5 Things Your Dog Dentist Wants You to Know
February 13th, 2017 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic
Our Castle Rock dog dentists share the inside scoop
Here are five things your dog dentist wants you to know, so you can make great decisions for your dog.
(Simply looking for a dog dentist in Castle Rock, CO? Call us at 303-688-3757 or book your visit here.)
1. Home dental care matters … a lot.
It only takes 48 hours for bacteria in your dog’s mouth to harden into plaque.
And plaque leads to dog periodontal disease.
You can help prevent or minimize this disease if you brush your dog’s teeth every other day (or sooner).
Why does this matter?
Dog periodontal disease is the most common disease in adult dogs.
It affects as many as four out of five adult dogs by the time they’re four years old. It can lead to pain and health problems for your dog.
Preventing it can save you serious cash in teeth extractions. Plus, it can help you keep your pup happy and healthy.
(And cheers for that!)
2. Dog teeth brushing isn’t your only option at home.
Yes, dog teeth brushing is the best option at home — especially if you’re brushing your dog’s teeth every day.
But hey, it isn’t your only option.
(Your dog can’t stand toothbrushes? We get it!)
Ranked in order of effectiveness, here are activities our dog dentists suggest for pet dental care at home:
- Brush your dog’s teeth.
- Use oral rinses and/or drinking water additives.
- Give your dog special dental chews.
3. Anesthesia-free cleanings are a cosmetic procedure — not a thorough, oral health procedure.
Anesthesia-free teeth cleanings are good for whiter teeth.
But these procedures can’t address areas prone to periodontal disease, such as below your dog’s gums.
As dog dentists will tell you, teeth cleanings with anesthesia are the most effective way to deal with periodontal disease.
(To learn more, here are five reasons to choose anesthetic teeth cleanings.)
4. Yes, your dog can have periodontal disease and be eating normally.
Pet parents have been known to ask our dog dentists, “Are you sure my dog has dental disease? He’s eating just fine.”
Yes, dogs with really poor teeth will eat normally.
The thing is, if your dog has poor teeth, he’s in pain. He’s also at risk for infections and other serious health issues.
As dog dentists, our goal is to help keep periodontal disease in check. We want to prevent it from spreading and getting worse. Dog teeth cleanings can help!
5. Being proactive with your dog’s dental health can save you money in the long run.
It’s more cost-effective and safe for your dog when you schedule a teeth cleaning at the first signs of periodontal disease.
One, you may not need to bring your dog in for teeth cleanings as often.
And two, you save yourself the expense of teeth extractions, which can add up quickly.
Most importantly, you help keep your furry friend happy and pain-free!
Our veterinarians offer a free dental evaluation to check your pet’s teeth and oral health. No strings attached!
Simply call us at 303-688-3757 or:
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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.
This article is intended to provide general guidance from a dog dentist. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call.)
© 2017, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic