Dental Care for Your Pet

Dental Care For Your Pet

How to Develop an Oral Home Care Plan for Your Dog 

Preventing dental disease in your loved one is one of the most life lengthening things you can do for them.  Periodontal disease is one of the most common health and quality of life issues we diagnose in veterinary medicine and some breeds are at much higher risk than others. Periodontal disease can lead to serious health issues like tooth loss, infections, and even heart, liver, or kidney problems. Regular brushing and professional cleanings reduce plaque and tartar buildup, keeping gums healthy and preventing bad breath. Good oral hygiene also contributes to the overall well-being and longevity of your pet. Training your pet to accept an Oral Home Care Plan (OHCP) is as important as potty training and nail trim training.   

What is an Oral Home Care Plan? 

• The use of effective dental products in a regular routine with the goal of removing soft tartar from the teeth before it turns into hard calculus. 

Where do I find these products? 

• We will recommend and provide some samples during your puppy visits! 

• We keep all our recommended products on our lobby shelves for you to pick up anytime.

• Visit the website www.vohc.org to review other products that meet the criteria for quality. 

Why should you start this training now when all the baby teeth are going to fall out?

• Puppies are very adaptable to training when they are young and this is the time to show them that tooth brushing can be fun and a special activity you do with them.  It is harder to teach an older dog or a dog that already has dental disease. 

• While the baby teeth are present you are more focused on training than removing tartar so you can be extra gentle.  As baby teeth loosen you can find blood on your brush or wipe and there’s nothing to be alarmed about. 

How do you select the products for your OHCP? 

• Your veterinarian will help you select the products that are most suitable for your pet’s face, breed and personality and your abilities. 

• Brushing and wiping are the GOLD standards that work for all teeth in the mouth however dental chews can target the hard to reach back teeth and are a good option when neither you or your dog are feeling up to brushing.  Monitor these for calories if weight is a concern. 

When do you know if you are making progress or need to have a professional cleaning scheduled? 

• Soft tartar is yellow to brown and can be dislodged with your fingernail.  Calculus looks and acts like concrete over the tooth and prevents access to the tooth.  Tartar turns to calculus when it is not removed for days to weeks.  Calculus requires a professional cleaning. 

• Try taking a before and after picture after implementing your OHCP for 3 months or schedule a quick visit with us to have an assessment. 

Which products are safe for your pet to chew on?  Which ones damage their teeth? 

• If you can’t bend it with your bare hands or indent it with your fingernail - it’s hard enough to chip their enamel. 

• Avoid antlers, hooves, Yak Cheese, nylabones, butcher bones, etc after all the adult teeth are in. 

Dogs have survived hundreds of years without toothbrushing.  Is this really necessary? 

• Over time we are seeing more and more pets with genetic periodontal disease.  More than the food your pet eats or the toys they chew on, your pet’s genetics play the largest role in how difficult it may be to manage tartar.  Some pets will Positioning: Ensure your dog is comfortable. If necessary, have someone help hold your dog gently.

• Brushing: Lift your dog's lip to expose the teeth and gums. You do not need to open your dog’s mouth- just get under the lips. Brush in small, circular or back and forth motions focusing on the gumline and outer surfaces. Aim for 30-60 seconds of brushing per side.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with praise, treats, or playtime after brushing to make it a positive experience.

• Regularity: Brush your dog's teeth daily or at least several times a week to maintain good oral hygiene.require far more intense care of their teeth than others. 

• Periodontal disease is similar to your pet having a chronic sore that smells bad and oozes inflammatory material.  Instead of it being on the outside of their body where you are able to treat it quickly, this issue is on the inside of their mouth where they will not be able to notify you by licking, rubbing and leaving little spots on your furniture.  They won’t often change the way they eat - they will just swallow or shift the food around until it's comfortable.  They won’t cry or whimper - periodontal disease is a chronic pain, not acute.  It can be hard to know when this disease is bothering them unless you are examining this part of your pet on a regular basis.