As a dog parent, you want your furry companion to be healthy and happy! Routine vet visits and check-ups make sure their heart, lungs, and overall health are good, but there’s one part of pet health that many owners overlook.
Your pup’s teeth play a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. Good dental health can improve your pet’s comfort while also preventing other health issues, such as heart disease.
At Paws ‘n’ Rec, we understand the value of proactive dental care for your dogs. We’ll briefly go over the importance of dog oral health care, signs your pup may have dental issues, professional and at-home treatment options, and common myths about dog dental cleanings.
Why Dental Health Matters for Dogs
No one wants to see their furry friend feeling under the weather or dealing with painful teeth. Taking care of your pet’s teeth with a good hygiene routine can improve your pet’s smile and keep them happy and healthy.
Oral Health Is Linked to Overall Health
One of the biggest reasons to pay attention to your pup’s teeth is for their overall health. Without proper dental care, bacteria in your pup’s mouth can enter the bloodstream and put stress on other parts of the body.
If left untreated for long enough, the bacteria can spread to the heart, kidneys, and liver. This can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease and kidney problems.
Common Dental Issues in Dogs
Your fur baby is susceptible to similar dental problems that humans can have. From plaque buildup to tooth decay, these issues can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. Some of the most common pet dental issues include:
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup
- Gum Disease, Including Gingivitis and Periodontitis
- Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss
Signs Your Dog May Have Dental Problems
Your pup can’t communicate when they’re experiencing mouth discomfort or dental problems, so your role as a pet parent is to keep an eye out for any warning signs that could pop up!
Catching these issues early can not only lessen discomfort for your pup but also prevent serious dental health issues later on. Common signs of dental problems in dogs include:
- Canine Halitosis (or Bad Breath)
- Excessive Drooling
- Difficulty Chewing
- Red or Bleeding Gums
- Yellow or Brown Tartar Buildup on the Teeth
- Repeated Pawing at the Mouth or Face
- Reduced Appetite or Weight Loss
What Regular Dental Care Involves
How do you take care of your pet’s teeth? Think about all the things you do to take care of your own dental health! You brush regularly, clean your teeth at home, and visit the dentist for professional cleanings on a regular basis.
Similar ideas apply to your furry companion! There are at-home methods to take care of your pet’s teeth as well as professional cleaning services that can improve dental health.
At-Home Dental Hygiene
In between professional cleaning appointments, you can take care of your pet’s teeth at home with regular brushings. Brushing your dog’s teeth at home can reduce plaque and tartar buildup while improving your dog’s breath.
You can find a variety of dog toothbrush products on the market today that are all safe for your furry friend. There are dog-friendly toothbrushes, vet-approved dental chews and toys, and dental treats for dogs.
Professional Dental Cleanings
For a deeper cleaning, bring your pup to the vet for professional dog dental care. These appointments are often once or twice a year, depending on your pet’s needs, and a veterinarian will be supervising your pet the entire time.
Vet dental cleanings and dog dental checkups can help prevent gum disease and bad breath in pets. They use specialized enzymatic toothpaste to neutralize bacteria and keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy.
Save yourself a trip to the vet with a non-anesthetic discounted dental cleaning at Paws ‘n’ Rec! We’ve partnered with V.I.C. Pet Care to offer our members monthly dental cleanings for their pup. These cleanings are non-invasive and require no sedatives, so your pet can get back to playing with their buddies right away. Become a member today!
Fresh Breath Treatments
At Paws ‘n’ Rec, we take your pup’s dental health seriously. We offer fresh breath services that neutralize your pet’s stinky breath while improving overall dental health.
Our team uses a specialized breath-freshening gel that targets and eliminates germs and bacteria responsible for bad breath. We then finish with a pup-safe foam solution that also cleans the mouth, leaving your furry friend with a bright and minty fresh smile.
Bad breath is more than just a cosmetic issue, and it can be a warning sign of something serious! If your pet’s breath makes your nose wrinkle, this is a symptom that something may be wrong with their teeth.
The Risks of Neglecting Dental Care
When it comes to canine dental services, it’s better to be proactive than reactive. Staying on top of routine cleanings and overall dental health can cost less and reduce the impact on your pet’s health compared to reactive care.
Don’t wait until your pup shows signs of pain or discomfort—preventative care can keep their smile bright!
| Aspect | Preventive Care | Neglected/Reactive Care |
| Cost | Lower (routine maintenance) | Higher (surgery, extractions) |
| Risk of Pain/Infection | Minimal | High |
| Impact on Organs | Reduced risk | Greater systemic risk |
| Lifespan | Potentially longer | Potentially shortened |
How to Start a Dental Care Routine
- Schedule A Dental Exam with Your Veterinarian
- Choose the Right Dog-Safe Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Gradually Introduce Your Pet to Teeth Cleaning
- Use Dental Chews and Water Additives as Brushing Supplements
- Set Reminders on Your Phone for Regular Cleanings
Common Myths About Dog Dental Care
- “Dogs don’t need their teeth brushed.”
Your furry friend needs their teeth cleaned just like we do! Regular brushing and cleaning help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and other costly health issues.
- “Dry kibble is enough to clean their teeth.”
While dry kibble is more abrasive on your pet’s teeth than wet food, it isn’t a supplement for brushing their teeth. Just like how chips don’t prevent plaque buildup on our teeth, dry kibble doesn’t prevent that buildup for dogs.
- “It’s normal for dogs to have bad breath.”
Is it normal for humans to have bad breath? No! The same rule applies to your doggos! Foul breath could be a sign of excessive bacterial growth or tooth decay.
Schedule a Fresh Breath Treatment Today!
Your pet’s teeth play a role in their overall health, and regular brushings and professional vet cleanings can keep those pearly whites healthy. You can brush your dog’s teeth at home as well as schedule deep cleanings once or twice a year.
Take your pup’s dental health to the next level with a fresh breath treatment from Paws ‘n’ Rec! Our team is happy to take care of that smelly breath and mitigate any excess bacterial growth in your pup’s mouth.
Give us a call today or visit our website to learn more and schedule your furry friend’s next spa day!