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Are dogs' dental issues similar to those of humans?
Just like us humans, dogs have teeth not too dissimilar from ours, and they can get cavities, they can get loose teeth, they can get gingivitis, and all of these things can cause pain in the mouth, bad breath, difficulty eating, and other discomforts.
How does dental discomfort affect dogs?
If you have an uncomfortable dog, then you don't have a happy dog, and we want everybody's pet to be nice and happy. Some dogs are very stoic and will put up a good show, but if you notice that he's drooling, or his mouth seems bright red or swollen, or his teeth don't look a nice white color but look brown, then all of those things will indicate that there's something going on.
What are some signs that my dog might have dental disease?
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or favoring one side
- Increased drooling
- Avoiding hard food or treats
- Loose or missing teeth
What behavior might indicate a dog has a toothache?
Dogs that have toothaches might become a lot crankier, as you can imagine. They may not want to play or put things in their mouth. In worst cases, you may see them twitch their head or grimace when they chew, or they may refuse to chew at all, and they only want to eat little snacks and treats and soft food instead of their regular dog food.
How can bad breath be a sign of dental issues?
Lastly, of course, dog breath is a term for a reason, and there is dog breath, and there is bad breath. So if you find that your dog is panting in your face and things smell a lot worse than they normally do, he's probably got something stuck in his teeth somewhere.
What is the most important aspect of maintaining a dog's dental health?
Just like us humans, brushing teeth is the most important first thing. Now, not every dog is willing to have his teeth brushed, but for those that are, that's a great big help. It's more important to have the mechanical action of a toothbrush or a finger brush knocking the plaque off than it necessarily is to have the right kind of toothpaste, but there are all sorts of doggy toothpaste out there with flavor that might make it a more fun experience for the dog, especially if you start young with the puppy. You can usually get them used to it.
What are your thoughts on dental treats for dogs?
I go back and forth with dental treats because, of course, there's a lot of variety. The most important thing is having some roughage on the teeth and not having a lot of sugar or stringy bits that will get caught in between the gums.
Why is it important to maintain the health of a dog's teeth?
Teeth are one of those structures of the body that we can't really fix when they're damaged, so it's much better to keep a healthy tooth clean and thereby healthy than to have to pull out a tooth that's become rotten and loose in its socket. We don't have dentures for dogs, so whatever they lose, they're not getting back, and because of that, we want to make sure that they go through life with the biggest smile they can.
Is it common for dogs to lose teeth as they age?
Of course, it's not terrible if they do end up losing some teeth later in life. That is very common to happen and dogs get by, but it really would be better if everything stayed healthy and they could chew hard, crunchy snacks even when they're 19 years old.
How often should a dog's mouth be checked?
Checking the mouth is a standard part of every checkup, which should happen once a year. When dogs get really old, they may have other health problems and you may be coming to the vet more frequently than that, and at those kind of regular appointments, again, checking the mouth is a pretty standard thing to do.
What should a pet owner do if they have concerns about their dog's dental health?
Lastly, of course, whenever you are concerned about something, you should always talk to a vet about it, even if it's just asking a quick question while getting a booster shot. It's always better to ask and know than to let something go too long.
There is a lot to talk about with canine dentistry, as you can imagine. If you have any concerns or questions about your pet's smile, then go ahead and give us a call or make an appointment to talk with a veterinarian.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (703) 273-2110, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Dental Care
What are the signs that my dog has dental disease?
Bad breath is the most common early sign, but dogs with significant dental disease often show no obvious discomfort at all. Other signs include yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, red or swollen gums, drooling more than usual, dropping food, or chewing on one side of the mouth. Because dogs instinctively hide pain, regular dental exams are the only reliable way to catch disease before it becomes severe.
Is it safe to put my dog under anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Yes, when done properly. Before any procedure we run bloodwork to make sure your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia, and throughout the cleaning your dog is continuously monitored. The risk of untreated dental disease, including infection spreading to the heart, liver, and kidneys, is far greater than the risk of a properly managed anesthetic procedure. We use the same monitoring standards used in human medicine.
Can I brush my dog's teeth at home, and does it actually help?
Yes, and it genuinely makes a difference. Daily brushing is the most effective home care you can do to slow tartar buildup between cleanings. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste contains xylitol and fluoride, both of which are toxic to dogs. If your dog will not tolerate brushing, dental chews, water additives, and dental wipes are alternatives, though they are less effective than brushing.