Dental care for adults
Teeth-brushing should be a lifelong habit for both you and your dog. The best way to make sure your dog has healthy teeth is to brush her teeth at least once a day. There are a few toothbrush options out there. Some dogs prefer rubber finger brushes, which always remind me of finger puppets and prompted some embarrassing wannabe puppeteer moments that even my dogs judged. Others like toothbrushes. You should always use a soft, small-headed toothbrush for pets, but this is especially true for small-breed dogs. Sticking a big old toothbrush in their mouths will be uncomfortable for them, and they will learn to dislike the entire process.
Doggy toothpaste comes in several flavors, from peanut butter to a whole lot of meat. My dog’s eyes get as round as saucers when I break out the tube no matter the flavor, but other dogs are pickier. If your dog has a food allergy, talk to your veterinarian about the best toothpaste for dogs with food allergies. Adult dogs, like puppies, need to chew, but not all dogs enjoy this activity.
If your dog does not like toys, you can always buy chewing treats designed to keep their teeth clean or feed a commercial dental diet designed to help clean their teeth as they eat. Several brands carry dental diets, and there are prescription diets available for dogs with serious issues with their chompers. Adulthood is also the time to start thinking about professional teeth-cleaning. Your veterinarian will advise you about the best time for your dog to get a dental cleaning, and they will also examine your dog’s mouth during regular visits to make sure there is nothing abnormal going on in there.
Caring for senior dog teeth
Like us, dogs’ teeth tend to deteriorate with age. Dental disease and a lifetime of chewing on anything from sticks to rocks can lead to painful mouths, loose or missing teeth and downright rank dog breath. As with puppies and adults, continue to brush your dog’s aging teeth, but be on the lookout for loose teeth, bleeding gums, sensitivity to cold water or difficulty eating, as these could all be signs that your senior dog needs some veterinary intervention.
Many owners of senior pets worry about putting their senior dogs under anesthesia for a dental cleaning. Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian writing for Vetstreet, has a few words of reassurance. “With safety measures in place, anesthetic risk is minimized to the extent that the benefits of dental care more than outweigh the concerns, no matter the age of your pet.” These safety measures include prescreening tests and the extensive care and monitoring that takes place during every procedure involving general anesthesia. While there is always a risk anytime an animal or person goes under, the benefits of having a clean, healthy mouth are almost always worth it.