Understanding Dog Dental Care with Country Hills Pet Hospital
How does the state of a dog's teeth affect their overall health?
The health of the mouth is important because bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart and liver, causing other organ issues.
What dental diseases or complications do dogs commonly encounter?
Dogs commonly get infected teeth that need to be removed or treated with antibiotics.
What causes dental disease in dogs?
Dental disease in dogs is caused by bacteria that live in their mouth, and it can cause tooth decay.
What are the most common signs or symptoms of dental diseases in dogs?
Signs of dental disease in dogs include decreased willingness to eat their hard food, not wanting to chew on bones, odor, or facial swelling.
What are some reasons my dog is losing teeth?
Puppies will lose teeth generally between 16 and 20 weeks of age. But if an adult dog is losing teeth, we need to have that addressed and remove any bad teeth to prevent further tooth loss.
Are certain dog breeds more likely to develop dental problems?
Small breed dogs and dogs with more crowded teeth are more likely to develop dental disease because the tartar builds up more in those small spaces than in big dogs.
What should I do if I see plaque or tartar on my dog's teeth?
Daily brushing will slow down tartar buildup. But if there is significant tartar, your dog will need an anesthetic dental procedure to remove those and assess the teeth below the gum line.
How can I care for my dog's teeth at home?
Daily brushing is the best option, but again, if there is progressive dental disease, they will need an anesthetic dental procedure.
Can I use a human toothbrush and toothpaste for my dogs?
You can use a human toothbrush, but toothpaste for people has chemicals in it that are not safe for your dog. So using a dog-safe toothpaste, dental wipe, or water additive is a better option.
How can I clean my dog's teeth without brushing?
So again, those dental wipes, water additives, chew toys, those kinds of things can slow down tartar buildup and decrease bacteria levels in the mouth.
Does my dog need to undergo anesthesia for a dental cleaning? And what else do I need to expect during that procedure?
Anesthesia is required for dental cleaning. Your pet will need to be under anesthesia so that they are safe and comfortable during the procedure and intubated so that they do not swallow any of the water that will be in their mouth. To undergo anesthesia, we recommend annual blood work. Blood work will be performed the morning of your dental procedure to make sure their liver and kidneys are safe before we undergo that anesthesia. And then you'll follow up with home dental care.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (920) 477-3003, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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