The Importance of Dog Teeth Cleaning in Warrick County, IN
Do you have a dog? Have you often wondered whether or not dog teeth cleaning is truly necessary? After all, dogs eat all kinds of unpleasant things, so what’s the point of cleaning a dog’s teeth if she is just going to go dig through the trash again soon?
Actually, there are plenty of good reasons to consider dog teeth cleaning. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the basics and help you better understand why veterinarians are recommending this process more often now than ever before. With this information, you can determine how you want to go about keeping your dog’s teeth clean too.
Dog Teeth Cleaning Freshen Breath
One of the most obvious reasons to consider dog teeth cleaning is to help freshen her breath. Since dogs are prone to eating things they shouldn’t—like garbage, cat waste, and more—they tend to develop bad breath quickly because of this. Additionally, the flavors and ingredients present in dog food contribute to the smell of a dog’s breath, and over time this all builds up together. The end result is a foul-smelling breath that prevents some owners from wanting to cuddle with their dogs at all!
If you clean your dog’s teeth often enough, her breath won’t smell as badly. She may still have somewhat unpleasant breath, depending on what she eats, but the problem won’t get too out of control. You can also give her dental chews to help in-between her teeth cleaning sessions, which will keep her breath smelling fresher for longer.
It Prevents Pain and Tooth Loss
Dogs who have significant damage to their teeth may quickly develop pain from this damage. The longer your dog goes without having her teeth cleaned, the more likely she will be to develop this problem. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done after your dog reaches this point other than have her teeth pulled. They might also fall out on their own. Your vet will be able to give you more information about how to deal with your dog’s worsening dental condition if you find you and your furry friend in this situation.
By having your dog’s teeth cleaned often enough, you can prevent her from suffering this type of tooth pain and loss. This may also save you more money on vet bills in the long run, since you won’t have to take her in to have her teeth pulled when she gets older.
Routine Cleanings Prevent Dental Disease
Dogs who do not have their teeth cleaned are also prone to developing dental disease, including tooth and gum disease. These problems can become an issue quickly, and dogs may develop abscesses, swelling, pain, and other symptoms over time as well. In turn, these symptoms can cause dogs to stop wanting to eat or play with their favorite chew toys, so the dental disease can eventually affect a dog’s quality of life negatively too.
Dental cleanings can help prevent dental disease in dogs just like they do in humans. They can also give your vet a chance to notice any potential problems before they become too severe.
Dog Teeth Cleaning Prevents Additional Health Problems
When a dog has a dental disease that is untreated for a long time, it runs the risk of affecting the dog’s bloodstream. Bacteria from the damaged teeth and gums can be carried through the blood to the liver, kidneys, or heart, which is what causes heart disease in relation to dental disease. Just like in humans, plaque buildup on the teeth can contribute to this problem too.
When you have your dog’s teeth cleaned or clean them regularly yourself, you’re cutting down on this risk or even preventing it entirely. This means your dog can live a longer, healthier life.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to pay attention to the cleanliness of your dog’s teeth. Even if you have never thought about this process before, it’s not too late to contact our animal hospitals in Boonville and Newburgh, IN or make an appointment online today. Your vet will be able to teach you how to properly brush your dog’s teeth and help you with any questions or concerns you might have.