Importance of Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
In your normal daily routine, are you brushing your dog’s teeth? Many pet owners consider this a ridiculous suggestion, but in truth, tooth brushing is an important part of maintaining your dog’s oral health. If you think about the importance of oral home care and professional cleanings for humans, it only makes sense that a dog should have similar treatment. According to recent statistics, 75 to 85 percent of dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old. When you consider that dental health can impact overall health, you will begin to understand the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth.
Start caring for your dog’s teeth when he or she is still young. This will get your pet accustomed to tooth brushing, which is the best way to remove plaque before it turns into hard, mineralized calculus. You can care for your pets’ teeth using oral rinses, gels, chews, and water additives, but daily brushing is really the optimal method of keeping a dog’s mouth healthy. Use a high-quality toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs, and brush at the same time and in the same location each day. Additionally, talk to your vet about routine professional dental cleanings for your dog.
Periodontal disease is the primary reason for staying on top of your dog’s oral hygiene. If you wait until your dog has periodontal disease to begin brushing, you will likely meet with resistance because of pain. A pet with periodontal disease needs a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment.) This involves an oral exam, full-mouth dental radiograph, and ultrasonic teeth cleaning. This will help prevent periodontal disease from getting worse, causing further oral damage and pain, or spreading bacteria throughout the body, causing inflammation and disease. This procedure will need to be done under anesthesia.
If you need help brushing your dog’s teeth, Dr. Dave’s Doggy Daycare can perform this service for you. From teeth to toenails, you want to give your dogs the very best care, and no matter what kind of care your pet needs, Dr. Dave’s Doggy Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming is your one stop shop! Our staff full of pet lovers has extensive experience in the pet care industry, and we understand that your pets deserve the best of everything. If you don’t want your dog to be lonely while you’re away from home, our daycare services will provide socialization with other dogs and a staff that will pay special attention to your pet’s needs. If you need to go out of town, we will keep your dog safe and happy, and we have a certified veterinarian available 24/7 in case of health care issues. Does your dog need grooming? We’ll provide your pet with a spa day worthy of royalty. For more information about all the services we offer to dog lovers and their dogs, call 408-647-2774 in Saratoga or 408-520-4902 in Campbell.