Your dog's dental care is an important aspect of not just their oral health, but their overall health and well-being too. However, many dog's don't get the dental care they need to stay optimally healthy. Here, our Oakland vets walk you through 5 reasons why dental care for dogs is so important.
Just like in people, dog's overall health is closely connected to their oral health in a number of ways. Unfortunately, periodontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss is relatively common in our canine companions.
Oral health issues experienced by your dog can have significant and serious consequences in the long term for your dog. Here are 5 reasons why dog dental care is so important.
Allows Your Dog To Eat Properly and Get Their Nutrition
When your dog is suffering from oral health issues. they will often feel discomfort or pain in their mouth.
When dogs feel unwell, they will often intentionally fast, and this instinct is only heightened when eating is painful for them.
If your dog is experiencing oral health issues, you may notice they eat slowly or don't finish their food at all. They also won't be able to enjoy treats like bones or chews, missing out on good nutrition and stimulation.
Diligent dental care and vet dental cleanings will help make sure your dog is able to enjoy their favorite foods and treats throughout their life.
Preventing Oral Pain
Dental disease like periodontal disease, tooth decay and others can quite painful for your pup when they are in advanced stages.
This pain can impact every part of their lives (as you might know if you've ever experienced a toothache). It affects their behavior, demeanor and their ability to enjoy life.
Diligent dental care, both professionally and at home, are key to preventing this unnecessary pain in your four-legged friend.
Preventing Bad Breath or Unpleasant Odors
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 they could use some dental attention.
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).
Preventing Organ Damage
Even when oral health issues aren't apparent in your pup, or if you have identified and treated them, there are long-lasting and invisible consequences for their long-term health.
Bacteria in your pup's plaque can spread throughout their body via their blood stream to infect their internal organs if their oral health issues are serious enough. Oral health issues have been shown to lead to a number of different diseases in dogs' internal organs.
Routine dental care is your best bet to not only keep your pet's oral health in tip top shape, but to prevent it from impacting their health in other ways too.
Prevent Expensive Treatments Down The Road
Routine dental care, whether that be brushing your dog's teeth at home or bringing them in for professional cleanings, help your pocketbook too. Oral health issues, or infection and disease related to oral health issues, are expensive to manage and treat on top of making your dog feel uncomfortable and unwell.
Investing the time into brushing your dog's teeth, buying them veterinarian-recommended dental chews to encourage their oral hygiene and taking them in for professional veterinary dental cleanings will help prevent unexpected expenses down the road, and ensure your pup remains healthy, happy and energetic throughout their life.