Canines are known for their pearly whites—-heck, we even have a tooth named after them! They use them to destroy our favorite pair of socks, inihilate their supper, and even scare away unwanted visitors, but do they require a biannual trip to the doggy dentist? Read on to learn how to keep your dog’s chompers in tip-top shape. Sorry socks.
The importance of dog dental health
The American Veterinary Medical Association says “Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.”
What should I expect from from my dog’s dental exam
Your vet (not a dentist!) will be checking for a number of things including bad breath, plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth and gums as well as broken teeth, cysts, tumors, or infection. The vet will also check the alignment of your pup’s teeth and jaw to ensure they aren’t causing problems with eating, chewing, or dental health. All of these can lead to serious problems if left untreated. While bad breath itself may not be a serious medical issue, it can be a symptom of or caused by one!
While some of the things your vet could find in your pet’s mouth…
