Something that most dog owners neglect to pay attention to is their pet’s dental care. Your dog’s dental health deserves the same attention as its overall health. However, a lot of pet owners struggle with knowing when and how to schedule their pet’s cleaning. Let us help you out with that.

How Often Does Your Dog Need Cleaning?

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is not as easy as it may sound. An annual check-up is a must for your furry friend. Dogs do not sit calmly while getting their teeth cleaned, and oftentimes veterinarians may have to put them under anesthesia to be able to get a closer look. Dental cleanings and treatments allow the veterinarian to examine your dog’s mouth, teeth, oral cavity, and gums in great detail.

Even though an annual checkup is recommended, knowing how often your dog needs cleaning depends on a variety of factors such as age, breed, and lifestyle.

1. Age

Senior dogs are more prone to needing constant dental care as compared to younger pups. The reason behind this is that age results in oral decay, and this applies to both humans and dogs. If your dog is over the age of seven, continuous check-ups will make sure its gums stay healthy.

2. Breed

All dogs are different. Large dogs are more likely to get broken, fractured, or chipped teeth due to their intense chewing habits. This can lead to pain, grumpy behaviors, and lack of appetite so it’s always wise to get your large dog’s teeth regularly checked at the vet’s. Small dogs, however, do not face this problem often but are more prone to other dental issues. Small dogs often suffer from overcrowding, meaning that their mouths are too small for their teeth, which results in tartar build-up.

3. Lifestyle & Diet

How frequently your dog needs cleaning depends on their lifestyle and diet. If you are someone who regularly brushes their furry friend’s teeth, then your dog will face fewer dental issues than most. Additionally, giving your dog dry food and or dental chew toys lessens the need for professional cleanings. However, this does not mean that you should not take your dog for its annual checkup. Checkups are still as important.

If you are looking for reliable dental chews for your dog, we recommend Skippers.

Why Does Your Dog Need Dental Cleaning in The First Place?

Dogs face periodontal issues the same way humans do. The most common issue in dogs’ dental hygiene is the build-up of plaque. Dental plaque is made up of saliva, food, and other substances that accumulate on the teeth after eating. Plaque build-up can lead to various dental problems such as swollen gums, bleeding, pain, and infections. In fact, studies have shown that dogs are more prone to dental problems than people, with more than 80% of dogs over the age of three getting periodontal diseases.

If not taken care of, these periodontal diseases can grow into severe issues like losing teeth, constant pain, and in extreme cases, even blood infections that can spread to other organs of the body, such as the heart or liver.

How Old Does A Dog Need To Be For A Dental Cleaning?

As a general rule, it is usually recommended to get your dog’s teeth cleaned around the age of 2-3 years. However, as mentioned above, this also depends on the dog’s breed, medical conditions, and diet.

What Happens During A Dental Cleaning?

All dogs are unique so not all dental cleanings are the same. However, dental cleanings usually follow the same process. It starts with the veterinarian performing a thorough physical exam on your pet. Your veterinarian may suggest conducting blood tests prior to the procedure, taking into account your dog’s age and overall health condition. The purpose of these tests is to determine whether your dog’s liver and kidneys are capable of processing anesthetic agents effectively.

After your dog is placed under anesthesia, the process is simple just like any other dental check-up. An X-ray will be conducted to reveal if any bad teeth need to be removed. Other than that, the vet will clean away the plaque build-up and tartar from the dog’s mouth. The procedure ends with polishing your furry friend’s teeth for a shiny finish.

The Takeaway

To conclude, every dog needs an annual professional cleaning. These cleanings depend on various factors such as age, health, and diet. There is a standard procedure that is followed while the cleaning is being done. If you feel like your dog needs dental cleaning, reach out to your veterinarian to book an appointment.