February is Pet Dental Health Month
Dental Health and Your Dog
Our dogs trust us with their whole lives and as pet owners, we work hard to provide them with the best care that we can. Part of providing great care is to continuously learn about new ailments that can affect your dog and how to prevent these if possible. February is Dental Health Month and it is a perfect time to review your pet’s care routine to ensure you are taking the proper steps to keep their teeth sparkling. We want to help show you the importance of your dog’s dental health, things to watch for that may be signs their dental health is declining, and ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean.
Why is Dental Health Important?
Poor dental hygiene not only causes bad breath but can actually lead to a myriad of other health issues. Not only is bad breath unpleasant, but unhealthy teeth and gums can be painful for your pet and can even lead to tooth loss. Did you know that tartar and plaque build-up in your dog’s mouth can travel to other parts of their body? Tartar and plaque can enter your dog’s bloodstream and build up in their arteries causing heart issues. These can also lead to joint issues and worsen arthritis or even cause inflammation in other parts of their bodies. Bacteria in their mouths can also get into their bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys, which can have lasting negative effects. Because dogs are experts at hiding their pain, you may not catch tooth decay until it is in an advanced stage. Your dog might have slow or immediate weight loss if they are eating less due to pain, and can even cause the tooth to need to be extracted. Bacteria can also cause periodontal disease, which can advance tooth decay. Periodontal disease affects the structures surrounding teeth as well, and can even cause a broken jaw. For more information about this disease, check out this article HERE.
Signs of Dental Disease in Your Dog
While warning signs of dental distress or advanced dental disease can vary from one dog to another, we wanted to share a few of the most common signs to watch for in your pet. It is also important to visit your veterinarian regularly in order for them to keep records of your dog’s teeth and overall health. They will be able to notice changes in their gums or teeth that you may not be able to detect. This is a great way to catch these things early and be able to take steps to keep your dog feeling their best.
Signs to watch for include the following:
- Red or bleeding gums: This can be a sign that their toys are too tough and are causing irritation, or could be a sign of dental diseases
- Blood on your dog’s toys or chews: Some dogs bite their tongues when chewing, but if you can’t find a source of the bleeding, or if it is coming from their teeth or gums, this is most likely a sign of dental disease or weakened teeth
- Bad breath: Dogs’ breath usually isn’t great, but if you notice a change it is best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian
- Lumps or bumps on mouth: This could be a sign of dental disease or something even more serious or life-threatening
- Lack of appetite, slow eating, or difficulty eating: It is normal for dogs to not have a vivacious appetite at every single meal, but if you notice a sudden change in your dog’s eating habits, it is best to contact your vet
- Crying or whining when eating or while chewing on toys or bones: This is usually a sign that your pet is in pain, they may also refrain from chewing on toys or bones that they usually enjoy
- Tooth discoloration or visible tartar: This is one of the first signs of plaque and tartar buildup, and of other dental diseases
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth: These are most likely extremely painful for your pet, and are a sign that they have been struggling with dental health for quite some time
- Change in their drooling: If your dog doesn’t normally drool, but suddenly begins doing so may be a sign of dental or other underlying health issues
- Nose discharge or swelling around their eyes: These symptoms can be an indicator of other health issues as well. Please seek medical attention if your pet experiences swelling, especially if it is around their face or neck as it could impair their breathing
- Pawing at teeth or mouth: Your dog might paw at their face or mouth when they are in pain, this could also be a sign that they are itching or are having an allergic reaction.
How To Care for Your Dog’s Teeth?
Now that you know the importance of prioritizing your dog’s dental health and the warning signs to look for, how can you care for your dog’s teeth to prevent decay or disease? Luckily there is a whole market of items aimed at keeping your dog’s mouth healthy. Always check with your veterinarian for their recommendations, but here are a few of our favorites:
- Brush Your Dog’s Teeth: Yes, we mean actually brush their teeth with a toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste. You can find options at your local pet store, online, or through your veterinarian. Ensure that the toothbrush is made for dogs, and is the right size for your pet. You can find dog-friendly toothpaste in a variety of flavors as well! We even have a previous blog post with step-by-step instructions for brushing your dog’s teeth. Check it out HERE.
- Water Additives: Water additives are one of the simplest ways to help protect your dog. These are usually flavorless and can even be infused with vitamins or minerals to help ease joint pain or even benefit their skin and coats. You simply add a small amount to their water bowl each time you fill it, and the ingredients help to fight bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Our vet recommends this to all pet owners as a preventative measure, but can also help once your dog does begin showing signs of dental disease.
- Minties or other soft chews: Soft chews such as ‘Minties’ or ‘Dentastix’ help “scrub” your dog’s teeth as they chew on it. This can help remove tartar and plaque build up.
- Chew toys that help reduce tartar build up: There are a variety of rubber toys for dogs that are specifically designed to help reduce the amount of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Below are a few that we recommend, but always make sure you are finding one that is the correct size and durability for your dog.
- Virbac C.E.T. Chews: Our vet sells and recommends these chews for dogs. They are easily digestible and contain enzymes that help clean your pet’s mouth and teeth.
- Professional teeth cleaning: It is essential to schedule routine visits with your veterinarian so that they can monitor and track your pet’s development and overall health. They also might recommend a teeth cleaning for your dog every few years. This is a relatively safe procedure where your dog is put under anesthesia while they clean their teeth. The whole process usually takes a few hours, but your vet might keep them overnight just for observation and to make sure the anesthesia is completely worn off before sending them home. Many vets will even give you a before and after picture of your dog’s teeth so you can see the difference.
What Should I Do Next?
Since February is Dental Health Month, many veterinarians are running specials if you schedule a cleaning with them. Even if they aren’t, we recommend making sure your veterinarian is checking your dog’s teeth at each visit, so they can monitor any plaque or tartar build-up and keep an eye out for any other damage caused by dental diseases. Remember, your veterinarian cares about your pet and will make recommendations based on keeping them healthy and happy so they can have a long life with you!
Dental Health and Your Dog Our dogs trust us with their whole lives and as pet owners, we work hard to provide them with the best care that we can. Part of providing great care is to continuously learn about new ailments that can affect your dog and how to prevent these if possible. February…