Why Dog Teeth Cleaning Is Vital
Through the recent research by American Animal Hospital Association it is proven that eighty five percent of the dogs suffer form some kind of serious dental illness. This shocking statistic is that the evidence that dog teeth cleaning are one among the most neglected aspects of maintaining a dog’s health. While we visit our dentist every 6- 12 months, our dog’s teeth may go for years without proper examination and cleaning. Most of us mistakenly believe that the dog teeth clean themselves and that if our dog is still eating things must be ok. This is often not true.
Although a true dog teeth cleaning must be done by a veterinarian, several procedures to reduce the risk of dental illness can, and should, be done by you at home. This process begins along with your veterinarian, who can assess your dogs mouth and clean the teeth thoroughly. Removal of the diseased teeth is typically needed. Instruction can then be given on a way to best perform dog teeth cleaning at home.
If you’ve ever had a severe toothache, you know how painful it will be. Typically, you can literally do nothing else however sit and take the pain. The health of a dog’s teeth is linked to their overall health and happiness. Most dogs are braver than we are. We prefer to let our loved ones know when we are in pain. Sometimes we can’t hide it whether or not we try. Not like us, dogs are very good at hiding their pain and will suffer quietly and still eat (why have an empty tummy on top of your sore tooth?)
We can’t blame ourselves for not discovering the pain – dogs do such a good job of hiding it and the illness is hidden away within the mouth. Here are a few tips for helping to find dental issues as soon as potential:
Inspect the mouth regularly – search for broken teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, ulcers or tartar and hum recession.
• Smell the mouth often – dogs should NOT have bad breath! If they are doing there is a drawback.
• Look for signs like excessive drooling, dropping food out of the mouth, unwillingness to eat, and avoiding being touched on the face.
Once you visit the veterinarian for a dog teeth cleaning, the vet will anesthetize your dog, examine the mouth and then take away superficial plaque. They will take x-rays and make up a chart of the findings. If diseases want to be treated, a treatment plan can be put together. Next, the dog’s teeth will be totally scaled, polished and irrigated. The veterinarian will then provide you with a homecare plan and a follow-up date.
Dr Christine Hawke, the founder of Sydney Pet Dentistry and lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, is currently undergoing specialist training as a Resident in Veterinary Dentistry. All pets deserve to have a healthy, pain-free mouth is what Christine says. For more information and to know more about dog dental health visit http://www.sydneypetdentistry.com.au