Dental care is vital for your pup at any stage in their life, but especially in their senior years. As a dog gets older, problems with their teeth can begin to wreak havoc on their overall health and wellness. Here, our O’Fallon vets discuss dental care for senior dogs, why it is important, and offer tips for keeping your old dog's teeth clean and healthy.
The Importance of Dental Care for Aging Pets
Older dogs need dental care as much as dogs at any other stage of life. Regular brushing, check-ups, and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining your dog's dental health in the long term.
Without proper dental care, dogs can develop plaque, which can build up into tartar and eventually lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). With this infection, bacteria attack the gums, ligaments, and bone tissue that support the teeth. This can be painful, lead to tooth loss, and inhibit your dog’s ability to eat.
Left untreated, bacteria from the infection can enter your dog’s bloodstream and cause life-threatening complications in their vital organs like the brain and heart.
Tips for Senior Dog Dental Care
The good news is that 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 are hard and can break teeth.
- Brush your dog's teeth on a daily basis.
- Check their mouth as you brush for any signs of redness 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 Practices For Older Dogs Dental Care
There are a variety of measures you can take to help keep your senior dog's teeth clean while at home. Brushing their teeth daily is one of the easiest ways to keep their teeth and gums clean.
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Our veterinarians recommend establishing a daily tooth-brushing routine for dogs of all ages. The younger they are when you start this routine, the better, so that they are used to it by the time they are adults.
Daily teeth brushing is especially crucial for older dogs as part of their at-home dental care routine. Here are some steps that may help your dog become accustomed to having their teeth brushed and to simplify the process:
- You may want to have a bowl of chicken soup on hand to dip your finger into, then rub it on your dog's gums.
- Wrap your finger in wet gauze and gently rub your dog's teeth and gum line in a circular motion.
- Use a toothpaste designed especially for dogs (look for chicken and other dog-friendly flavors your pup will love). Human toothpaste may contain ingredients like xylitol that can harm your pooch.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush made specifically for dogs to help you reach tight crevices in your pup's mouth. Finger brushes may be a good option for smaller dogs. Let your dog lick the toothpaste and become familiar with the brush before attempting to clean their teeth.
- Sit slightly to one side of your dog's body and gently lift his lips to expose his teeth and gums.
- Place the toothbrush on your dog's teeth at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line.
- Brush firmly but gently in a circular motion, making your way from the front to the back on the outside of the teeth.
- Try to reach the insides of their teeth as best as possible, but don't worry if you can't be as thorough in this area. Your dog's tongue is designed to help clean these areas.
- Take a break after you're able to brush a few teeth.
- Slowly increase the number of teeth you brush during each session until your dog can manage to have all teeth brushed in one sitting without issue.
Staying calm while you're cleaning your dog's teeth is key, as our pups can easily read and mirror our emotions. He may become anxious if he feels you are rushing or stressed, and he may resist having his teeth brushed. Offer your dog a treat or fun toy after you are finished to reward them for their patience and help them develop a positive association with having their teeth brushed.
Professional Dental Services in O’Fallon
While at-home pet dental care is critical to your senior dog's oral and overall health, comprehensive annual dental exams and senior dog dental cleaning at Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital help keep your pup's mouth clean and healthy.
Our complete dental care services also include X-rays and surgeries. Additionally, we can provide advice and guidance about pet dental health and at-home 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.