Despite loving their dogs, some owners fail to realize the importance of good dental care for their pets. Dental care for a dog is just as important as it is for a person. Without the proper care, your dog could suffer a number of problems, including cavities. If you are new to owning a dog, here is what you need to know about caring for its teeth and gums.
Why Is Dental Care Important?
The most obvious benefit of taking care of your dog's dental hygiene is that it will have better breath. This is particularly good news if your pet likes to lick your face.
However, there are more important reasons for taking care of your dog's teeth and gums. Your dog could lose its teeth due to poor dental hygiene. Unfortunately, periodontal disease is common among dogs. The disease leads to the development of cavities, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Another benefit of good dental care is that you help your dog to avoid pain. Dogs are not always good at communicating pain. Your pet could potentially suffer for a long time before you and your family realize it.
Is Brushing Your Dog's Teeth Possible?
Good dental care starts at home. Part of that is brushing your dog's teeth. Although the idea of trying to use a toothbrush to clean your dog's teeth might seem strange, it is actually a recommended part of keeping its teeth and gums healthy.
Since your dog cannot brush its teeth on its own, you will need to do it. Use a canine toothbrush and a toothpaste that is specially designed for dogs. Ideally, you should start brushing your dog's teeth when it is a puppy. The more consistent you are with it, the less likely your dog is to struggle when it is time.
What About Dental Cleanings?
Even with regular brushing, you still need to schedule your dog for dental cleanings. During the dog dental cleaning, your dog's vet will sedate it and clean its teeth with a scaler. The scaler is designed to safely remove plaque and tartar.
The vet will also use that opportunity to closely examine your dog's teeth. If there are problems, the vet might choose to take care of them then or schedule an appointment for later. How often your dog's teeth need to be cleaned will depend on various factors, including how well you care for your dog's teeth.
