbery kisses you are receiving are from a very well cared for and healthy mouth!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Dr. Rebecca Jackson is a staff veterinarian for Petplan pet insurance.
About PetplanUSA
Thank you so much for featuring today! My boy will not let me brush his teeth, even if I tried. Do you recommend any specific dental chews that can help for those who can’t brush? My Titan eats lots of raw bones so I’m hoping that helps. At our exams at the vet, she has mentioned several times how good his teeth look, other than the crookedness underbite
Thank you again! Great info!
Yay for dogs getting their teeth clean. I wonder do they dental floss too. I actually love the dentist never had a problem with them it’s the actual doctor I don’t like.
Kita recently posted…What you talking bout Kita
Hey Kita! Good question about he floss. I think I have seen some in the pet stores!
I’ve tried to make teeth cleaning fun; the problem is that I then have three dogs coming out me for our “fun.” So I have to switch it up and sometimes just do it when they’re mellow and lazing about so that I can clean their teeth thoroughly. The cats are a breeze – they don’t like it, but they’re a breeze.
Kimberly, The Fur Mom recently posted…Inquisitive Canine | How to Get a Dog More Engaged in Dog Play
Twitter: TheFurMom
Kimberly, I would love to see video of you brushing your babies teefers! How awesome would that be? Kudos for you doing it. I’ve never tried with Titan. First time might be ok, but then he’d be prepared. Eeek! Watch out!
BTW, I love your new avi! Meant to tell you on twitter!
@Bren: It sounds like whatever you are currently doing is working great for Titan! Every vet has their own preferences as to what works (and what doesn’t) to help maintain oral health at home. I have had good luck with the Hill’s t/d food (given as treats, and of course, not a good idea of your dog has special dietary needs), but it only works if your dog actually chews his food. Most dog’s tend to swallow their food whole (which defeats the purpose of the t/d). There are A LOT of products out there that claim to improve oral health, and just as many opinions on what works and what doesn’t. Titan’s vet would be the best source for any recommendations on what might work best for Titan. I hope this helps!
Thank you very much. Yes, I think we may be on the right path with our current dental treats and bones since she says he’s looking good in the teeth area. Thanks bunches!
Great advice
I was shocked once when I told a client that his dog needed a teeth cleaning with anesthesia. He said “Well why can’t you just do it while he’s awake? Isn’t it your job to get bitten?” Um no… I take pride in not being bitten thank you very much.
Twitter: mypawsitivepet
LMAO Oh my gosh Ann! Seriously? I’m not a fan of anesthesia so either I do it or it ain’t getting done. Thank goodness the bones and chews are doing their job so far
Samus’ teeth were awful. I’m not sure how long she had been stray but she had puffy gums and brown tartar on her teeth. And her breath stank!!! Thank goodness no teeth had to be pulled. Vet had to put her to sleep to do a full cleaning. I give her hard food and try to clean her teeth 2x a week. She’s a toy so I can use my finger. She doesn’t like the brush. I have to wait to give her treats afterwards so I give her lots of cuddles.
Buddhagan recently posted…Queen’s Moon
Awww poor lil Samus. She had a tough life prior to you. Glad you’re spoiling her rotten now and that no teeth needed to be pulled!