Why Cleaning your Dog's Teeth is a Necessity

It's common to get caught up in the daily challenges that life presents us with. While life can be hectic, it's important to remember that when you have a dog, there are certain aspects of their well-being that require your attention.

One essential aspect is ensuring the health and happiness of your dog, which includes properly caring for your dog's teeth as part of their overall well-being.

Once your dog reaches six to seven months of age, all of his permanent teeth should have come in. Regularly cleaning his teeth every day will aid in the prevention of periodontal disease.

How Clean are Your Teeth?

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that impacts the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, ranging from mild to severe. It can lead to tooth loss, jawbone damage, and systemic illness in dogs, while also causing significant pain for your pet.

Well over due for a Dental

How does this occur?

• Plaque is a combination of bacteria, bits of food and salvia that adheres to the teeth daily. Once plaque has formed, it cannot be rinsed away with water. It can only be removed by brushing, veterinary dental instruments or safe chew products.

• Plaque collects below the gumline and starts to lift the gum away from the tooth.

• The pocket that is formed in this region not only collects bacteria and plaque but damages the attachments that hold the tooth in place.

• In time, if plaque remains on the pet’s tooth, it becomes mineralised and is called tartar (Calculus). This rough, hard material is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and unlike plaque, calculus cannot be removed from the teeth by brushing.

• Dogs that are fed a soft diet have a higher incidence of tartar and some breeds are affected more than others. (Ackerman, L, 1995)

Breeds that might be more susceptible to teeth calculus are

• Poodles, schnauzers and some terriers that have a lot of hair around their muzzles.

• Toy breeds that tend to open their mouths to breathe are more prone as their mouths become dry

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to teeth overcrowding.

  
  

To effectively prevent periodontal disease in dogs, it is recommended to clean their teeth on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most dog owners do not follow this advice, as many dogs resist having their teeth cleaned by their owners.

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Here is where I step in!

Cooperative care training for dogs is a training protocol that we use for dogs to help them learn how to maintain some control over what is happening but to also willingly take part in the process. This means trimming nails, taking medication as well as cleaning their teeth all becomes easy and stress free.

If you would like to know more about how I can help you with this, please email me at charlotte@pats.net.au