You need to keep your dog's mouth healthy because it's an important element to their overall health, and many dogs aren't getting the dental care they need to stay in optimal health. In this blog, our Ypsilanti vets discuss the importance of dental health in dogs.
Keep Your Dog's Gums & Teeth Healthy
The overall and physical health of your dog is linked to their oral health in a handful of ways. And, just like humans, dogs can often experience very uncomfortable and occasionally painful oral health problems including tooth decay, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. These common conditions often lead to severe and significant consequences for your pup's long-term wellbeing and health.
Below our vers have listed several reasons why dental care is essential for your dog.
Mouth Pain Can Keep Dogs From Getting The Nutrition They Need
If your beloved pooch is experiencing oral health problems they could suffer from anything ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain in their mouth.
When dogs don't feel well, they will often fast themselves intentionally, and this instinct can become heightened when it's painful for them to eat.
The symptoms your dog could display when they are experiencing an oral health problem can include eating slowly or not finishing their food, as well as disinterest in treats, chews, or bones. This could lead to your dog missing out on the essential nutrients they require to stay healthy and happy.
Routine at-home dental care and regular dental cleanings and exams from your vet will help make sure your pooch is able to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods and treats their entire life.
It Can Prevent Oral Pain
Most people have experienced a toothache and other painful dental problems. Tooth pain can impact every aspect of our lives, and the same applies to your dog. Advanced periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other conditions can be painful for your pup, and this pain can impact their behavior, demeanor, and their ability to enjoy life.
Proactive dental care, both at home and professionally, is vital to preventing this unnecessary pain in your canine companion.
Dental Issues Can Cause Bad Breath
If smelling your dog's breath causes you to plug your nose, pull away, or apologize to anyone else in the room, it's a sign that they may be suffering from dental issues such as plaque build-up, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
With a healthy mouth and consistent dental care, bad breath won't be a problem for your pup and you can get all the kisses you want (without having to bear the smell).
Dental Plaque Is Connected to Organ Damage
Even when oral health issues aren't apparent in your pup, or if you have identified and treated them, there can be long-lasting and invisible consequences for their long-term health.
If oral health issues reach their advanced stages the bacteria found in dental plaque can spread throughout your dog's body via their bloodstream, potentially infecting their internal organs. Oral health issues have been shown to lead to a number of different diseases in dogs' internal organs.
Routine dental care is a key step in protecting your pet's dental health and overall health.
Preventing Dental Problems is Better Than Treatment
Routine dental care, whether that be brushing your dog's teeth at home or bringing them in for professional cleanings, can help your bank account as well. Oral health issues, or infections and diseases related to oral health issues, can be expensive to manage and treat on top of making your dog feel uncomfortable and unwell. Treatments for dental problems can include one or more different methods such as comprehensive cleanings, laboratory testings, medications, tooth extractions, root canals, surgery, and more.
Taking the time to clean your dog's teeth regularly, buying them veterinarian-recommended dental chews, and taking them to the vet for professional dental cleanings can help to prevent unexpected expenses down the road, and ensure your pooch stays healthy, happy, and energetic throughout their life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.