Why Dogs Need Dental Care

Most dogs eat the equivalent of a “fast food” diet, or worse. It truly is appalling what goes into most pet foods, and all those carbs, sugars, and additives can really take a toll on your dog’s teeth. They stick in his mouth. He has to drink a ton of water after eating just to wash it down. And his breath smells like death after a meal.

Just like people, dental conditions can affect your dog’s overall health, too. Gum disease can lead to organ damage and other health problems. Tooth decay results in tooth loss and pain. And an unhealthy mouth depletes your dog’s energy and affects his sleep. Keeping his mouth healthy helps keep him healthy.

And don’t get me started on doggie breath. I’ve met some dogs who’d make a crowd faint with just a few pants and an up-close encounter. Do you really want something that smells that bad in your baby’s face, or in your own? That horrible smell is a signal that something much more sinister is happening in your dog’s mouth- gum disease.

Gum disease is nearly inevitable in your fur babies unless you are diligent and intentional about making dental care a priority. Your dog needs daily, weekly, and yearly dental care to stay healthy.

1. Daily treatment of bad doggie breath and prevention of the formation of new tartar
2. Weekly removal of plaque buildup to infection and cavities
3. Yearly professional inspection and/or cleaning to prevent gum disease

All three of these steps are necessary to keep your dog’s mouth healthy.

But what do you do when you dog has other ideas when it comes time to brush his teeth?

Tips for Getting Your Dog to Sit Still for Dental Care

If you have kids, what would you do if your two year old refused to brush his teeth? Would you just let him go weeks without brushing? Would you give in after one scrub of the toothbrush and let him go back to playing with his favorite toys to keep him happy? No, you’d find a way to make brushing fun or at least tolerable and you’d keep after him everyday to brush his teeth- because it’s important for his health.

Then why do we, as pet parents, let our dogs get away with refusing to brush?

We know that neglecting dental care leads to gum disease. We know that neglecting regular brushing leads to tooth loss. And we intentionally choose that fate for our dogs when we don’t teach them to be tolerant of dental care. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? Just like receiving vaccinations, getting nails clipped, and taking a bath- sometimes staying healthy isn’t pleasant or comfortable for our fur babies, but we do it because we love them.

You can help your dog learn to tolerate dental care, but there is one crucial factor- YOU!

1. Your attitude toward doggie dental care determines your dog’s attitude. If you hesitate, himhaw, or appear halfhearted in your attempts at brushing your dog’s teeth, he’s going to take your cues and struggle. You must remain calm, assertive, and persistent. Let him know from the start that dental care is essential, not optional.
2. Reward him well. Yummy dog treats that won’t contribute to gum disease are often the way to any dog’s heart, and if you reward him well during and after dental care, he’ll soon learn that a slightly unpleasant task results in some pretty sweet rewards if he cooperates. Like a child who’s promised a lollipop if he swallows an unpleasant medicine, your dog is likely to learn that it’s not as bad as he once thought. In fact, in time he’ll learn to associate the sight of that toothbrush or dental spray with the rewards that are soon to come and he’ll be excited for his daily brushings.
3.  Educate yourself. If you don’t know how to care for a dog’s mouth, you could accidentally gag him or stab him with the brush on accident. If you’re new or nervous, try starting out with a doggie dental gel and a washcloth or gauze pad instead of a toothbrush. Know what to look for when inspecting your dog’s mouth and call your veterinarian or hygienist at the first sign of tooth decay or gum disease.
   video to embed:

4. Make it fun. Rewards don’t just come in treat bags. Your dog wants your affection and attention and a fun game of ball after dental care may be his favorite kind of reward. If you stick to a routine, he’ll learn that sitting still for dental care for two minute results in twenty minutes of playtime immediately after.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to care for your dog’s teeth, ask your veterinarian or a trusted dog groomer for help. Sometimes watching someone with lots of confidence and knowledge can help you learn new doggie parenting skills.

The post How To Get Your Dog To Sit Still For Dental Care appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

A dental cleaning at my hospital, Applebrook Animal Hospital (and most high quality veterinary facilities) includes what we call A, T and P.

1. A-Anesthesia and Assessment means that the doctor evaluates each tooth individually with the patient under general anesthesia. With the patient sleeping comfortably, we are able to examine each tooth and probe gently around them all to see if there are gingival pockets or other suggestions of periodontal disease. More importantly, visual exam is not enough. We look, feel and probe and then we examine dental radiographs for a view under the gum line where we cannot see. Because anesthesia must be administered by a veterinarian or under the supervision of a veterinarian by a licensed veterinary technician, this critical step is a big part of the difference in cost.
2. T-Treatment for any dental disease is the next step. Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease fall under the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act which defines items that are to be performed only by licensed veterinarians. During the Dental ATP, I will write down my findings and begin treatment for those issues that can be managed that day.
3. P is for the plan I make to address any disease that requires extensive treatment, referral to a veterinary dentist or the at-home care regimen that I will suggest based on my findings that day.

The anesthesia, the treatment administered and the treatment plan moving forward are all critical for your pet’s dental health. The time and skill that your vet has dedicated to your individual dog’s care are figured into the charges. The fee for this important and extensive service will be an investment in your dog’s comfort and longevity. There is no quick fix and no substitute for high quality care provided by a loving and well educated veterinary staff. That does not mean that your groomer cannot brush the teeth too, just be sure that you know the difference.

The post Why Does My Vet Charge $200 For A Dental Cleaning And My Groomer Will Do It For $15? appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.