Dog Dental - Exploring Dog Dental Care

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

How does dental health impact the health of my dog?

Dental health is very important for your dog. It's what leads to the rest of their body. So, if your dog's teeth aren't doing well or if they have gingivitis, that's going to affect the rest of their body.

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

How can I care for my dog's teeth at home?

You can brush their teeth daily. You can give them dental chews. There are also some things that you can put in the water, but I don't find those additives to be as effective. Anything that you can do to actually clean their teeth is the best.

What are some signs and symptoms that are seen in dental disease in dogs?

Signs of dental disease in dogs can include trouble eating, a nasty smell coming from their mouth, a preference for chewing on one side, or food falling out of their mouth.

What are some common dental diseases in dogs?

Common dental diseases in dogs include periodontal disease, which involves inflammation of the gums and bacteria underneath, and gingivitis, which is just inflammation of the gums around the teeth. Sometimes dogs can even have things like resorptive lesions where the body is actively attacking the tooth roots.

Why is early detection of dental disease important in dogs?

Early detection of dental disease is very important because we want to try to keep their teeth in their mouth as long as we can.

How often should dog teeth be checked?

Dog teeth should be checked at least once a year, if not sooner.

What is a professional dental cleaning for a dog?

A professional dental cleaning for a dog is when we put them under anesthesia and we're actually going in. We're scraping all the dental tartar off the tooth. We're checking underneath the gum lines. We're doing dental x-rays and then we're going to polish those teeth as well.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Dog Dental - FAQs 1

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

Why does my dog need anesthesia for a deep dental cleaning?

Your dog needs anesthesia for a deep cleaning so that we can get underneath the gum line and do a thorough cleaning. We also use an ultrasonic scaler, and the sound can sometimes be disorienting for them.

How is anesthesia given and who is monitoring it after?

Anesthesia is usually administered either intravenously (IV) or through inhalation. A veterinary technician monitors the dog during and after the procedure.

Do some vets offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings?

Yes, some vets do offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings. However, these are generally very mild cleanings and do not get underneath the gum line where most dental issues are. This can allow for more bacterial growth later on.

Why are antibiotics and pain medications sometimes given after a dental cleaning?

If the dog has severe dental disease and a lot of bacteria, we want to clear that up. If we have to remove any teeth, we also want to prevent infections and ensure the dog is not in any pain.

How do I know if my dog will have a reaction to anesthesia?

You usually won't know unless they've had a reaction before. However, we usually do some blood work and a thorough physical exam beforehand to ensure they're in good health.

Is my dog too old to have a dental cleaning?

No dog is ever too old for a dental cleaning. We do, however, take into account any other health conditions that could affect their response to anesthesia.

Dog Dental - FAQs 2

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

How do I know if my dog needs a dental exam?

We generally recommend annual dental exams for dogs. However, if a dog is having trouble eating, eating only on one side, dropping food, or has a bad smell coming from their mouth, we may need to perform the exam sooner.

How often should my dog get a dental exam?

A dog should have a dental exam at least once a year.

What are some signs my dog's teeth are in pain?

If a dog is having trouble chewing, chewing only on one side, or dropping food, these could be indicators that their teeth are causing them pain.

How do I prepare my dog for a dental cleaning?

Before a dental appointment, the dog should be fasted overnight. If they are having trouble chewing, provide them with softer food until the appointment.

Will my dog need dental x-rays?

Yes, dental x-rays are always recommended. At Lock Haven Veterinary Hospital, we only perform dental procedures with dental x-rays.

How long does a dog's dental cleaning take?

The duration of a dog cleaning appointment can vary. Most of the time it can take anywhere from an hour to about four hours, depending on the extent of the work needed.

Will my dog deen pain medication after their dental cleaning?

If a dog needs extractions, they will be given pain medicine. An injectable is usually administered during the visit, and a couple of different pain medication options are provided for home use.