Dog owners often wonder about their pup’s oral health — especially knowing that the condition of their teeth and gums impacts their overall health. They may assume that they don’t have to worry about dental problems until their dog is older. However, many dogs begin to show signs of dental disease at only two years old. In fact, by three years old, most dogs already have the early stages of dental disease!
During your annual visit to the vet, your veterinarian completes a basic oral exam. However, they can only perform a thorough exam and cleaning of your dog’s mouth with general anesthesia. Even without the presence of dental issues, it’s smart to start dental cleanings by three years of age to prevent the development of periodontal disease.
To know if your dog needs a dental cleaning, keep an eye out for the following issues.
1. Bad breath
Periodontal disease is the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. It leads to major damage to the bone and soft tissue that supports the teeth, which can become a serious problem. If you feel like your dog’s breath is more noticeable or getting worse, schedule an appointment with your vet and allow them to rule out potential causes and determine if a professional cleaning is necessary.
2. Plaque build-up
Plaque, defined as hardened tartar or staining, should never appear on your pup’s teeth. Even a little bit can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease.
3. Trouble eating
Has your dog had difficulty chewing their food or even lost interest in eating? Have they stopped chewing on their favorite toys? If so, these behaviors may indicate they are in pain because of an infection or inflammation caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease.
4. Irritated gums
If you see red, swollen, or bleeding gums in your dog’s mouth, it may indicate that your pet has abscessed teeth, gingivitis, or a bacterial infection. This symptom always requires a complete dental exam with general anesthesia. Your vet may also take X-rays and/or pull problem teeth to make your dog more comfortable.
So what can you expect during a dental cleaning for your dog?
After your vet gives your dog anesthesia, they will do a careful exam of your dog’s teeth and gums, using a dental probe to look for any problem areas. They’ll examine the surface of the teeth to see if there is any stuck food or irritated spots. Using X-rays, they’ll take a closer look at the tooth roots and jaw bones to determine if your dog is struggling with periodontal disease.
Then, they’ll thoroughly clean your pup’s teeth, removing any dental plaque and tartar around the gum lines. They’ll also pull any teeth that are too damaged to restore to good health. Finally, they’ll polish your dog’s teeth to lower the potential for plaque build-up again.
Of course, your furry friend will be carefully monitored while under anesthesia. After their procedure, they may be a little groggy for the rest of the day. Based on the results of the exam, your vet will give you any needed antibiotics or pain medication. They will most likely ask to see your dog for a follow-up appointment in one to two weeks.
Before we close, we’re thrilled to share that we are sponsoring the upcoming Safe Paws Rescue Second Annual Pups & Pumpkins Fundraiser.
Scheduled for Sunday, October 13th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Pinellas Ale Works in St. Petersburg, Florida, this event includes a silent auction raffle, fall dog photos, dog treat table, live music, and more. Plus, a dog costume contest will take place at 2:30 p.m. 100 percent of the proceeds from this event go to Safe Paws Rescue. We hope you’ll join us for a fun afternoon to support a cause that’s dear to our hearts!
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs. Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.
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