Dog teeth cleaning – how to take care of your pet's teeth?

Among dog owners, there is a growing awareness regarding the care of their pets' teeth, but very many of them do not know how exactly it should be done. Canine dental hygiene is very important, and the topic is often downplayed by owners. A lack of hygiene means not only bad breath from the dog's mouth, but also other complications. A lack of hygiene can cause the appearance of tartar, and the bacteria found in the tartar can be a source of infection that may even lead to heart problems for the canine. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant health consequences, we must take care of our pet's dental hygiene. Dogs of small breeds are particularly vulnerable to dental-related problems, including Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus.

How is dental calculus formed?

Saliva and bacteria are present on the teeth, forming dental plaque. This is a physiological and completely natural process. When a dog eats its favorite treats, the teeth are cleaned mechanically, but for dogs that have no way to wear away this deposit, a problem arises. If a dog is fed mainly soft food and dental hygiene is neglected, the plaque will mineralize. This causes mineral salts to deposit on it, which lead to the formation of tartar. If tartar appears, infections of other organs may occur. Therefore, it is better to invest a little time and energy in proper hygiene to prevent intensive treatment and your pet's suffering. Tartar irritates the gums, which leads to inflammation that can result in the exposure of the tooth necks or the problem of receding gums, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

Symptoms not worth ignoring

If you notice bad breath in your pet or the presence of brown buildup on their teeth, this is already a sign for you that it is worth visiting the veterinarian. Another symptom can also be excessive drooling and apathy toward food. During the visit, you will receive tips on how to care for your dog's teeth, and it is worth following them to avoid unpleasant consequences.

How to care for a dog's teeth?

One of the methods of dental care is using a special toothpaste for dogs and a toothbrush. This is a simple procedure that every person performs several times a day. This method is best introduced already in a puppy so that the dog gets used to the grooming. Another method, and at the same time the easiest to use, is the use of liquids that are added to the bowl of water that the dog drinks. These preparations effectively neutralize bad breath and also reduce the buildup of tartar. You can also purchase a preparation that has a gel consistency and apply it directly to the dog's gums. Using its tongue, the dog will spread it all over its mouth by itself. If the dog's dental problem is advanced, it is worth visiting a place such as Zalesie Veterinary Clinic in Rzeszow, where specialists will select the appropriate tartar removal procedure. Professionals will easily remove the tartar, and in the case of teeth that can no longer be saved, they may decide to extract them. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

Every dog owner should get involved in caring for their pet's dental hygiene. This does not require a great deal of effort, especially if we use a liquid or gel, and it can protect our friend from the unpleasant consequences of neglecting this matter.