Effective Dog Dental Cleaning Guide: Tips & Steps

1. Initial Anesthesia for Dogs

First and foremost, it is essential to anesthetize the dog before proceeding with dental cleaning. The process of cleaning a dog's teeth is lengthy and can be quite painful for them. To prevent any accidental injuries that might occur if the dog were to struggle during the procedure, dental cleaning must be performed while the dog is under anesthesia. However, anesthesia poses significant risks to dogs, so it is crucial to thoroughly assess their overall health to minimize these risks. After administering the anesthetic, the dog will quickly fall asleep. During the dental procedure, the veterinarian must closely monitor the dog's vital signs to ensure there are no complications.

2. The Dental Cleaning Process

Once the dog is anesthetized, a veterinary professional will use ultrasonic vibrations to remove tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth. The highpressure water spray from the dental unit not only helps to cool the cleaning head but also washes away any dislodged tartar and plaque. Additionally, the vet will inspect and remove tartar that may be hidden in the periodontal pockets around the dog's teeth. After the cleaning is complete, the owner should use a polishing paste to smooth the teeth, reducing the likelihood of plaque and tartar reattachment. It is important to closely monitor the dog during the recovery period from anesthesia until they fully wake up.

3. Tooth Extraction for Dogs

In cases where a dog's teeth are severely damaged and no longer treatable through cleaning, extraction becomes necessary. For teeth that are already loose, extraction can be quick and straightforward. If extraction is not yet required, the vet may use special antibiotics to save the tooth. After the dental treatment is complete, the pet doctor will provide you with some care recommendations that you should strictly adhere to.

Important Tips from Oxygen Pet Doctor:

Dental cleaning can pose significant risks to dogs. We recommend that owners regularly clean their dogs' teeth and maintain proper oral hygiene. It's best to establish a dental care routine from a young age, which can greatly reduce the incidence of dental diseases in dogs and avoid the risks and potential harm associated with dental cleaning procedures.