Dog hates having her teeth cleaned
My 7-year-old spaniel needs to get her teeth cleaned every two years. I brush her teeth every other week, but she hates it and it doesn’t seem to help much. I do feed her dry food and she has some chew toys, but despite my efforts, she even had to have a few small teeth up front extracted. Now my vet has an X-ray machine and suggests that this also needs to be done. The cost of caring for her just goes up. Is all of this really necessary? Will I always have to get dental cleanings for my dog? Aren’t there any other things I can do?
Great timing. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association to address the importance of oral care for pets. Bad dental health can lead to problems that can involve the heart, kidneys and more that can be life-threatening.
The American Veterinary Dental College notes that most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease by age 3. Signs include bad breath, trouble chewing due to pain, rubbing the face and malaise. Smaller dogs typically have more serious dental health problems, and the need for extractions is not uncommon.
Routine cleanings may be necessary depending on the dog and what an owner does to stay on top of plaque and tartar buildup. Brushing infrequently does not do much to prevent problems, and you are not alone if your dog doesn’t let you brush her teeth. Besides, a great deal of dental disease occurs under the gumline, which is not visible. Both cats and dogs rarely like having their teeth brushed. I suggest owners acclimate them by using flavored toothpaste without a brush for a while and then introduce treats and start brushing. It might work. Be sure not to use human toothpaste. Be wary of products marketed to resolve all problems. They may be damaging, so check with your veterinarian first.
Also beware of groomers who claim they can brush or scale your dog’s teeth. They are not properly trained or licensed to do so. In the meanwhile, start brushing her teeth if you can or let your veterinarian do what is needed for your dog.