Years of wear and tear combined with plaque buildup can leave old dogs susceptible to dental health problems. But, with diligent care and the help of your vet, your old dog can maintain a clean and healthy mouth. Read on to learn more.
Dental Health & Your Old Dog
Regular brushing, check-ups, and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining your dog's dental health in the long term. But sometimes dental care gets neglected, leading to oral health problems in later life.
Unless teeth are cleaned regularly from puppyhood onward, plaque build-up will accumulate on the teeth and under the gumline. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar and eventually leads to the development of periodontal disease, which is very common in older dogs.
Periodontal Disease in Dogs
In this inflammatory infection, bacteria attack the gums, ligaments, and bone tissue that support your dog's teeth. Periodontal disease in dogs often results in discomfort, tooth loss and inability to eat properly. In extreme cases, dogs with periodontal disease may refuse to eat due to pain and lose a significant amount of weight.
Left untreated, bacteria from the infection can enter your dog’s bloodstream and cause life-threatening complications in their vital organs.
Tips for Older Dog Dental Care
The good news is that with diligent oral health care gum disease in dogs is entirely preventable. Here are tips for senior dog dental care:
- Feed your dog a well-balanced, meat-based diet to ensure a healthy mouth environment and prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria.
- Offer your dog chew toys that can clean away debris and plaque as they chew.
- Don't allow your dog to chew on real bones, as they can break teeth.
- Brush your dog's teeth every day.
- Check their mouth as you brush for signs of redness, bleeding or inflammation.
- Begin dental care early and continue with consistent veterinary dental visits as they enter old age.
- Schedule them for routine professional dental cleanings.
- Contact your vet for any signs of issues, such as redness, excessive drooling or smelly breath.
At-Home Care for Keeping Your Dog's Mouth Clean
There are a number of things that you can do to help keep your senior dog's teeth clean between professional cleanings. One of the easiest is daily teeth brushing.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Establishing a daily routine of teeth brushing is an important part of caring for your dog's teeth, especially as they become older.
If you've never brushed your senior dog's teeth before, it's important to approach the process like any dog training – slowly, patiently, and consistently. Start with just a couple of teeth then slowly increase the number you brush in each sitting until they will tolerate a full brushing session without fuss.
Decide on a time each day that your dog seems the most relaxed, then follow these guidelines:
- Only use toothpaste designed for dogs. Human toothpaste may contain ingredients, such as xylitol, that can harm your pup.
- Use a dog toothbrush. There are regular ones with a handle and bristles that are soft and angled properly for their teeth. They are also ones that go over your finger, which can be a good option for smaller dogs.
- Sit slightly to one side facing your dog, and gently lift their lips to expose his teeth and gums.
- Place the toothbrush on his teeth at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line.
- Brush firmly but gently in a circular motion.
- Brush from the front to the back on the outside of the teeth.
- Try to get the insides of their teeth as best as possible but don't worry if you aren't able to be as thorough in this area. Your dog's tongue is designed to help clean these areas.
- Stay calm throughout the teeth-cleaning process.
- Offer your dog a treat or toy after you finish.
Senior Dog Dental Cleaning in Apple Valley
While routine pet dental care is critical to your dog's oral and overall health, many pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
To help keep your pup's mouth clean and healthy, we provide complete dental care, from exams for your senior dog, dental cleanings and polishing, to dental X-rays and surgeries. We are also passionate about educating pet owners about pet dental health and home health dental care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.