Dog Dental Care Basics

Proper dental hygiene is an important aspect to your dog’s overall health. Oftentimes, poor dental care combined with an incomplete diet can lead to a variety of dental problems, including gingivitis and its more advanced form, periodontal disease.

In dogs with improper dental hygiene, bacteria and remaining food particles build up in the mouth and turn into plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed early enough, then it hardens and turns into tartar which will require professional cleaning with your dog under anesthesia to remove. Dental disease can lead to a variety of other medical problems in dogs such as: 

• Compromising your dog’s immune system
• Increasing the risk of dog heart disease
• Complicating diabetes in dogs
• Increasing overall pain for your pup

Dogs suffering from dental disease may exhibit the following signs and symptoms: 

• Bleeding or red gums
• Problems chewing or eating food
• Bloody or ropey saliva
• Bad breath
• Not wanting their head touched
• Sneezing or nasal discharge

By detecting dental disease early on, you can begin treatment right away and improve the chances of your pup recovering quickly. As the disease gets increasingly advanced, the vet may have to extract teeth to remove the disease. The best way to avoid dental disease is through proper dental care. Incorporate a routine of brushing your dog’s teeth each day and get their teeth professionally cleaned based on your vet’s guidance.

Come To City Vet For Your Dog’s Dental Care

As scary as dental disease may sound, our vets at City Vet in the Astoria and Long Island areas are here to serve both you and your precious furry friend. Our team loves removing plaque and tartar to reveal a beautiful smile and sending your pal home with kissably fresh breath. Contact us to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning appointment.