When we think about the care that a dog requires, we often forget about its oral health. We worry about giving it a balanced diet, making sure the dog drinks enough water, getting exercise, regular visits to the vet and lots of love and attention. However, one of the most important and often underestimated aspects of our pet's well-being is the care of its teeth and gums.
Let's start with the star question:
Why is dental cleaning important in dogs?
You should keep in mind that, although they are not as prone to cavities as people, if we do not provide them with adequate care, dogs can also develop problems in their teeth, such as bad breath or plaque buildup on the surface of the teeth with the consequent formation of tartar, in addition to diseases such as periodontitis or gingivitis.
Dangers of not taking care of your dog's oral health
In addition to the diseases mentioned above, such as periodontitis or gingivitis, poor dental health in dogs can lead to infections that could lead to more serious problems in other organs. For example, it may end up affecting their heart or liver, gastrointestinal or kidney diseases, and even put their life at risk.
What do I need to clean my dog's teeth?
If you are already aware of the need to clean your dog's teeth, first of all, you should get a dog dental cleaning kit, which is very similar to that of humans. You will need:
Toothbrush for dogs
It is important to always choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your dog's mouth: if your dog is large or medium-sized, you can use an adult-sized human toothbrush, while if your dog is smaller, we recommend opting for a child-sized toothbrush or getting a special one for pets.
Toothpaste for dogs
Toothpaste should always be specific for dogs, edible and without the need to rinse. This type of toothpaste usually comes in flavours that are appealing to them, such as meat or cheese, but if your dog does not tolerate either, you can simply use water.
Seaweed to clean your pet's teeth
If you want to add a little something extra to your dog's teeth cleaning routine, seaweed will be your ally, as it contains an enzyme known as Bacillus licheniformis that acts against cavities by eliminating plaque bacteria, as well as reducing bad breath naturally.
How do I clean my dog's teeth without dying in the attempt?
It's normal that your dog will be reluctant to have his teeth cleaned at first, but with time and patience, you can make it a very pleasant time of day for both of you. Here are some tips:
- To get your dog used to toothpaste, put a small drop on your finger and let him lick it off. Since canine toothpaste is made in flavors designed especially for dogs, he will probably want to eat it.
- Choose a time when your dog is tired, such as after a workout. This will help him to listen to you and remain still and calm throughout the procedure.
- Once you're both comfortable, lift his lips and start brushing from bottom to top, starting from the gum line. Be especially careful the first few times: if you notice he's getting stressed, stop right away, even if you haven't finished brushing his entire mouth.
You will see that little by little your child will get used to it and you will be able to increase the duration of brushing.
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
The ideal frequency for dog teeth cleaning would be once a day, always on both sides of the tooth, and focusing on the canines and molars, which is where most tartar accumulates. If you cannot do it daily, we recommend that you do it at least three times a week.
Does my dog need a dental cleaning at the vet?
It is important to complement dental care at home with a deep (surgical) cleaning of the teeth at the vet at least once a year. Since this is a process that requires general anesthesia, dogs must come to their appointment having fasted for at least three hours. During this cleaning, tartar and plaque adhering to the surface of the teeth are completely removed with an ultrasound device and then polished with a special drill that seals the micro lesions caused by the cleaner.
How much does a dental cleaning cost at the vet?
The price of this dog teeth cleaning at the vet will vary depending on the clinic, but it usually ranges between €100 and €300.
