We all want to take the best care of our dogs as possible. This includes all forms of hygiene, including dental care. Dental care for dogs can go under the radar with some pet owners, resulting in dental disease. This starts with the buildup of plaque, which hardens into what is called tartar. As this builds up and settles underneath a dog’s gums, it can start to adversely affect the structure of their teeth and cause infection.

Many other factors can affect your dog’s overall health when looking at dental hygiene. One of the most basic issues of going without brushing your dog’s teeth is bad breath. Increasingly bad breath can be a warning sign of deeper issues starting as a result of dental neglect. If gone too long without dental care, dogs can experience oral pain, and it can even lead to loss of teeth. This is due to the teeth becoming infected and damaged. The most extreme issue that may result from a lack of dental hygiene is organ damage. Bacteria from plaque buildup can enter the bloodstream and can adversely affect organs. Thankfully, all of these issues stated only are of concern if dental hygiene is not kept up, and can easily be avoided.

While reading these symptoms may seem very scary and daunting, these long-term issues can easily be prevented by simple upkeep on dental hygiene. As a dog owner, it should become routine to brush your dog’s teeth. In addition, there are many dental treats and toys that are designed to clean teeth and freshen their breath. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to us at Ashby Animal Clinic!

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Sources:

https://www.petmd.com/news/view/5-reasons-why-dog-dental-care-important-38003

Photo by Mithul Varshan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-golden-retriever-sitting-on-grass-2409503/