Expert Guide to Professional Dog Dental Cleaning

1. Scheduling a Dental Cleaning for Your Dog

To ensure your furry friend's teeth are wellmaintained, it's essential to book an appointment with a professional veterinarian. Before the cleaning, it's crucial to refrain from feeding your dog for at least eight hours. This is a vital precaution, especially since the dog will be under anesthesia. Feeding should be halted at least eight hours prior to the visit to the vet.

Water is fine for your dog. Allow them to drink freely the night before the cleaning, and then discontinue water intake in the morning.

If your dog requires food or medication due to health issues, consult your vet before scheduling the appointment.

Be prepared for an initial dental checkup. Before the cleaning, the vet will inspect your dog's mouth for any foul odors, which could indicate gum disease. They will also look for any abnormal signs of gums, such as swelling, redness, or bleeding.

Prepare for anesthesia. Understand that a comprehensive oral examination will be conducted while your dog is under anesthesia. The vet will also examine the surface of your dog's teeth and perform Xrays, which are necessary for diagnosing gum diseases. These procedures are generally safe for dogs, but if you have concerns about your dog under anesthesia, discuss them with your vet for detailed explanations of the process.

Ask your vet questions about the procedure. Inquire about how long your dog will be under anesthesia, how long it will take for them to wake up, and if there are any specific health or breedrelated risks.

Understand what happens during the dental cleaning. While your dog is anesthetized, the vet will manually remove tartar and plaque, polish the teeth, rinse the mouth, and apply fluoride to prevent cavities.

2. PostCleaning Care for Your Dog

Follow the specific care instructions provided by your vet. After the dental cleaning, your vet will give you detailed guidance on postprocedure care. This may include nutritional advice, additional visits for ongoing dental issues, or medication or mouth rinses. Make sure to adhere to your vet's instructions to maintain your dog's optimal dental health.

Plan for followup appointments. Most dogs require a followup checkup and cleaning within 12 months. However, some dogs with persistent dental issues may need more frequent checkups and procedures. Ensure you schedule your dog's followup visits according to your vet's recommended schedule.

Nourish your dog with highquality food. Feeding your dog a highquality diet is crucial for their longterm dental health. Your vet can assist you in selecting the right type of dog food for your pet's breed and dental needs.

Consider choosing food approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Look for their seal of approval on approved dog food products.

Let your dog chew on petsafe toys, treats, or rawhide. Regularly providing your dog with safe chew toys, treats, or rawhide is a vital part of their ongoing dental care. This not only increases saliva production but also helps to keep plaque at bay and reduce tartar buildup.

3. Determining When Your Dog Needs a Dental Brushing

Regular brushing is key to preventing dental issues. While some dogs may resist regular brushing at home, others may allow some practice. Opt for peanut butter or meatflavored toothpaste, a dogspecific toothbrush, and gentle techniques.

Educate yourself on regular dental care for your dog. Just like humans, pets need regular dental care. Your dog should have regular teeth brushing, eat highquality food, and enjoy dental cleanings. They should also have regular oral Xrays, dental exams, and professional dental cleanings to prevent serious diseases like periodontal disease.

Dogs should have a professional checkup at least once a year, and if your pet is comfortable with brushing, aim for a weekly session.

Understand canine gum diseases. Dogs, like humans, can develop periodontal disease or gum disease. In fact, the likelihood of gum disease in pets is five times higher than in humans. Plaque forms on the gums, and if left untreated, it can lead to gum inflammation. Chronic inflammation can destroy bone and cause tooth loss.

Regular dental cleaning can help prevent gum disease in dogs.

Be aware that your dog may experience pain. Periodontal disease can cause extreme pain in dogs, but it's not the only cause. Some dogs are prone to broken teeth, which are often only discovered during dental exams. Your dog may also suffer from bleeding gums or tooth abscesses, which can also be painful. These conditions may not be obvious to most pet owners.