Clean Teeth, Happy Dog: What to Expect with Your Dog's Dental Cleaning

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There's so much to love about dogs. With their wagging tails, happy faces, and loyal nature, it's quite easy to find something that you love about them. One thing that's not so lovable might be your dog's breath. Getting a dental cleaning done for your dog at your local veterinarian clinic is an important habit to get into regularly. Read ahead for a quick look into what to expect with a dental cleaning for your dog and how to retain excellent oral health. 

Cost

The first thing you may be wondering when it comes to a dental cleaning for your dog is the cost. Unfortunately, this procedure can be costly and even more so if your dog has extensive dental or gum issues. A typical cleaning with no removals included can typically be seen in the low hundreds while more severe cases of dental health can go higher. In some cases, deep cleaning of the gum lines, treatment for gingivitis, and surgical removal of teeth may be required. If you feel this might be the case for your dog, speak to your veterinarian beforehand regarding an estimate. In most cases, the clinic will reach out to you regarding the discovery of any additional teeth that may require removal during the cleaning procedure. 

Procedure and Recovery

Depending on the state of your dog's oral health, cleanings can range from being a relatively quick and simple procedure to a more intensive one requiring anesthesia and surgery. In the majority of cases, your dog will be put under an anesthetic for the entirety of the procedure. Close monitoring will be done by trained professionals in the clinic alongside your veterinarian to ensure your dog's vitals are stable throughout the cleaning. In the case that a tooth may need to be extracted, dissolvable stitches may be placed in to help the area heal as quickly as possible. Following the cleaning, your dog may still seem a little out of sorts for the rest of the day as the anesthetics wear off. For any unusual or concerning symptoms, be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Healthy Habits

While getting regular cleanings for your dog is certainly important, you can do your part at home to ensure they retain excellent oral health. Daily cleanings with a toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste will go a long way with improving your dog's teeth, gums, and best of all, breath! If your dog is prone to plaque buildup, look for toothpaste that has an enzyme formula. These specialized products help break down tough plaque over time, allowing for easier removal with brushing and dental cleanings. Dog chews can also be a great addition to your dog's dental hygiene. Chews that are geared towards dental needs help remove buildup and also provide your pup with something fun to occupy themselves with. 

8 March 2022