Do Dogs Need Teeth Cleaning in Belton, TX?

Do you have a dog? Have you noticed her teeth getting unpleasant to see or smell? If you’re a dog owner, you probably already realize dogs’ teeth require cleaning every now and then. But did you know there are actually a lot of reasons why your dog’s teeth need to be cleaned as often as possible?

Dogs have dental health and hygiene needs just like humans do. By understanding the needs of your dog, you can make the right decisions for her and help improve her dental health and hygiene. While a healthy mouth and clean teeth is good hygiene it can do more like make a difference in her overall wellbeing.

In this article, we’ll show you five of the most important reasons why your pet needs to have regular dog teeth cleaning appointments with your vet.

Dog Teeth Cleaning Can Cut Down on Dental Health Problems

Obviously, if you clean your dog’s teeth regularly, she won’t have as many dental health concerns. Plaque buildup on a dog’s teeth can eventually lead to cavities, rotten teeth, tooth decay and loss, gum disease, and much more. This problem can also cause abscesses in your dog’s mouth that could lead to infection. Additionally, a dog with very bad teeth is likely to have problems with her jaw, and there may be a wide range of unseen issues going on with your pet.

When you have her teeth cleaned and keep up with regular at-home cleanings as well, you’re doing your dog a favor. You can help her enjoy life more fully without constant pain and discomfort associated with bad teeth. You also won’t have to worry about taking her to the vet later in life to have all of her teeth pulled due to decay, either.

Dog Teeth Cleaning in Belton, TX Can Help Pain-Related Behavioral Issues

When dogs are in a lot of pain all the time, they become defensive and may become aggressive. If this happens, your dog may be more prone to biting or lashing out against you and other members of the family. These behavioral changes sometimes occur when dogs are in a lot of pain from their teeth. By keeping your dog’s teeth cleaned and maintained, you cut down on the risk of these behavioral problems throughout her life.

Some dogs in pain also urinate where they aren’t supposed to or show other behavioral issues. If you’ve noticed your dog suddenly presenting behavioral changes that could be related to pain, take her to the veterinarian. Be up front with your vet if the pain could be coming from your dog’s teeth so you can work together to get to the bottom of the problem.

Dog Teeth Cleaning Can Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Just like with humans, dogs may have an increased risk of heart disease if they have bad teeth. Plaque that builds up on a dog’s teeth can eventually make its way into the dog’s system and travel to her heart. This can cause significant heart troubles. Additionally, dogs with bad teeth are more likely to have a lot of bacteria built up on the surface of their teeth. Over time, as the tooth decays, this buildup of bacteria makes its way into the gums and then into the dog’s bloodstream. Once there, it travels through the dog’s body and finds its way to the heart.

Dogs with bad teeth don’t always have heart disease. However, many dogs with bad teeth develop heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, and other similar problems. If you want to give your dog the best possible chance at avoiding heart disease, especially later in her life, be sure to keep up with regular teeth cleaning appointments with the vet.

This can also help improve your dog’s chances against kidney disease and liver disease, which can be exacerbated by tooth problems in much the same way that heart disease can.

Dog Teeth Cleaning in Belton, TX Can Help Your Pet’s Breath Smell Better

If you brush your dog’s teeth at home on a regular basis, you’ll help her breath smell better. And if you take her to the vet for a deep cleaning, her breath will be even better than ever before. Grooming helps your dog’s skin and coat smell better, and dental cleaning does the same for her teeth and mouth.

If your dog has a problem with bad breath, you should take her to the vet to have it checked out. But many dogs simply have “dog breath” that can be improved by regular teeth cleaning appointments, so be prepared to take your dog for dental cleanings often.

Dog Teeth Cleaning Can Encourage Your Pet to Eat Better

Finally, many dogs may come across as picky, slow, or problem eaters when in fact they’re just hurting when they try to eat. If you notice your dog eating more slowly or becoming pickier than she used to be, there’s a chance she could be suffering from problems related to her dental health.

When your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy, she’ll much more likely to eat better. If you’ve got a dog who can be difficult when it comes to mealtime, try having her teeth cleaned and checked out thoroughly by the vet. You might be surprised by the results!

There’s a lot to remember when you’re trying to understand why your dog needs her teeth cleaned. Previous generations of pet owners probably didn’t put much stock in the cleanliness of their dogs’ teeth, but these days, it’s becoming more and more common for pet owners to take care of their pets’ dental needs.

If you want more information about having your dog’s teeth cleaned, call Belton Small Animal Clinic at (254) 939-5823! The vet can schedule regular deep cleanings as needed and can also direct you on how best to clean her teeth at home using dog-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste. A little prevention goes a long way, after all!