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Dogs need to visit the dentist too

Going to the dentist is probably one of the least favorite things most humans do. The idea of someone probing, prodding and drilling in your mouth seems as much fun as chewing glass. However, most of us suck it up, make our regular appointments every 6 months and pay the bill. Dogs are just like us and they need their teeth brushed, cleaned and examined regularly. A healthy mouth and teeth mean a greater quality of life in addition to a longer life. When our teeth get infected with gingivitis and cavities our immune systems gets compromised and can lead to more serious issues, the same is true for dogs.

 

As responsible dog owners we should pay attention to our dog’s teeth. There are number of things we can do for them. We should, at an early age, brush our dogs’ teeth with a tooth brush. You can buy special tooth brushes at most pet stores or just use a regular one. Pet stores often sell a tooth paste for dogs and cats but most vets say the acting of brushing a dog’s teeth is what is really important not the toothpaste. The poultry flavor toothpaste often acts as an agent that help dogs be more receptive to the act of brushing because of the flavor. Rufus was not excited at first about having me brush his teeth, but with patience and consistency he has gotten used to it. I recommend starting slow and brushing just a tooth or two each day until you’re able to brush them all. This should be part of your daily or at minimum weekly routine. Please do not use regular human toothpaste with dogs, it can make your dog sick.

 

Besides brushing your dog’s teeth you can feed your dog raw carrots. Rufus enjoys small baby carrots regularly with meals and in between meals as treats. Remember the act of chewing is what helps clean their teeth. Brushing and carrots can help with your dog’s teeth on a daily and weekly basis. Rufus’ teeth look great since his last cleaning in July and I attribute much of it to the raw carrots, since I can be a lack about brushing.

 

Every 6 months starting at about age 2 or 3 your dog should have regular aesthesia free dental cleanings. As you look at your dog’s mouth you will notice the build up of plaque and can properly gauge when it is time to start this process. Your vet can also help you make this determination. If you are regularly and successfully brushing your dog’s teeth you may be able to schedule regular dental cleanings a little less or wait a little longer, but at least once a year from about age 2 is recommended. Houndstooth Pet Teething Cleaning is Rufus’ pick. 

 

This past summer some friends and I scheduled a Houndstooth dental cleaning party and a person came out to a friend’s home and cleaned 5 dogs’ teeth. Anytime you can make it fun, why not? The dogs got to play with each other before their individual cleanings and owners got to visit and compare notes. Houndstooth was also able to give us a bulk rate cash discount, and anytime I can save money that is more money I have to buy Rufus toys and treats.

 

As a last resort and only with significant tarter build up, a fractured tooth, extraction or something more serious do you want to choose an aesthesia cleaning or procedure with a qualified veterinarian. Putting our dogs under anesthesia should be done as little as possible because of the potential risk for complications. This is why early prevention and regular cleaning is so important. When warranted our dogs may need to visit a specialist. Los Angeles’ board certified veterinary dentist specialist is Dr. Anson J. Tsugawa and I know many folks who have used him and sing his praises. He comes highly recommended and is considered a good friend to our dogs and their teeth. As a specialist he comes at specialist prices. Another non-specialist, general veterinarian practitioner option recommended by Houndstooth in Los Angeles is Dr. Yves Galea at Sepulveda Animal Hospital. Dr. Galea has extensive equipment, x-ray machines and experience.

 

Early prevention and detection are important to the overall care of our small dogs. Good oral care will promote a long and healthy life, and we all want our dogs to be around as long as possible.